Which 1 player will make a difference??

[Roy E. Munson]

The obvious pick would be Brady or Dillion for the Pats and then Big Ben or the 2 headed horse that is pittsburghs backfield..Im going to take a different route in picking the player that will make the difference. I hate to talk about a player that might play 1-5 snaps...thats right im talking about the kickers. Everyone knows the story of Adam Vinetieria and how clutch he is. Also the early weather reports are talking about some snow in P'burgh this weekend. It is going to be a close game at any rate, and i think Vinetieria will make a difference this sunday. Im not going to call a game winning FG as time expires or anything like that, but the points that come off of Vinetieria's foot will show up big on the scoreboard at the end.

[lions07]

no doubt... andam vinatieri is one... if not the best... kicker in the nfl... his points do add up and make a difference at the end... just like in the super bowl last year... he will be one of many key players for the pats on sunday

[count2infinity]

i don't think he's the best kicker in the NFL, many see him as the best because he is put into opportunities that make him seem like a clutch player, when most kickers (minus the jet's kicker) in the NFL can make them. IMO, he's the most overrated kicker in the league

[Roy E. Munson]

I have to disagree with you count2infinity...you said he was the most overated kicker in the game.

Here is a lil something for you to nibble on.

Vinatieri was 31 of 33 in field goals this year. Thats 91.7%...best in NFL...according to % of FG's made.

Also you said any kicker (minus NYJ kicker) can make field goals.

That didnt happen 2 weeks ago when the jets played the chargers, Nate Kaeding SD's kicker missed a 40 yarder in OT to win and move on. So maybe kicking isnt as automatic as you think.

[count2infinity]

vanderjack, akers, vinateri, yes....they're all good placekickers, but others haven't been in positions to make the field goals that vinateri has been in to step up and become a "clutch" kicker, this is why i say he is overrated. Others can make those kicks, it's just vinateri is given the chance over and over to make the clutch kick

to answer your original question, the player i think will make the biggest difference is Teddy Breuski (excuse the spelling) he is the most underrated linebacker in the NFL and he will be a key part of attempting to shut down the steelers run game. If he has a big game, i'd be scared as a steelers fan

[ridge05]

I is Tedy Bruschi, to help you out there. Yes, he is definately a great defensive player for the Patriots. I look for him to do great things on Sunday. You are right Count, he is underrated, he should be getting attention on Sunday.

[ham55]

If Bettis gets to Bruschi early and often, Teddy won't last the whole game. Which one player will make the biggest difference on Sunday, the Steelers Special Teams coach, Kevin Spencer. If he can get his guys to play well enough to limit the return yardage for NE down, that will play a huge role. Pittsburgh has lost playoff games because of special teams play in the past, if he gets his things together this week, I feel that will play a HUGE role in the game this week.

[football55]

the key to who wins the game is in the hands of the pitt offensive line and the pat linebackers.who ever wins that battle will win the game

[fearandloathing]

Big Ben will throw the game away like Neil O Donnel in the superbowl vs. the Cowboys. He is a chump stain and totally overrated while tom Brady is significantly underrated. I c a mudhole stomping in place 4 the steelers as they get whacked at home.