Rashard Mendenhall, RB (34), 5-10, 225, 3rd season, Illinois
Became workhorse Steelers hoped to return him writing in the first round in 2008 … If three games of 100 yards and two with 99 during the season, rushed for 121 yards and TD against the Jets … Powerful, but also a flash and a few shots … Barely played as Steelers rookie won the championship, became the first-stringer in 2009.
Hines Ward, WR (86), 6-0, 205, 13th season, Georgia
Among the best blocking wideout, as crafty receiver who never far from repugnant contact … Ward and Roethlisberger have a sixth sense when it plays down … MVP of Super Bowl 2006 … Then pass option and run around … Made 59 catches for 755 yards and five TDs this season.
Mike Wallace, WR (17), 6-0, 199, 2nd season, Mississippi
Speed demon Pittsburgh, Wallace has also developed around pass receiver … Had 60 catches for 1,257 yards and 10 points, his average of 21 yards … NFL Head regulars Could face Charles Woodson or crafty playmaker Tramoni Williams intriguing game … draft third round rookie who had built strong.
Antonio Brown, WR (84) 50-10, 186, 1st season, Central Michigan
Major contributor in the playoffs, made key catches in two playoff victories, setting up winning TD against Ravens and winning victory against the Jets AFC title … First kickoff returns, ran back a kickoff for TD during the season.
Heath Miller, TE (83), 6-5, 256, 6th season, Virginia
One favorite target Roethlisberger had 42 receptions in 14 games, but seven in the playoffs … Scored winning TD in the playoffs … Baltimore strong blocker, made the Pro Bowl in 2009 … Quick linebackers matchup with Green Bay or S Nick Collins could be crucial.
Jonathan Scott, LT (72), 6-6, 318, 5th season, Texas
Joined Steelers as a free agent after two seasons in Detroit and two with Buffalo … A native of Dallas, who heads home for the Super Bowl … Can play on both sides of the line … Was backup until Max Starks was injured against Cincinnati … Started 10 consecutive games.
Chris Kemoeatu, LG (68), 6-3, 344, 6th season, Utah
Has improved each season, won Super Bowl rings in 2005 but did not play as sixth-round pick, and 2008 … Become full-time starter in 2008, has missed six games in ’09 with a knee injury … signed a five-year contract for 09 off season to keep him in Pittsburgh in 2013.
Maurkice Pouncey, C (53), 6-4, 304, 1st season, Florida
Sensational rookie center taken in the first round of project … Suffered high left ankle sprain in the championship game of the AFC and the status is uncertain … Backup Doug Legursky … Pouncey fires off ball extremely well and is more athletic inhibitors Steelers … Twin brother Mike is in Florida.
Ramon Foster, RG (73), 6-6, 325, 2nd season, Tennessee
Undrafted free agent in 2009 who became 10th game against Oakland starter … Trai EsS-EX- replaced, which is now his backup … Started the season last four games replacing injured Kemoeatu … Versatile, also played against in college.
Flozell Adams, RT (71), 6-7, 338. 13th season, Michigan State
At the rear end of his long career, no longer blocking Pro Bowl … Former left tackle who could lose his job if he had health Steelers backups … Has done well in the first half vs. Jets championship match of the AFC … First Super Bowl and will be played at the stadium of his former team.
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Ziggy Hood, LE (96), 6-3, 300, 2nd season, Missouri
Replaced end key Aaron Smith (91), who tore the triceps, as a starter in seven games and has shown its value … A three sacks during the season, but the work is to occupy blockers in passing game, freeing linebackers to make passes … Pretty solid against the run … Last first-round selection in 2009, 32nd overall … Played mostly on special teams as a rookie, has much larger role now.
Casey Hampton, NT (98), 6-1, 325, 10th season, Texas
Staunch obstacle in the middle of the line … Veteran power and common sense, knows how to block the middle … Because most teams struggle to run against Pittsburgh … Started 14 games … first-round pick in 2001 who signed a three-year contract last February to stay with the team.
Brett Keisel, RE (99), 6-5, 285, 9th season, BYU
Flowered this year and became another leader on defense … Final Steelers draft pick in 2002, was one of seven selections to list … Player of the situation early in his career, now well established on the defensive line … Signed five year contract with Steelers in 2009 … At one of the most impressive beard in the league.
LaMarr Woodley LOLB (56), 6-2, 265, 4th season, Michigan
On any other team, it was probably the star linebacker. Here, the shadow of James Harrison … Had 10 sacks this year, 39 pro seasons, including 35 in the last three years … Is NFL record with a sack in six post-season games on … Dangerous in pass coverage … Numbers were not as good as ’09, when he made the Pro Bowl … Second-round pick in 2007.
