SUPER BOWL XL ANALYSIS

PASSING GAME: Matt Hasselbeck and Ben Roethlisberger had a similar rating during the regular season. Hasselbeck has several capable receivers in Darrell Jackson and Joe Jurevicius, and they have moved the ball well in the playoffs. However, the Steelers’ passing game has really been impressive late in the season. Roethlisberger has thrown for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in three playoff games. Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El are both dangerous and crafty. Plus, Bill Cowher always has a couple trick plays in the gameplan.Advantage: Steelers

RUSHING GAME: Shaun Alexander earned the MVP of the NFL by rushing for 1,880 yards and a record-breaking 27 touchdowns. The Steelers have the speedy Willie Parker and the powerful Jerome Bettis as well as a terrific offensive line. The Seahawks also have some outstanding lineman, and did we mention Shaun Alexander?Advantage: Seahawks

DEFENSE: The Seahawks defense might be the most underrated group in some time. Their defense single-handedly won several games this season, including scoring three defensive touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the season. They have also stuffed the opposition in the playoffs. The Steelers defense is the toughest to prepare for in the NFL because they have such a terrific blitzing scheme. The scheme gave the Colts some protection problems, right Peyton Manning? The Seahwawks’ handling of the blitzes should determine the fate of the game.Advantage: Steelers

WINNER: The Steelers have been receiving all the attention. They beat the top three seeds in the powerful AFC. Roethlisberger is playing exceptionally well, including the game-saving tackle against the Colts. The Seahawks, however, have not lost a meaningful game since Oct. 2 against the Redskins, a loss avenged in the playoffs. They are so dominant that their games have been boring, and nobody is talking about them. We all will, come Monday.

PREDICTION: Seahawks 27, Steelers 17