Quarterback: (Adv — Cardinals)

Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner both have something to prove on Sunday. Big Ben will be looking to improve upon his putrid performance in Super Bowl XL where, although his team won, he threw two interceptions and had only nine completions. Warner on the other hand will try to prove that he belongs in Canton after he retires by trying to win his second title as well. I’m going with Warner because of experience and his upcoming free agency.

Running Backs: (Adv — Steelers)

Neither unit has been overly inspiring this year. For the Steelers, it can be faulted with injuries to Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall. For the Cardinals, it was the thought that an aging veteran in Edgerrin James and a rookie in Tim Hightower can do a sufficient job. Still, Parker is healthy and Mewelde Moore is doing a nice job as a replacement for Mendenhall, while James and Hightower seemed to have gained “fresh legs” in the playoffs. My nod goes with Pittsburgh here because at his peak, Parker can do the most damage out of all the backs.

Wide Receivers: (Adv — Cardinals)

The Steelers can only get the edge here if one of the following things happen on Sunday: Hines Ward’s right knee is repaired by Tony Stark, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth return to the Steelers through the use of a time machine, or the Cardinals’ Anquan Boldin constantly tries to intercept teammate Larry Fitzgerald in an effort to get more catches. Since none of these options seem likely to occur (even the last one), Arizona seems to have this matchup wrapped up. Fitzgerald, Boldin and even Steve Breaston are just that good.

Tight Ends: (Adv — Steelers)

It’s the Steelers’ Heath Miller versus … um … do the Cardinals even have a tight end? Well it says on Wikipedia that it’s Leonard Pope, so I guess you learn something new every day. Anyway, Miller is Roethlisberger’s security blanket and a force when Pittsburgh is in the red zone. He’ll also be crucial in opening lanes for the Steelers’ running game. Conversely, Pope doesn’t even have a prayer when it comes to making an impact in this game (yes, I went there).

Offensive Line: (Adv — Defenses)

Do I go with a Steelers squad that gave up so many sacks this year (48) you’d think they had a vendetta against their own quarterback, or a Cardinals line that helped lead their rushing attack to an “impressive” 73.6 yards a game? I’ll choose neither and hope that one of these units proves me wrong and redeems itself.

Defensive Ends: (Adv — Cardinals)

If this was about the individual and not the unit, I would have gone with Steelers end Aaron Smith. Despite playing in a 3-4 defense, Smith was able to get six sacks in the regular season, an impressive feat. Still, there is no “I” in defensive ends (wait a sec … ), so I’m going with Arizona. Starters Bertrand Berry and Antonio Smith work well together and thus should give the Steelers some trouble trying to run and get off big pass plays.

Defensive Tackles: (Adv — Cardinals)

“What? You mean to tell me that the whole Cardinals defensive line is better than the Steelers’?” I can already see the hate mail filling my inbox. Let me plead my case. As I said in the previous matchup, the Steelers run a 3-4 defense. That means that Casey Hampton does all the dirty work while the linebackers live in the limelight. If I threw credit to Hampton now, it would just throw him off his game and we wouldn’t want that … you know what, on second thought, just send your disgust to “Jordan Schiff P.O. Box … ”

Linebackers: (Adv — Steelers)

Sorry Karlos Dansby and Chike Okeafor, this was not even close. When you’re up against this year’s Defensive Player of the Year (James Harrison) and the AFC’s third leading tackler during the regular season (James Farrior) you never really had a shot. Oh, and I almost forgot LaMarr Woodley. He only recorded 12 sacks this season (more than the entire Cardinal linebacking core). Not bad for a unit’s third-best option.

Cornerbacks: (Adv — Steelers)

Part of me wants to say I picked Pittsburgh here because I have confidence in Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend’s coverage skills. If they can at least hold Larry Fitzgerald to 75 percent of his postseason output, the Steelers should win more easily. Another part of me though thinks I picked them to avoid having to type a certain Arizona rookie’s 26-character name (spaces excluded) numerous times. I do have a word count you know.

Safeties: (Adv — Push)

Making me pick between Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu and Arizona’s Adrian Wilson is like making me decide between a Lamborghini and a Porsche; they are both dreams to have and anyone would be happy with either. On the other hand, picking between Pittsburgh’s Ryan Clark and Arizona’s Antrel Rolle is like deciding between a used Chevy and a slightly scratched Ford. They’re both dependable, but you want to go back and look at the Lamborghini and Porsche again.

Special Teams: (Adv — Steelers)

Two reasons to go with Pittsburgh here: 1) Santonio Holmes has looked a lot better returning punts in the postseason, including taking one for a touchdown against the Chargers. 2) Cardinal’s kick returner J.J. Arrington is coming off a knee injury he received in the NFC Championship against the Eagles. That’s going to make it tough on Arizona when it comes down to field position. Now one reason not to go with Pittsburgh: their kicker, Jeff Reed. How can you trust anyone who believes having what looks to be tumbleweed on his head is a good hairstyle?

Coaching: (Adv — Cardinals)

Both coaches are good. What the decision ultimately comes down to, however, is the talent they have at their disposal. Mike Tomlin’s inherited a team that won the Super Bowl less than three years ago. Ken Whisenhunt, on the other hand, took a franchise whose slogan before this postseason was “at least we’re not the Lions” and got them where they are today. That’s a miracle in my book.

Prediction: After hearing for the past few weeks how they can’t beat the Falcons, Panthers and Eagles, the Cardinals are one victory away from winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history. With tons of momentum and confidence in themselves it would almost seem like a lock. Heck, even Warner’s kids are oh-so-close to getting a puppy, something the quarterback promised his children a while ago if he were to win it all this year. Sadly, though, this is not a Disney movie. The Steelers’ No. 1-ranked defense should be able to control the Cardinals’ passing game well enough to give Pittsburgh the win. Man, I hate being a realist.