// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09 = new Array(); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.ID = "spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09"; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.ID_WB = 28918175; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.sPubDate = "1/30/2009 2:45:05 PM GMT"; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.navsectionID = "123" spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.appFmt = 0; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.itemsPerPage = 1; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.appWidth = 200; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.appNavStyle = 0; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.bPrintable = 0; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.appLayout = 1; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.copyHeight = 303; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09.copyMargin = 4; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "For the nitty gritty on Sunday's Super Bowl, NBCSports.com and Rotoworld.com's Gregg Rosenthal breaks down the starters for the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Click on a player for analysis of how each will impact the game."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Steelers offense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Hines Ward","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "86 , WR
Ward doesn't have great speed, but he understands coverage so well that he still makes plays after the catch. He's fearless over the middle and is a great blocker. He will be tough to replace if his knee isn't 100 percent by gametime."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Max Starks","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "78 , LT
Starks improved during the season from sub-mediocre to passable after replacing Marvel Smith. He still could have problems with Arizona's speed at linebacker."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Chris Kemoeatu","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "68 , LG
Like many Pittsburgh linemen, he's playing his best in the playoffs. Pittsburgh still struggles, though, in short-yardage situations"; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Justin Hartwig","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "62 , C
A decent pass protector, Hartwig isn't great in the running game. Pittsburgh's slow surface also helped them defending the pass. This is an area for Arizona to attack."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Darnell Stapleton","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "72 , RG
Stapleton is an undrafted free agent who has started over former third-round pick Trai Essex after Kendall Simmons was lost for the season. He’s been good, not great overall."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Willie Colon","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "74 , RT
Colon is vulnerable to speed rushers. Playing on a faster service in the Super Bowl will test him. So will all of Clancy Pendergast's complicated formations."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Heath Miller","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "83 , TE
If Hines Ward isn't his best, Miller should step up. He has great hands and isn’t a bad blocker. With Pittsburgh's improving line, Miller has been the team's second-leading receiver over the last five weeks. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Santonio Holmes","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "10 , WR
Pittsburgh's most explosive offensive player. He can lack concentration at times with drops and makes mental mistakes, but he's also a premier deep threat. He's playing his best in the playoffs."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Ben Roethlisberger","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "7 , QB
Ben’s greatest gift, for improvisation, can occasionally be his curse. He’s played smart, controlled football during the stretch run, though. No quarterback is better at shedding blitzers and throwing outside the pocket."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Carey Davis ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "38 , FB
Davis can be used in short-yardage situations, but he's often not on the field in favor of a second tight end of third receiver Nate Washington."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Willie Parker","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "39 , RB
Parker undoubtedly ran with more burst in the final few games of the regular season and it’s carried over into the playoffs. He can get stuffed for no gain too much to be trusted on the goal line, but has the speed to take it the distance.
"; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Steelers defense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Aaron Smith","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "91 , DE
A perfect example of a player who sacrifices individual glory for the greater good. Smith is the prototype 3-4 DE that occupies blockers and knows what to do."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Casey Hampton","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "98 , NT
After struggling with his weight during training camp, Hampton rebounded for an excellent season. He’s nearly immovable despite drawing double teams. He’s the key to the team’s rush defense. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","James Farrior","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "51 , ILB
Athletic and instinctive despite his 12 years in the league. He’s very stout against the run, but isn’t great when singled up against speedy running backs. His smarts make up for any lack of speed though."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Brett Keisel","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "99 , DE
Keisel is another long-time Steeler that knows the system well. He is probably the best pass rusher of the team's linemen. Travis Kirschke often replaces him in a rotation. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Lamarr Woodley","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "56 , OLB
Woodley has improved greatly in his second season. He’s a pass rusher who doesn’t forgo his responsibilities against the run. With 15.5 sacks, including four in the playoffs, he must be accounted for opposite James Harrison. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Larry Foote","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "50 , ILB
Foote splits snaps with youngster Lawrence Timmons. Foote brings a steady presence, while Timmons’ aggressiveness creates more big plays."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","James Harrison","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "92 , OLB
The Defensive MVP may be the most feared player in football. His brute strength and speed is no match for most offensive tackles. Arizona is going to struggle to block him.

"; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Ike Taylor","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "24 , CB
Taylor is enjoying his best season as the top cornerback on Pittsburgh’s number one ranked pass defense. He shuts down receivers with a physical style. Expect him to hit Fitzgerald near the line of scrimmage."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","DeShea Townsend","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "26 , CB
A steady veteran who has played well for the Steelers in a variety of roles since 1998. He will probably be asked to cover Anquan Boldin. The Cardinals will want to test Townsend early. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Ryan Clark","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "25 , FS
A steady presence that patrols center field while Polamalu makes big plays. Clark does a great job preventing long strikes against an aggressive Pittsburgh defense. He will be tested because Arizona will try to go deep."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Troy Polamalu","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "43 , SS
Polamalu seems to know what the offense is doing before they do. His instinctive plays are sometimes hard for even his teammates to describe. He can make spectacular plays on the ball, but he makes his money in run support."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Cardinals offense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Larry Fitzgerald","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "11 , WR
Fitz has been elite for years, but is only now getting the publicity. He’s the best jump-ball receiver in the league and has improved his versatility with catches at all levels."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Mike Gandy","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "69 , LT
A journeyman, Gandy has done a surprisingly competent job protecting Kurt Warner’s blind side this season. He’s probably the best pass protector on the team."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Reggie Wells","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "74 , LG
Like the rest of the Cardinals, Wells seems to be better pass protecting rather than run blocking. Communication is sometimes an issue with Arizona’s interior line."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Lyle Sendlein","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "63 , C
Probably the weak spot of the Arizona line. Pittsburgh could look to pressure the Cardinals up the middle. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Deuce Lutui","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "76 , RG
A big man who excels in the running game. He can be beaten on the pass rush, especially by blitzes. This is not a great Cardinals offensive line."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Levi Brown","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "75 , RT
The key to Arizona’s line. Brown is a former top-five pick who can maul people in the running game, but can be beaten one-on-one on the outside. When he’s at his best, Arizona is much better."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Leonard Pope","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "82 , TE
A disappointing former third-round pick, Pope is only starting because of Stephen Spach’s injury. He’s not a great blocker and lacks speed. Third receiver Steve Breaston will play far more than Pope."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Anquan Boldin","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "81 , WR
While Larry Fitzgerald goes deep, Boldin catches the underneath routes. He plays like a running back, with awesome tackle-breaking ability and vision. If his hamstring recovers, he could eat up single coverage in the Super Bowl."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Kurt Warner","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "13 , QB
Warner’s best attributes are his accuracy and smarts. He will need both to recognize Pittsburgh’s blitzes and deliver passes into tight windows. He’s prone to fumbling, but has learned to just let the ball go and let his receivers make plays, even while covered."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Terrelle Smith ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "45 , FB
On tape, Smith does not do a great job opening holes for his runners. That’s not surprising for the 32-ranked rush offense. Smith is not on the field that often, except in short-yardage situations. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Edgerrin James","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "32 , RB
James isn’t a burner, but he has great vision and the toughness to turn three-yard gains into four-yard gains. He will get what is blocked. Getting benched for most of the year has given him fresh legs, but don’t expect much room to run against Pittsburgh. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Cardinals defense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Antonio Smith","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "94 , DE
Smith is playing his best football in the playoffs, with two sacks. He can also kick inside, which shows his toughness. He’s more of a run stopper than a pass rusher. An impending free agent, he’s made himself some money in the playoffs."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Bryan Robinson ","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "97 , NT
A former end in Cincy, Robinson is asked to play inside and stop the run for the Cardinals. He is a league average starter at best, typical of Arizona’s no-frills defense. "; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Darnell Dockett","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "90 , DT
For a big man, Dockett can rush the passer well and doesn’t give up when first blocked. He had three sacks last time Arizona faced the Steelers. This is one spot where Arizona can exploit Pittsburgh’s line."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Travis Laboy","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "55 , DE/LB
Laboy can play with his hand down or stand up as an outside linebacker. He was given big money in the offseason, but has struggled to stay healthy. If he isn’t 100 percent, veteran Bertrand Berry will start."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Chike Okeafor","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "56 , LB
Like a lot of defenders for Arizona, Okeafor is asked to play multiple roles. He has had more coverage responsibilities this year against tight ends, but can occasionally make a big play, like his overtime sack against the Cowboys."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Gerald Hayes","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "54 , MLB
As Bill Parcells would say, Hayes is just a guy. At least he’s provided stability to a long-time trouble spot for the Cardinals."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Karlos Dansby","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "58 , LB
A big playmaker. He can give the Steelers tackles fits if he gets them one-on-one. Dansby is versatile, a sure tackler, and can also make plays in the passing game. Occasionally, he can freelance and is too aggressive."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Roderick Hood","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "26 , CB
After a solid '07 season, Hood has been picked on more of late. He gives too much cushion to receivers to make up for his lack of speed. Santonio Holmes could burn him."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "29 , CB
This rookie out of Tennessee State was the piece Arizona needed to make the Super Bowl. He is taking on top opposing receivers and holding his own, with six interceptions. He will probably take on Santonio Holmes because of his speed."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Antrel Rolle","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "21 , FS
A disappointment as a top ten pick at cornerback, Rolle has found a second life as a free safety. He still can be beat on double moves when lined up against a receiver, but he’s a ball hawk."; spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i++] = new Array("","Adrian Wilson","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_Super_bowl_matchups_09[i-1].body = "24 , SS
Arizona’s best player for years, Wilson is rounding back into form after missing much of last season with a foot injury. He’s equally adept stuffing the run, playing centerfield, and blitzing the quarterback. He usually stays in coverage these days."; // END editorial data