Here is how I see some of the matchups working Sunday:
1) Moss vs. Ike Taylor: Ike has the speed to run with Moss. Ike is also a physical corner who will hit Randy all over the field. However, Ike sucks polaying the ball in the air and this is Randy's strength. If Ike gets safety help on the deep balls, Ike wins this battle. If he is left on an island, he will lose. I anticipate LeBeau will shift the zones to Randy's side to ensure he always has deep help. Our Safeties have the speed to cover ground with the ball in the air and both will hit Randy in the ribs when he goes up. I will be surprised if Moss has a big day.
2) Pittsburgh Outside pass rush vs. NE Tacles: Matt Light struggles with the outside rush when defenders get under his pads. This will be a huge advantage for Pittsburgh unless Light gets help or a chip on James Harrison. Harrison's strength is his leverage and low pads. He is only 6'0" and he uses this to his advantage. He is incredibly strong. If left on an island, I see Harrison beating Light a couple times. On the other side, Haggans is average. He may get some pressure, but he will be handled most of the day.
3) NE running game vs. Pittsburgh D line: NE stands no chance of lining up and running on us, but I'm sure they will not try. If Casey Hampton is in the game, the middle will remain clogged, and NE will not be able to run. However, I anticipate LeBeau focusing on the pass. I think he will be willing to give up the occational 10 yard run in order to slow the passing game. In this respect, look for Pittsburgh to be vulnerable against the run when we are lined up with no NT.
4) Pittsburgh running game vs. NE run defense: Pittsburgh's running game is no where near as good as people think. Our line is pretty good at getting to the second level, but none of our interior 3 is strong enough to generate movement up front. NE's D Line is better than many we have faced, and I do not anticipate Parker getting more than about 80 yards on the ground unless he is able to break a long one. The Steelers need to get Parker in space against the NE LB'ers. NE LB's are slow and old. Parker is way to fast for them in space.
5) Pittsburgh receiver's vs. NE Secondary: Hines Ward is the perfect receiver against NE. He is tough and great at finding holes in the underneath zones. I expect him to have a big day in terms of castches, but maybe not yards. Holmes is a very good at getting open deep. He has the speed, but more importantly, he runs good deeop routes in which he is able to create space by causing hesitation on the DB. Unfortunatley, he is only average at catching the deep ball. If Ben has time, he could get a big play.
6) Steeler's vs. NE pass rush: IMO, this is a major key to the game. The Steelers have done a decent job of getting a hat on a hat in pass protection. They have lost some one on one battles though. I don't think NE has the kind of outside pass rush to cause Pittsburgh great problems. They may be able to generate pressure up the middle though. If they gameplan to keep Ben between the tackles, they may have some success. If the pressure comes up the middle but Ben is not contained, I expect Pittsburgh to have prenty of success in the air.
I could go on more, but my fingers are tired...