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Posted: Thursday February 2, 2006 11:45AM; Updated: Friday February 3, 2006 4:52PM
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Dr. Z's Positional Breakdown
How the Seahawks and Steelers match up for Super Bowl XL

Offense
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Matt Hasselbeck (8)
Time flies. He's 30 now and has lifted his game to a new level. Effective short-to-midrange passer in Mike Holmgren's 49ers system offense. Third-highest career rating of all active passers (behind Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning). 		QB
 Ben Roethlisberger (7)
Scheme in the playoffs has been to throw early, get a lead, then play downhill and get the running going. Big Ben has been bold and accurate in this system, quiet in the second half. He's tough and courageous, but can he play from behind at this level? We'll see.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Shaun Alexander (37)
Critics say he's a soft type of runner. His fans point out that his style is like Franco Harris' in that he waits for his openings and then makes his move. A great reader who meshes well with the 'Hawks' high-powered line. Maurice Morris (20) is the pass catcher. 		RB
 Willie Parker (39)
If they run early, Fast Willie will be featured. If they sit on a lead, it'll be Jerome Bettis (36), who has outgained Parker in the playoffs. Verron Haynes (34) is the pass-catcher.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Darrell Jackson (82)
Missed nine games with a knee injury, but came back big in the playoffs with a nine-catch, 143-yard performance against the Redskins (and no drops). Back-up QB Seneca Wallace (15) shocked the Panthers with a smooth 28-yard catch. 		FL
 Hines Ward (86)
Seems that his range is a little shorter, but his 14.1-yard average actually is the best since his rookie season seven years ago. Vicious blocker who will take on guys wearing 50's and 90's.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Bobby Engram (84)
Missed three games with a rib injury. 'Hawks' leading receiver, but he has turned into, basically, a possession guy. Will drop the occasional ball. Joe Jurevicius (87) has been their dynamite receiver in the three wide set, but invisible in the postseason. 		SE
 Antwaan Randle El (82)
They call him a long-ball threat, but it really is more middle range. Versatile ... key man on gadget plays -- run, pass, throwbacks, etc. Third wideout is ex-49er Cedrick Wilson (No. 80), the leading receiver against Denver.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Jerramy Stevens (86)
Sometimes he's a featured receiver, sometimes he gives way to Jurevicius when the 'Hawks go three wide. Caught two balls against the Redskins, six vs. the Panthers. Enjoyed his biggest NFL season. Ryan Hannam (83) is the blocker in the two-TE set. 		TE
 Heath Miller (83)
A draft day steal. Fine rookie who blocks and catches passes in an offense that seldom featured the TE until now. Blocking TE Jerame Tuman (84) gives the Steelers the best tandem in the league.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Mack Strong (38)
A fine, trifecta-type fullback. Blocks, catches passes, and, yes, runs -- if they'd only give him a chance. Has the longest run in the postseason (32 yards). After 13 years the Pro Bowl selectors finally figured out he deserves a spot. 		FB
 Dan Kreider (35)
Thick-necked, 255-pound banger who can smack in there but will come out in the two-tight end set. No running threat.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Walter Jones (71)
The NFL's best pass-blocking tackle. On running plays, gets into the flow and steers his man, rather than overpowering him. Effective, though. His matchup against Joey Porter, if it really comes to that, will be one of the game's more interesting ones. 		LT
 Marvel Smith (77)
Not a mauler. Fairly smooth. Had a decent game against the Broncos' Trevor Pryce, when Pryce was playing outside, but struggled against the Colts' Dwight Freeney.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Steve Hutchinson (76)
Another Pro Bowler. Very sound fundamentally. Old time drive-block techniques. Better run blocker than pass blocker ... can intimidate a defensive tackle. 		LG
 Alan Faneca (66)
Better on the move this year. Can hit a moving target, pull on the counter-power right and hook back inside. Has looked clumsy, though, against a tackle playing him head-up.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Robbie Tobeck (61)
Playing in his first Pro Bowl, at age 35. Gives the 'Hawks three Pro Bowlers lined side by side. Not a powerhouse but effective and smart. 		C
 Jeff Hartings (64)
Solid old pro. Blocks well in the flow of the play. Had a very sound game against the Colts. Second straight Pro Bowl season.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Chris Gray (62)
They have tried to take his job away, but at 35, he continues to hold off the invaders. Smart, playing within the scheme. Probably the weakest of the front five, but knows what he's doing. 		RG
 Kendall Simmons (73)
Came back this season from ACL surgery. Needs regular insulin for diabetes. "The guy I admire most on our team," says Bill Cowher. Musher type, heavy type blocker.
SeahawksEdgeSteelers
Sean Locklear (75)
Replaced Pork Chop Womack this season and has done a shockingly good job. Battled Michael Strahan, Jevon Kearse and Julius Peppers to a standstill. A battler. 		RT
 Max Starks (78)
The monster of the line at 6-8, 337. Says he weighed 387 in college, slightly more than he weighed at birth. The point man when the Steelers go two TE's on their power-right play.
TOTAL: Seahawks 5-4-2.

Dr. Z's Breakdowns: Defense | Special Teams

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