Matchup

STEELERS TE
Heath Miller

vs.

SEAHAWKS SS
Michael Boulware

One of the biggest surprises in the postseason for Pittsburgh has been the clutch play of the 6'5", 256-pound Miller, a rookie first-round draft choice out of Virginia who has spent the last month sprinting up the seam and knocking over safeties like bowling pins. While quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has plenty of dangerous options in the passing game, Seattle can't underestimate the confidence the Steelers quarterback has in his sure-handed tight end, who in three playoff games is averaging 15.3 yards per catch (a yard and a half more than No. 1 receiver Hines Ward) on seven receptions and at times has looked like Antonio Gates East. The man he's up against is Boulware, a second-year player out of Florida State who at 6'3" and 223 pounds is one of the biggest safeties in the NFL--and has quickly established himself as one of the most physical. Expect Boulware to send an early message to Miller with some big hits. But don't expect Miller to be intimidated.