Super Bowl 2011: Ben Roethlisberger And The 10 Players Equipped For The Big Play

Super Bowl XLV showcases some of the smartest veterans and clutch performers in the NFL.

There's Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu for the Steelers, or Aaron Rodgers and Charles Woodson for the Packers.

Both teams are very comparable, as the Steelers have a slight defensive advantage while the Packers have the more potent offense.

The game will be a thriller from kick-off, and I expect it to come down to the final drive. 

Who comes up big when it counts? Let's take a look...

10. B.J. Raji

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: B.J. Raji #90 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after scoring on a 18-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Ch

Brusari Raji has been a major contributor for the Packers this season.

The world watched him dance into the end zone after a crucial interception against the Bears in the NFC Championship game.

Raji had 6.5 sacks in the regular season, and he'll take advantage of the Steelers weak offensive line, even if Maurkice Pouncey does play with a broken ankle.

This guy is massive, and he'll be key if the Packers defense is faced with a goal-line stand.

9. Mike Wallace

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mike Wallace #17 celebrates after Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scored a second quarter touchdown against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsbu

Wallace is widely-regarded as the fastest wide receiver in the NFL.

His big play potential is uncanny, as he's really developed a strong chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger.

The problem for the Packers' defense is Wallace's versatility both on the outside and in the middle of the field. 

Wallace will most-likely be checked by Tramon Williams, but I think Wallace will catch a touchdown in this game. 

He's just too quick.

8. Donald Driver

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after he made a reception against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21

Driver has spent his entire career with his team, the Packers.

Donald Driver has never played in a Super Bowl, but his hands are as reliable as they come when it's time to convert.

Even Brett Favre called Driver the best receiver he's played with, which is quite a compliment.

Driver is towards the end of his NFL tenure, so a Super Bowl win might be the final chapter to his brilliant career.

He'll give every last ounce of blood, sweat and tears on Sunday.

7. Clay Matthews

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers chases down a Buffalo Bills runner at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Clay Matthews had an unbelievable season in 2010.

He's followed in the footsteps of his father as a fearsome linebacker, and he might be the best blitzer in the NFL.

Matthews is the spark plug of the Packers' front seven, and he might be the one guy than can bring down Ben Roethlisberger by himself.

The X-factor when discussing Matthews is his hard-hitting nature and his quickness to the quarterback.

It will be difficult for the Steelers' ailing offensive line to handle him on Sunday.

6. James Harrison

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by G

Harrison might be the most feared player in the NFL at this time.

He was fined multiple times this season, and has expressed desire to "hurt" his opponents.

James Harrison made an unbelievable play in the 2009 Super Bowl against Arizona, when he returned an interception on the goal-line for a touchdown.

Harrison's interception return stands as the longest play in Super Bowl history.

He'll be on Aaron Rodgers' mind the entire night on Sunday. Look for Harrison to wreak havoc.

5. Hines Ward

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Wide Receiver Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens 31-24 in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregor

Ward is another lifetime Steeler.

He's Big Ben's most trusted target, and has made his share of critical plays in his previous two Super Bowl appearances.

Hines Ward's emotional demeanor is clearly visible when the game is on the line, and he'll step up at any time.

I personally wouldn't want any other receiver blocking for my running back when the game is close.

He's one of the best Steelers of all time, and a future Hall of Famer.

Hines will make his mark on Sunday.

4. Charles Woodson

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers smiles while taking on the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Woodson is the captain of this phenomenal Packers defense, and the most versatile defensive back in the NFL.

He can tackle better than any corner and he's the best possible compliment to Dom Capers' blitzing schemes.

The Packers can use Woodson all over the field and he'll most-likely cover Hines Ward on Sunday.

As last year's Defensive Player of the Year, look for Woodson to assert himself as both a pass rusher and a great coverage man on Sunday.

3. Troy Polamalu

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers follows the play during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Polamalu is arguably more important to the Steelers than Ben Roethlisberger.

He's the signal caller and captain of the defense, and just recently won the Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

Troy Polamalu is so dangerous because no matter where the quarterback thinks he is, he finds a way to the ball.

He has tremendous hands to make the spectacular interceptions and has the ability to jump over the line of scrimmage to make the sack.

We have seen the Steelers play without him and there might not be a bigger transformation of a defense in this league when he's on the sideline.

Polamalu will make some critical tackles on Sunday, no doubt about it.

2. Aaron Rodgers

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass in the second half against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Gett

He's now, in my opinion, one of the three most skilled quarterbacks in the NFL aside from Manning and Brady.

Rodgers is relatively new to the playoff atmosphere, but he hasn't disappointed many people with his post-season performance in 2011.

He has the ability to stay composed in the pocket and deliver a strike down field and can scramble for a big gain as well.

Rodgers has his offense believing that they are the best unit in the NFL and he exudes confidence with his "championship belt" celebration.

I'd want the ball in his hands on the final drive.

1. Ben Roethlisberger

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won

Big Ben has overcome lots of adversity after beginning the 2010 season suspended and amazingly, he's guided his team to the Super Bowl again.

Ironically, he welcomes contact when standing in the pocket, and is almost impossible to bring down for a sack.

Roesthlisberger has almost always been clutch when it counts for the Steelers, and he showed his perseverance with a great comeback against the Ravens in the 2011 Divisional Round.

For the Steelers, there's nobody more important in the fourth quarter than Big Ben.

He runs the two-minute drill nearly to perfection, and he might engineer his second Super Bowl-winning drive on Sunday.

A third championship ring cements his stature as an all-time great in the NFL, no doubt about it.