Projected starters and key players for the Super Bowl:
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
OFFENSE
Ben Roethlisberger, QB (7), 6-5, 241, 7th season, Miami, Ohio
Missed first four games while suspended for violating NFL’s personal conduct policy … Went 9-3 as starter, leading Pittsburgh to AFC North crown … Brought Steelers back from 21-7 deficit to beat Baltimore in divisional round, then used scrambling skills in helping team take 24-3 lead in AFC title game victory … Led Steelers to 2006 and 2009 Super Bowl crowns … Tough to bring down, extends plays as well as any QB in league … Threw for 3,200 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions, with 97.0 rating during regular season.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB (34), 5-10, 225, 3rd season, Illinois
Has become workhorse back Steelers hoped for in drafting him in first round in 2008 … Had three 100-yard games and two with 99 during season, rushed for 121 yards and TD against Jets … Powerful, but also has a burst and some moves … Barely played as rookie as Steelers won championship, became first-stringer in 2009.
Hines Ward, WR (86), 6-0, 205, 13th season, Georgia
Among best blocking wideouts, also crafty receiver who never shies away from contact … Ward and Roethlisberger have sixth sense when plays break down … MVP of 2006 Super Bowl … Can throw option passes and run reverses … Made 59 catches for 755 yards and five TDs this season.
Mike Wallace, WR (17), 6-0, 199, 2nd season, Mississippi
Pittsburgh’s speed demon, Wallace also has developed as all-around pass catcher … Had 60 catches for 1,257 yards and 10 scores; his 21-yard average topped NFL regulars … Could face wily Charles Woodson or playmaking Tramon Williams in intriguing matchup … Third-round draft pick who had strong rookie year and built on it.
Antonio Brown, WR (84) 5-10, 186, 1st season, Central Michigan
Huge contributor in playoffs, made key catches in both playoff victories, setting up winning TD against Ravens and clinching AFC title victory against Jets … Prime kick returner, ran back a kickoff for TD during season.
Heath Miller, TE (83), 6-5, 256, 6th season, Virginia
One of Roethlisberger’s favorite targets, had 42 receptions in 14 games, but has seven in playoffs … Scored TD in playoff win over Baltimore … Strong blocker, made Pro Bowl in 2009 … Matchup with quick Green Bay linebackers or S Nick Collins could be pivotal.
Jonathan Scott, LT (72), 6-6, 318, 5th season, Texas
Joined Steelers as free agent after two seasons with Detroit and two with Buffalo … Native of Dallas who heads home for Super Bowl … Can play both sides of line … Was backup until Max Starks was hurt against Cincinnati … Has started 10 straight games.
Chris Kemoeatu, LG (68), 6-3, 344, 6th season, Utah
Has improved every season, won Super Bowl rings in 2005, though didn’t play as sixth-round pick, and 2008 … Became full-time starter in 2008, missed six games in ’09 with knee injury … signed five-year contract during ’09 offseason to keep him in Pittsburgh through 2013.
Maurkice Pouncey, C (53), 6-4, 304, 1st season, Florida
Sensational rookie center taken in first round of draft … Suffered high left ankle sprain in AFC title game and status is uncertain … Backup is Doug Legursky … Pouncey fires off ball extremely well and is most athletic of Steelers blockers … Twin brother Mike is at Florida.
Ramon Foster, RG (73), 6-6, 325, 2nd season, Tennessee
Undrafted free agent in 2009 who became starter in 10th game against Oakland … Replaced Trai Essex, who’s now his backup … Started four games last season replacing injured Kemoeatu … Versatile, also played tackle in college.
Flozell Adams, RT (71), 6-7, 338. 13th season, Michigan State
On back end of lengthy career, no longer Pro Bowl blocker … Former left tackle who might have lost his job if Steelers had healthy backups … Did well in first half vs. Jets in AFC title game … First Super Bowl, and it will be played in stadium of his former team.
—
DEFENSE
Ziggy Hood, LE (96), 6-3, 300, 2nd season, Missouri
Replaced key end Aaron Smith (91), who tore triceps, as starter in seventh game and showed his value … Has three sacks during season, but job is to occupy blockers in passing game, freeing linebackers to make plays … Pretty solid against the run … Last pick of first round in 2009, 32nd overall … Played mostly on special teams as rookie, has much bigger role now.
Casey Hampton, NT (98), 6-1, 325, 10th season, Texas
Staunch obstacle in middle of line … Veteran with power and savvy, knows how to clog middle … Major reason teams struggle to run against Pittsburgh … Started 14 games … First-round pick in 2001 who signed three-year contract last February to remain with team.
