The other day I gave you my laymen's perspective on how the offenses compare. Now for the defenses. Again, I will start with the coaching because I think it's pertinent:
Defensive Coaches: Pittsburgh
Dick LeBeau is a defensive wizard. He brought the 3-4 back, constantly runs creative zone blitzes, and confuses the hell out of offensive linemen. The only downside is that he's about 70 years old. Someone make this man a head coach already. LeBeau clearly gets the edge here over John Marshall, who did a great job filling in for Ray Rhodes this year, and always seems to make the right defensive call.
Defensive Line: Push
Despite my even ranking, this is a real contrast in styles. In the 3-4 defense used by Pittsburgh, the lineman are supposed to 'eat up' blocks, allowing LBs to get in and make tackles/pressure the QB. In a 4-3 like Seattle runs, the goal is to create that pressure with the linemen. The Hawks did that extremely well this year, leading the league in sacks. They rotate lots of smallish linemen thru, with the standouts being 'Admiral' Bryce Fisher and Rocky Bernard (Grant 'Adonis' Wistrom gets all the love, despite being almost completely washed up). In contrast, Pittsburgh uses just a handful of DLs, with several of them being Pro Bowl worthy. Former BSU Bronco Kimo von Olehoffen and nose tackle Casey Hampton are the best of the bunch. These are the guys who don't get a lot of stats, but constantly absorb 2 OL blocks.
Linebackers: Pittsburgh
This is the real strength of the Steelers, scheme wise and talent wise. The scheme helps them succeed, but the fact that they have 3 absolute stud LBs doesn't hurt. James Farrior, Larry Foote, and motor-mouth Joey Porter are all great NFL players, and I'd be hard pressed to find a better group in the NFL. If Seattle's OL is their best-in-the-NFL-type-strength, the LBs of Pittsburgh is that unit for the Steelers. Meanwhile, the Seahawks run out 2 great rookie linebackers, including my favorite Hawk Lofa Tatupu. They are good, but can't match up to the Steel Curtain here.
Cornerbacks: Seattle
This is a weakness for both teams. The Seahawks are finally healthy at CB, getting offseason signings Andre Dyson and Kelly Herndon back for the playoffs. They did a great job against Santana Moss and Steve Smith in the 2 playoff games, but will have their hands full with Hines Ward and co. #1 corner Marcus Trufant better come ready to play. On the other side, Ike Taylor and DeShea Townsend can be beaten deep, assuming you have the time to throw the ball. I give the edge to the Hawks in a lean.
Safties: Pittsburgh
What did you expect. This is all Troy Polamalu. Polamalu, Polamalu, Polamalu. Have you heard his name enough yet? No? Polamalu. This just in - he is good! And he hasn't cut his hair since college! And the officials took an INT away from him against Indy! Polamalu. The Seahawks have converted linebacker and underrated safety Michael Bolware and a couple of backups who have done well. But they can't match up to the genius that is Polamalu. I think he just rescued a baby trapped under a bus! Polamalu!
Special Teams: Push
Not much to say here. The Steelers are good in the return game, the Seahawks are good in the kicking game. Woo. Let's call it a push and move on, but if Josh Brown wins the game in the closing seconds, I will feel free to revisit this and write how much I love the Seahawks special teams.
That is all for the XL position breakdown. It splits out to this:
Offense -- 2-2-2
Defense/Special Teams -- 3-1-2 Steelers
Wow. I gave Pittsburgh the edge. Good thing the defenses don't match up against each other. I'll stand by my boys and predict a 33-24 win by the Seahawks today. Gooooo team!
