Matchups Joey Porter wants to talk about

Two good teams, a bunch of a great players and one big game make for some very intriguing… Two good teams, a bunch of a great players and one big game make for some very intriguing matchups. Here are the four most interesting match-ups in Super Bowl XL.

Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck vs. Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu

Polamalu has shown he is the king of cat and mouse when it comes to playing with the minds of quarterbacks and offensive coordinators, and for the Super Bowl the Seahawks have dedicated time just to stopping him.

The key to trying to stop Polamalu is figuring out where he is at all times and always making sure that someone in pass protection has the responsibility of picking him up. Despite Hasselbeck’s great season and post-season thus far, the advantage goes to Polamalu because the Steelers will bring a variety of blitzes and Polamalu will make an impact before the game is over.

Pittsburgh running backs Willie Parker/ Jerome Bettis vs. Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu

Already too much has been made of Bettis’ return to his hometown, a factor that should play into the game in only a very small amount. The Steelers’ offensive line has struggled in the playoffs opening holes for the running game, and the Steelers have relied heavily on their passing game, possibly even too much.

Tatupu is one of the best linebackers in the game, and his ability to break up a hole and stop the run is why he is considered the best defensive rookie in the league. Tatupu and the Seahawks have the advantage here unless the Steelers’ offensive line gets it in gear early and often.

Seattle lineman Walter Jones and tight end Jeremy Stevens vs. Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter

Before Wednesday, Stevens would not be included in this matchup, but now the trash talk between Stevens and Porter has escalated to the point where Porter will be looking to make a point, personally.

Jones is one of the league’s best on the outside both in pass protection and run blocking, but Porter, who is headed to another Pro Bowl, makes plays in the back field on a consistent basis. From his tight end position, Stevens will take some of the slack off Jones and will pick up Porter in certain protections, while Porter will most certainly drop into coverage to watch Stevens.

I think the Porter has the advantage because he has played his best football on the biggest stages, and they don’t get any bigger than the Super Bowl.

Seattle running back Shaun Alexander vs. Pittsburgh linebackers Larry Foote and James Farrior

Two of the league’s best inside linebackers against the league’s leading rusher will probably make for the best and most important matchup of the game.

If the Seahawks can’t run the ball consistently, I don’t think they can beat the Steelers with the pass because they don’t have enough playmakers at the receiver position. If Farrior and Foote are neutralized, it could be a long day for the Steelers’ safety Chris Hope in run support.

I think the Steelers’ defense has the advantage all day and the Seahawks will have trouble not only running with Alexander, but throwing the ball down the field as well.

Matt Sortino is senior staff writer for The Pitt News and there is no matchup that can rival his sports knowledge. E-mail him at mbs3@pitt.edu.