Brett Keisel, RE (99), 6-5, 285, 9th season, BYU
Blossomed this year and has become another leader on defense … Final Steelers draft pick in 2002, was one of seven selections to make roster … Situational player earlier in career, now a cog on defensive line … Signed five-year contract with Steelers in 2009 … Has one of most impressive beards in league.
LaMarr Woodley, LOLB (56), 6-2, 265, 4th season, Michigan
On any other team, he’d likely be star linebacker. Here, overshadowed by James Harrison … Had 10 sacks this year, 39 for four pro seasons, including 35 in last three years … Has NFL record with a sack in six straight postseason games … Dangerous in pass coverage … Numbers weren’t quite as good as ’09, when he made Pro Bowl … Second-round pick in 2007.
James Farrior, LILB (51), 6-2, 243, 14th season, Virginia
Not many LBs last as long as Farrior, and almost none at level he still plays … Hard hitter, smart and a leader; coach Mike Tomlin calls Farrior “heart of our team.” … Began career with Jets as first-round selection in 1997, joined Steelers as free agent in 2002 … Has 1,350 regular-season tackles … Hasn’t missed game since 2005 … Has 109 tackles and six sacks this season.
Lawrence Timmons, RILB (94), 6-1, 234, 4th season, Florida State
Even if he’s least known of Pittsburgh’s four starting LBs, he’s a quality player … First-round draftee (15th overall) in 2007, primarily played on special teams and as reserve linebacker as rookie. Became regular in 2009, had best season this year with 135 tackles … Has improved as a pass defender.
James Harrison, ROLB (92), 6-0, 242, 7th season, Kent State
All-Pro linebacker and among most intimidating defenders in league … Led NFL in fines for illegal hits, even threatened to retire after NFL’s crackdown … Had 10 1/2 sacks and caused others for teammates with his ferocity and fearlessness … Former free agent who fought way onto roster in 2004 … Was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 when he had 16 sacks … Signed five-year contract during 2009 offseason … Returned interception 100 yards in 2009 Super Bowl, longest play in Super Bowl history.
Bryant McFadden, LCB (20), 6-0, 190, 6th season, Florida State
Brought back after one mediocre season in Arizona … Packers will test him with Taylor on other side … Won two Super Bowls with Steelers before heading to Cardinals … Has been fighting abdomen problem, but stayed in lineup … Second-round pick in 2005, appeared in 12 games as rookie.
Troy Polamalu, SS (43), 5-10, 207, 8th season, Southern California
One of NFL’s premier players, a versatile, freewheeling safety who hits hard, makes big plays … Steelers tend to struggle when he’s out, as they did in losing to Jets in Game 14 … Perennial All-Pro with nose for the ball, tied career high with seven INTs … Known for hair flowing out of his helmet … Jets WR Santonio Holmes called Polamalu best player in league.
Ryan Clark, FS, (25), 5-11, 205, 9th season, LSU
As hard a hitter as Steelers have … Also can play strong safety, kind of interchangeable with Polamalu … Signed four-year contract extension in March 2009 … Started two seasons in Washington before joining Steelers in 2006 … Originally signed as undrafted rookie by Giants in 2002.
Ike Taylor, RCB (24), 6-2, 195, 8th season, Louisiana-Lafayette
Made biggest defensive play for Steelers with sack and forced fumble against Jets that William Gay returned for touchdown late in first half … Reliable coverage guy who will see lots of Greg Jennings … Fourth-round pick in 2003 who became starter in 2005 Super Bowl season … Doesn’t get a lot of picks, but very physical against wideouts.
—
SPECIAL TEAMS
Shaun Suisham, K (6), 6-0, 200, 6th season, Bowling Green
Has hung around league, mainly with Washington and Dallas, since 2005 … Signed when Steelers cut longtime kicker Jeff Reed, Suisham took over against Oakland on Nov. 21 … Made 14 of 15 FGs and all 19 PATs … Longest FG was 48 yards … Punted three times.
Jeremy Kapinos, P (13), 6-1, 233, 3rd season, Penn State
Joined Steelers for final four games when Daniel Sepulveda went on IR … Wasn’t nearly as effective as Sepulveda, with gross and net yards significantly lower … Has done better in playoffs, though.
