Super Bowl XL - What to look for

Star players

Shaun Alexander #37, RB, Seahawks
The NFL's Most Valuable Player, Alexander rushed for a league-leading 1,880 yards during the regular season. Critics say he can't run over defenders but he boasts speed and sharp moves too, and it is significant that Seattle did not lose a regular season game when he ran for 100 yards or more. Teams are unable to adjust their defensive schemes to combat him because of an above-average passing attack, led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Ben Roethlisberger, # 7, QB, Steelers
During the regular season, Pittsburgh ran the ball more often than any other team in the last 20 yards - around 57% of the time - but without "Big Ben" they are useless. Roethlisberger, at 23 the second youngest quarterback to play in a Super Bowl after Dan Marino, struggled with knee trouble in mid-season and the Steelers lost three successive games. A rookie sensation in 2004, he went 15 games before tasting defeat but struggled with the pressure in the post-season. This year he has been outstanding in negotiating play-off victories over Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver. While not the most mobile of quarterbacks, he has the stature to shrug off tacklers and can make the right move at the right time to get his passes away.

Keys to the game

Attacking on the ground with Alexander may be a successful tactic but it is too easy to defend when used predictably so the Seahawks are likely to establish the pass first. Hasselbeck is likely to use "play action", faking the run to get defenders to bite before looking for a receiver like Darrell Jackson or Joe Jurevicius. Once on top, Seattle will then unleash Alexander, behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. Pittsburgh must find success by confusing the linemen and Hasselbeck, using exotic blitzes and coverage, and strong safety Troy Polamalu will play a part in both.

Despite the reputation of rushers Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis - playing his last professional game in his home city - the Steelers tend not to be successful on the ground early on. Parker in particular has struggled when trying to run out of the backfield, so Roethlisberger will try to get him involved using short "screen" passes behind a shield of linemen. Tight end Heath Mills could also play a large part in the first couple of drives as Pittsburgh look to start in high gear. They are unable to blow a game open conventionally because of the balance of their offence but may try to use an unorthodox "gadget play", probably involving elusive receiver Antwaan Randle El. The longer Pittsburgh keep the score line close, the better their chance of victory, so Seattle will aim to stifle the run and hope for an interception in the first half to open the gap. Either way, linebacker Lofa Tatupu could play a part, whether stuffing the run or ball-hawking in coverage.

Both have strong running games, solid quarterbacks and speedy defences, but Seattle's offensive balance just tips the game in their favour and they should come out on top, 28-14.

(Season so far 15-6; playoffs 8-2)




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