James Farrior, Lilbit (51), 6-2, 243, 14th season, Virginia
Not a lot of live births last as long as Farrior, and almost any level, it still plays … Hard hitter, smart and a leader, coach Mike Tomlin calls Farrior “heart of our team. … Began career with Jets as a first-round pick in 1997, joined Steelers as a free agent in 2002 … At 1350 regular-season tackles … Has not missed the game since 2005 … has 109 tackles and six sacks this season.
Lawrence Timmons, VLBI (94), 6-1, 234, 4th season, Florida State
While less known in Pittsburgh starting four books, he is a quality player … conscript first round (15th overall) in 2007, played mostly on special teams and reserve linebacker as a rookie. Became regular in 2009, had better season this year with 135 tackles … Has improved as a pass defender.
James Harrison, ROLBA (92), 6-0, 242, 7th season, Kent State
All-Pro linebacker and in most intimidating defenders in the league … Led NFL in fines for illegal hits, has even threatened to withdraw after the suppression of the NFL … If 10 1 / 2 sacks and caused others by his teammates with his ferocity and courage … Former free agent who fought on path list in 2004 … Was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 when he had 16 sacks … Signed five-year contract in 2009 season-cons … 100 interception return yards in 2009 the Super Bowl, the longest play in Super Bowl history.
Bryant McFadden, LCB (20), 6-0, 190, 6th season, Florida State
Brought back after a poor season in Arizona … Packers will test it with Taylor on the other side … Won two Super Bowls with the Steelers before heading to the Cardinals … Was the fight against stomach problems, but remained in the range … Second-round pick in 2005, appeared in 12 games as a rookie.
Troy Polamalu, SS (43), 5-10, 207, 8th season, Southern California
One of the best players in the NFL, a versatile, safety freewheel that hits hard, makes big plays … Steelers tend to struggle when it came out, as they did the Jets lose in play 14 … All-Pro nose for the ball alive, tied career high with seven interceptions … Known hair out of his helmet … Jets WR Santonio Holmes called Polamalu best player in the league.
Ryan Clark, FS, (25), 5-11, 205, 9th season, LSU
As hard as batting Steelers … Also can play strong safety, a kind of interchangeable with Polamalu … Signed contract extension of four years in March 2009 … Started two seasons in Washington before joining Steelers in 2006 … Originally signed as an undrafted rookie with the Giants in 2002.
Ike Taylor, RCB (24), 6-2, 195, 8th season, Louisiana-Lafayette
More importantly for the Steelers’ defensive game with a sack and forced fumble against the Jets William Gay returned to touch the end of the first half … Guy reliable coverage that will see much of Greg Jennings … fourth-round pick in 2003 who in 2005 became the start of the Super Bowl season … Do not get many pics, but very physical wideout cons.
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Shaun Suisham, K (6), 6-0, 200, 6th season, Bowling Green, a native of Wallaceburg, Ontario.
Hung around the league, especially with Washington and Dallas, since 2005 … Signed in Steelers cut longtime kicker Jeff Reed, Suisham has taken against Oakland Nov. 21 … Made 14 of 15 FG and all 19 PAT … FG was the longest 48 yards … Punted three times.
Jeremy Kapinos, P (13), 6-1, 233, 3rd season, Penn State
Joined Steelers for the last four games when Daniel Sepulveda went on IR … Was not nearly as effective as Sepulveda, with yards gross and net significantly lower … Did better in the playoffs, though.
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Aaron Rodgers, QB (12), 6-2, 225, 6th season, California
A great season was the best since he became starter replacing Brett Favre in 2008 … Led NFC with 101.2 rating, third overall … Guided Packers to five straight victories to, including three in the playoffs to make the second No. 6 seed to make the Super Bowl. The other sixth seed Pittsburgh in 2005 … Threw for 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during the regular season, has six touchdowns, two interceptions, 109.2 rating and completion percentage in 71 postseason … also scrambled for big gains in the management pack of three straight road victories.
James Stark, RB (44), 6-2, 218, 1st season, Buffalo
Did not do much in the regular season with only 29 carries, but has emerged in the playoffs … Ran for 263 yards on 70 carries at the end of the season with 123 vs. Philadelphia in the opening of the playoffs … Has the power and began Nice … Will not make as much as the receiver … Packers were desperate to find racing game in December / January and Stark gave him.
Brandon Jackson, RB (32), 5-10, 216, 4th season, Nebraska
Should be back in the future when the Pack took a second round of 2007 draft, but he has not turned … Backup to Ryan Grant, but became the main ball carrier when Grant hurt his right ankle in September … Did not start a game in 2008 or ’09 … If 703 yards rushing, a career high … Can catch the ball on screens and flares … Rarely escaped.