—
GREEN BAY PACKERS
OFFENSE
Aaron Rodgers, QB (12), 6-2, 225, 6th season, California
Has had superb season, best since he became starter replacing Brett Favre in 2008 … Led NFC with 101.2 rating, third overall … Guided Packers to five straight must wins, including three in playoffs to make them second No. 6 seed to make Super Bowl. The other sixth seed was Pittsburgh in 2005 … Threw for 28 TDs and 11 INTs in regular season, has six TDs, two INTs, 109.2 rating and 71 completion percentage in postseason … Also has scrambled for big gains in taking Pack to three straight road victories.
James Starks, RB (44), 6-2, 218, 1st season, Buffalo
Didn’t do much in regular season with only 29 carries, but has emerged in playoffs … Has rushed for 263 yards on 70 carries in postseason, with 123 vs. Philadelphia in playoff opener … Has power and nice burst … Won’t do much as receiver … Packers were desperate to find running game in December/January and Starks has provided it.
Brandon Jackson, RB (32), 5-10, 216, 4th season, Nebraska
Expected to be back of future when Pack took him in second round of 2007 draft, but hasn’t panned out … Backup to Ryan Grant, but became main rusher when Grant injured right ankle in September … Did not start a game in 2008 or ’09 … Had 703 yards rushing, career high … Can catch ball on flares and screens … Rarely fumbles.
Greg Jennings, WR (85), 5-11, 198, 5th season, Western Michigan
One of league’s most versatile and dangerous receivers … Will go over middle, down sidelines, anywhere to get ball … Second-round pick in 2006 who already has 40 TDs … One of four wideouts who can get deep … Has 17 catches for 239 yards in postseason after 76 for 1,265 and 12 touchdowns during regular schedule.
Donald Driver, WR (80), 6-0, 194, 12th season, Alcorn State
Mr. Reliable, many Packers have said their quest for Super Bowl was sparked by desire to get Driver there before he retires … Favre’s favorite target for nearly a decade, now teams well with Rodgers … Made 51 catches for 565 yards, scored four times this season, but that was significant drop-off from previous years, when he had six straight 1,000-yard seasons.
James Jones, WR (89), 6-1, 208, 4th season, San Jose State
Makes big plays, also drops some big passes … Inconsistency has held him back, but he’s made some huge receptions, with two of his six catches going for TDs this postseason … Third-round pick in 2007 who rarely has started, but gets on field plenty … Made 50 catches and scored five TDs in regular season … Likely deep target.
Andrew Quarless, TE (81), 6-4, 252, 1st season, Penn State
Began year far down depth chart, but injuries and his development got him on field … Went from not suiting up for three of first four games and making eight catches through 10 games to finishing with 21 receptions for 11.3-yard average … Has size and attitude to block.
Chad Clifton, LT (76), 6-5, 320, 11th season, Tennessee
The veteran of O-line who has fought off injuries this season … Has been bothered by neck injury recently … Second-round pick in 2000 who started 10 games as rookie and became regular … Has started every game he’s played (122) since 2003 … Has huge responsibility protecting Rodgers’ blind side against fearsome Steelers rush.
Daryn Colledge, LG, (73), 6-4, 308, 5th season, Boise State
A rare offensive lineman to come out of Boise State … Second-round choice in 2006 who has started all but four of 80 games he’s played … Had particularly good outings in Philadelphia and Atlanta in playoffs, especially run blocking … Has had streaks of inconsistency in past, seems to have overcome them.
Scott Wells, C (63), 6-2, 300, 7th season, Tennessee
Packers have tradition of solid centers and Wells is latest … Versatile, also can play guard … Reclaimed starting job in 2009 and hasn’t looked back … Must be aware of Steelers blitzing up middle, particularly Polamalu.
Josh Sitton, RG (71), 6-3, 318, 3rd season, Central Florida
Green Bay’s best lineman by wide margin … Durable, almost never misses a snap … Fourth-round pick in 2008 who started twice, then became regular for entire 2009 schedule … Powerful and mobile, can lead sweeps.
Bryan Bulaga, RT (75), 6-5, 314, 1st season, Iowa
First-round pick who has had up-and-down season, but forced to play because of injuries … Packers project him to be a star … Could struggle against Pittsburgh’s schemes and formidable linebacker talent … Started 12 games even if he wasn’t quite ready to see that much action.
—
DEFENSE
Ryan Pickett, LDE (79), 6-2, 340, 10th season, Ohio State
Journeyman, former first-round pick (29th overall in 2001) by Rams who played and lost in 2002 Super Bowl … Pickett has found home in 3-4 in Green Bay, where he can stack up blockers and free teammates to make plays … One of heaviest DEs in league … Had best game in loss to Detroit with nine tackles.
