Super Bowl 2011 Linebacker Matchup: James Harrison vs. Clay Matthews

Everyone is talking about the crucial Super Bowl XLV showdown between the Green Bay Packers' QB, Aaron Rodgers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers' signal caller, Ben Roethlisberger.

Equally important to the outcome of the game will be the linebacker matchup between Clay Matthews (Packers) and James Harrison (Steelers).

These are two of the best in the league at putting pressure on their opponents' QBs and stopping their RBs.

Let's compare these two catalytic defenders in five crucial areas to see who will have a bigger impact on next Sunday's Super Bowl game.

Size

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Linebacker Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers is blocked by J'Marcus Webb #73 of the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

James Harrison: 6'0", 242 lbs.

Clay Matthews: 6'3", 255 lbs.

Matthews' prototypical size and length helps him make plays, deflect passes and get to the QB.

Tackles

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Jerricho Cotchery #89 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Ste

James Harrison: 100 tackles in 2010 regular season

Clay Matthews: 60 tackles in 2010 regular season

Playing in Dick LeBeau's scheme, Harrison is set up as one of the Steelers' featured defenders on an every-down basis. Even with playing alongside Troy Polamalu, Harrison is a dominant force.

Sacks

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers sacks Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

James Harrison: 10.5 sacks in 2010 regular season—No. 15 in the NFL

Clay Matthews: 13.5 sacks in 2010 regular season—No. 4 in the NFL

Matthews is one of the top young rushers in the league, having collected 23.5 sacks in his first two years.

Turnovers

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs back an interception for 100 for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl

James Harrison: Two interceptions and six fumbles forced in 2010 regular season

Clay Matthews: One interception and two fumbles forced in 2010 regular season

During Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison intercepted a pass from Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner at the goal line and ran back the length of the field for a 100-yard touchdown at the end of the first half.

One of the great moments in Super Bowl history!

Experience

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo b

James Harrison

Seven years in NFL

Two Super Bowl championships (2006, 2009)

Four Pro Bowl selections (2007-2010)

Three All-Pro selections (2007, 2008, 2010)

2008 Defensive Player of the Year

Clay Matthews

Two years in NFL

Two Pro Bowl selections (2009, 2010

One All-Pro selection (2010)

Conclusion

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PITTSBURGH - FEBRUARY 03: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers waves a Terrible Towel while holding the Super Bowl XLIII trophy during a parade on February 3, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

While both players have to be stopped, James Harrison will have a bigger impact on Super Bowl XLV than Clay Matthews as the Pittsburgh Steelers win their seventh Lombardi Trophy.