Greg Jennings WR (85), 5-11, 198, 5th season, Western Michigan
One of the most versatile receivers and dangerous league … Will review the middle, down the margin, anywhere to get shot … Second-round pick in 2006 who has 40 TDs … One of the four wideout that penetrates … A 17 catches for 239 yards late in the season after 76 years in 1265 and 12 touchdowns during the regular schedule.
Donald Driver, WR (80), 6-0, 194, 12th season, Alcorn State
Mr reliable Packers many have said their quest for the Super Bowl was triggered by the desire to obtain driver there before retiring … Favre’s favorite target of almost a decade now with good teams Rodgers … Made 51 catches for 565 yards, scored four times this season, but is significant drop compared to previous years, when he was six consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards.
James Jones, WR (89), 6-1, 208, 4th season, San Jose State
Makes big plays, also reduces some great passages … Inconsistency has kept him, but he made some big receptions, with two of his six passes for TDs to go this post-season … Third-round pick in 2007, which has rarely started, but becomes much on the field … Made 50 catches and scored five touchdowns in the regular season … Probably deep target.
Andrew Quarless, TE (81), 6-4, 252, 1st season, Penn State
Year began painting later in depth, but injuries and development have had on the field … Went from not having dressed for three of the first four games and taking eight catches in 10 games to finish with 21 receptions for an average of 11.3 yards … At the size and attitude to block.
Chad Clifton, LT (76), 6-5, 320, 11th season, Tennessee
Veteran O-line that has pushed the injuries this season … Has been bothered by a neck injury recently … Second-round pick in 2000 who started 10 games as a rookie and became a regular … Started every game he played (122) since 2003 … With the enormous responsibility of protecting the blind side rush Rodgers cons formidable Steelers.
Daryn Colledge, LG, (73), 6-4, 308, 5th season, Boise State
A rare offensive lineman out of Boise State … second-round pick in 2006 who has started all four games of 80, but he played … If the outputs particularly well in Philadelphia and Atlanta in the playoffs, especially run blocking … Had streaks of inconsistency in the past, seems to have overcome them.
Scott Wells, C (63), 6-2, 300, 7th season, Tennessee
Packers have a tradition of strong centers and Wells is the last … Versatile, can also play guard … Regenerated from jobs in 2009 and has not looked back … Must be aware of the Steelers blitzing up the middle, including Polamalu.
Josh Sitton, RG (71), 6-3, 318, 3rd season, Central Florida
Best lineman on the sidelines of Green Bay … Durable, almost never missing a snap … fourth-round pick in 2008 who has started twice, and then became normal for the entire 2009 calendar … Powerful and moving, may cause sweeps.
Bulag Bryan, RT (75), 6-5, 314, 1st season, Iowa
First-round pick who had the season comings and goings, but forced to play due to injury … Packers draft him to be a star … Could struggle against the regimes of Pittsburgh and the talent of formidable linebacker … Started 12 games, although he was not quite ready to see plenty of action.
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Ryan Pickett, EG (79), 6-2, 340, 10th season, Ohio State
Journeyman, a former first-round pick (29th overall in 2001) by Rams who played in 2002 and lost the Super Bowl … Pickett found the house in 3-4 in Green Bay, where it stacks up blockers and free his teammates to make plays … One of the heaviest in the league … If the best game in Detroit’s loss with nine tackles.
BJ Raji, NT (90), 6-2, 337, 2nd season, Boston College
It one of the greatest plays of the season for his return with the Packers win points for INT in NFC championship game … To progress this season … Started a game as a rookie (first-round pick, No. 9 in total), all 16 this season, when he was 6 1 / 2 sacks … If Steelers rookie C Maurkice Pouncey can not play, Raji match will be difficult.
Cullen Jenkins, RDE (77), 6-2, 305, 7th season, Central Michigan
Underestimated end plagued by injuries this season … Got in just 11 games and his statistics (18 tackles) is not impressive. But seven of them were bags – it’s awesome … Usually not forcing escaped … Has been distinguished in the playoffs.
Clay Matthews, LOLB (52), 6-3, 255, 2nd season, Southern California
All-Pro in the second season after being considered under three Trojans drafted in 2009 LB … Father and grandfather were great players in the NFL and his uncle, Bruce, is Hall of Fame … As Polamalu, will look to because of long hair … As Polamalu, Matthews always around the ball … Had 60 tackles, 13 1 / 2 sacks (fourth in the league) and a statement of INT for touchdown.
AJ Hawk Lilbit (50), 6-1, 247, 5th season, Ohio State
Not as spectacular as he was in college, but reliable, powerful performer … Made 111 tackles and improving the pass defense … Missed only three games since his Packers’ first choice in 2006 (fifth) … Led Pack in tackles with 155 as a rookie … Another long hairs.
