Unsung Units (Part Deux)

In my opinion, the Super Bowl will come down to three key match up on the "weak" sides of the ball. I will now give a brief synopsis of each match up in order of increasing importance and the impact that each will have on the game.

B.J. Raji vs. Maurkice Pouncey

• The playing status of sensational rookie center Maurkice Pouncey is still not entirely clear due to a high ankle sprain suffered in the AFC Championship Game. Regardless of whether he or back up Doug Legursky plays in this game, the middle of the trenches will be a tough, hard fought battle. B.J. Raji is a classic 3-4 nose tackle who is a terrific run stopper and effective at getting to the quarterback as well, tallying 6.5 sacks during the year. This battle is especially important if Clay Matthews is able to beat his man off the edge and get to Ben Roethlisberger. A strong interior performance from Raji will affect the pocket and prohibit Big Ben from stepping up and avoiding the outside rush of the Packers. With the Steelers ailing in the middle, there is a very good chance that Raji will be able to enforce his will and disrupt the Steelers offense.

Prediction: B.J. Raji: 3 tackles, .5 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 passes batted down

                

Clay Matthews vs. Steelers' Tackles

• One of the biggest concerns for the Steelers has got to be how in the world they are going to stop the beast-like pass rush of Clay Matthews. He is a quick and powerful outside linebacker who finished just two votes shy of Troy Polamalu for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Matthews finished the 2010 season with 60 tackles and 13.5 sacks, significant improvements from his stellar rookie season. The outside lineman responsible for containing this frenzied force are Johnathan Scott and Flozell Adams. It is Scott's first year with Pittsburgh, and he started a mere 9 games for the club. In passing situations, they will surely tab Fullback David Johnson to help pick up Matthews if he is able to get through the first level of protection. Undoubtedly, Matthews is going to be the same guy that we have seen all year, and his production should not deviate too much from his average in a negative sense. Matthews is more than likely going to have a great game and be able to enforce his will throughout, especially if he is not double teamed. For this reason, I believe that the next match up is the most important in this game.

Prediction: Clay Matthews: 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 knockdowns, 1 forced fumble

Mike Wallace vs. Tramon Williams

• This is the marquee match up between these two units in terms of the passing game. The Steelers' Mike Wallace is a young yet explosive receiver who has emerged as a top deep threat in the league, averaging 21 yards per catch during the regular season. He has had an extremely quiet post season to this point, but look for this to change in the Super Bowl. He is far too dangerous of a weapon to stay silent for such an extended period of time. His ability to get deep down the field forces teams to respect his speed and give safety help to the corner responsible for him. This inevitably opens up the running game for Mendenhall, because the opponent cannot stack the box to stop him. A big rushing game from Mendenhall is crucial for the Steelers, as they were 3-0 during the regular season when he rushed for over 100 yards. Furthermore, the Steelers were an impeccable 8-0 when Wallace averaged over 20 yards per catch. The man that will most likely be responsible for containing the speedy Wallace is another young player, 2011 Pro Bowl selection Tramon Williams. Williams is a near carbon copy to Wallace in terms of size but he will surely be tested by Wallace's vertical game. Contrary to Wallace's poor performance this post season Williams has been sensational, recording three interceptions thus far. This will be a very intriguing match up, and I believe that the Steelers will try to attack the Packers deep--both early and often. Williams should be able to hold his own for most of the game with safety help; however, if Pittsburgh establishes the run early on in the game and forces the the safeties up, there could be major problems. I expect Roethlisberger to try to hit Wallace deep within the first five plays. Whether this first shot works or not, it will stick in the minds of the safeties and potentially open up the running game. The rest will be up to Williams and Wallace as they battle one on one.

Prediction: Mike Wallace: 4 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD, long 41 yards, 1 dropped pass

                   Tramon Williams: 2 passes defensed, 1 interception, 4 tackles, 0 sacks