B.J. Raji, NT (90), 6-2, 337, 2nd season, Boston College
Made one of biggest plays of season for Packers with his INT return for winning points in NFC title game … Has progressed far this season … Started one game as rookie (first-round pick, No. 9 overall), all 16 this season, when he had 6 1/2 sacks … If Steelers rookie C Maurkice Pouncey can’t play, Raji will be difficult matchup.
Cullen Jenkins, RDE (77), 6-2, 305, 7th season, Central Michigan
Vastly underrated end plagued by injuries this season … Got into only 11 games and his stats (18 tackles) not impressive. But seven of those were sacks – that’s impressive … Usually does well forcing fumbles … Has been standout in playoffs.
Clay Matthews, LOLB (52), 6-3, 255, 2nd season, Southern California
All-Pro in second season after being considered lesser of three Trojans LBs drafted in 2009 … Father and grandfather were terrific NFL players and his uncle, Bruce, is in Hall of Fame … Like Polamalu, will get looks because of long hair … Like Polamalu, Matthews always around the ball … Had 60 tackles, 13 1/2 sacks (fourth in league) and an INT return for touchdown.
A.J. Hawk, LILB (50), 6-1, 247, 5th season, Ohio State
Not as spectacular as he was in college, but dependable, hard-hitting performer … Made 111 tackles and improved on pass defense … Missed only three games since being Packers’ top pick in 2006 (fifth overall) … Led Pack in tackles as rookie with 155 … Another of the long hairs.
Desmond Bishop, RILB (55), 6-2, 238, 4th season, California
Like Jenkins, overlooked player who was particularly dynamic against Bears in NFC title game … Needed to step up his game as Green Bay linebackers kept getting hurt, did and was rewarded with four-year contract … Sixth-round pick in 2007 who had 103 tackles and an INT for a score this season … Before 2010, started one pro game … Does well stripping the ball.
Erik Walden, ROLB (93), 6-2, 250, 3rd season, Middle Tennessee
Released by Miami on Sept. 28, joined Packers as injuries hit roster … Signed Oct. 27 and played four days later in shutout win at Jets … Superb in victory over Chicago to clinch playoff berth with two sacks and 11 tackles … One of four players to start at right outside linebacker for Packers this season.
Charles Woodson, LCB (21), 6-1, 202, 13th season, Michigan
2009 Defensive Player of the Year, Woodson is force against run and pass … Shutdown cover man who pops up all over the field … One of Packers’ defensive leaders … Had career highs of 92 tackles, 76 solo, in 2010 … After averaging seven INTs in previous four seasons, had two this season as teams avoided throwing his way … Threat on blitzes.
Charlie Peprah, SS (46), 5-11, 203, 5th season, Alabama
Went from free agent signed before season to starting 11 games, making 63 tackles … Spent parts of three seasons with Green Bay, was with Atlanta in 2009 before returning … Injuries forced him to become regular and he’s responded well … Also had two picks.
Nick Collins, FS (36), 5-11, 207, 6th season, Bethune-Cookman
Makes some spectacular plays, but also some big mistakes … Gambler who has improved decision-making through the years … Second-round pick in 2005 who has started every game he’s played; missed only three matches in 2007, has started all others … Made 70 tackles and four interceptions this season.
Tramon Williams, RCB (38), 5-11, 191, 4th season, Louisiana Tech
With Woodson on other side, figures teams would go over Williams. They’re laying off somewhat now, though, having discovered how stingy he is … Had two picks in playoffs vs. Atlanta, returning one 70 yards for score, and clinched postseason win over Philly with an INT … Effective punt returner … Signed as free agent in 2006, went from practice squad to starting.
Sam Shields, NICKEL (37), 5-11, 184, 1st season, Miami, Fla.
Rookie had two INTs in NFC title game, including on Bears’ final pass … Went from struggling in training camp to significant contributor in pass defense … Signed as undrafted free agent, he could be eventual replacement for Woodson … Returns kickoffs.
—
SPECIAL TEAMS
Mason Crosby, K (2), 6-1, 207, 4th season, Colorado
Reliable kicker who made 22 of 28 FGs and all 46 PATs this season. He’s missed only one extra point in career … Crosby won NFL scoring title in 2007 … Made 56-yarder this season, but 2010 was not best year.
Tim Masthay, P (8), 6-1, 197, 1st season, Kentucky
Signed Jan. 14, 2010 after originally joining Colts as undrafted free agent in 2009… Beat out Australian Chris Bryan for job … Ranked in middle of the, uh, pack among NFL punters with 43.9 gross average, 37.6 net.