Desmond Bishop, VLBI (55), 6-2, 238, 4th season, California
As Jenkins, overlooked player who has been particularly dynamic in the game against the Bears NFC Title … Needed to strengthen his game as Green Bay linebackers kept getting hurt, and has been rewarded with a four-year contract … sixth-round pick in 2007 who had 103 tackles and an INT for a score this season … Before 2010, started a match pro … T stripping the ball well.
Erik Walden, ROLBA (93), 6-2, 250, 3rd season, Middle Tennessee
Published by Miami on Sept. 28, joined the Packers injury struck file … Signed on October 27 and has played four days later in victory by shutout Jet … Superb victory over Chicago to clinch a playoff spot with two sacks and 11 tackles … One of four players to start at right outside linebacker for the Packers this season.
Charles Woodson, LCB (21), 6-1, 202, 13th season, Michigan
2009 Defensive Player of the year, Woodson is the force against run and pass … Shutdown cover man who appears on all the land … One of the Packers’ defensive leader … If career highs of 92 tackles, 76 solo, in 2010 … After an average of seven interceptions in four seasons, had two this season that teams avoid throwing his way … Threat of lightning.
Charlie Peprah, SS (46), 5-11, 203, 5th season, Alabama
Went from free agent signed before the season from 11 games, making 63 tackles … Spent parts of three seasons with Green Bay, was in Atlanta in 2009 before returning … The injury forced him to become regular and he has responded well … Also had two choices.
Nick Collins, FS (36), 5-11, 207, 6th season, Bethune-Cookman
Gives some spectacular pieces, but also some big mistakes … Player who has improved decision-making over the years … Second-round pick in 2005 who has started every game he played, missed only three games in 2007, started all the others … Made 70 tackles and four interceptions this season.
Tramoni Williams, RCB (38), 5-11, 191, 4th season, Louisiana Tech
With Woodson on the other hand, the teams would go over Williams’s figures. They are laying off a bit now, but after discovering how he is stingy … Had two choices in the playoffs against Atlanta, returning one 70 yards for the score, and won post-season win Philly with an INT … punt return in force … Signed as a free agent in 2006, grew from the practice squad initially.
Sat Shields, NICKEL (37), 5-11, 184, 1st season, Miami, Florida
Rookie had two interceptions in the NFC championship game, including bear “final pass … I went wrong in training camp in significant contribution to the defensive against the pass … Signed as a free agent not drafted, it could be a possible replacement … Woodson Returns kickoffs.
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Mason Crosby, K (2), 6-1, 207, 4th season, Colorado
Reliable kicker who made 22 of 28 FG and all 46 PAT this season. He missed only one extra point in his career … Crosby won NFL scoring title in 2007 … Made 56-yards this season, but 2010 was not the best year.
Tim Masthay, P (8), 6-1, 197, 1st season, Kentucky
Signed January 14, 2010 after originally joining the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2009 … Chris Bryan to beat Australia for the job … Ranked among the, um, pack among NFL punters with 43.9 gross average, 37.6 net.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
(AP) – From time to time, Dom Capers tears the gigantic playbook ma**script of his first year as defensive coordinator in the NFL. He loves the show the younger coaches to emphasize how much work went to design plays before things became computerized.
Dick LeBeau remembers that exact playbook very well, too.
“I was the guy who had to shoot,” he said, chuckling.
This is just the beginning of the story about an important document in the recent history of the NFL and the close relationship between the defensive signal-callers who will be corresponding spirits during the Super Bowl for the Steelers’ LeBeau Pittsburgh and capers to the Green Bay Packers.
Both were born and raised in small towns in southern Ohio, they became friends in the mid-1980s when they were coaching defensive backs at different NFL teams and players often testing the same college. They became colleagues in 1992, when Bill Cowher became coach of the Steelers and was hired on his staff inaugural Capers and LeBeau as defensive coordinator in charge of the secondary.
Capers and LeBeau lived together for six months, spending most of their time building that playbook. It was quite a chore, and it became so thick, because they were not sure if they use four linemen and three linebackers that Cowher preferred or three linemen and four linebackers as capers preferred. That meant each piece had to be drawn twice, once for each defensive front – and LeBeau did all the drawing.
“I’ve never been so happy to go to camp in my life,” he said.
Capers won 3-4, and they soon discovered worked best while using a ride favored by LeBeau: the zone blitz.
What began as a way to counter the Run n ‘Shoot and West Coast offense that dominated at that time became the beginning of a defensive revolution that swept much of the league, the Steelers in restoring as NFL power – and power on defense first, that – and these coaches to win widespread respect as among the best in the game
“I think history has proven that we had some good ideas,” said LeBeau.
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