Steelers vs. Cardinals Week 7: 10 Players to Watch on Sunday

A rematch of Super Bowl XLIII where the nation witnessed the Steelers triumph over the Cardinals in outstanding fashion 27-23 en route to their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history, the Arizona Cardinals will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at the University of Phoenix Stadium in a crucial Week 7 match-up for both teams.

A few years have passed since these teams met in the Super Bowl, and the Steelers are once again coming off of a Super Bowl appearance (although this time they lost to the Green Bay Packers) and are looking to make a statement to the AFC North as well as the rest of the NFL to signal that they still are just as good as they were last year as they currently post a 4-2 record, with one of their losses coming to a very impressive Baltimore Ravens team.

While the Steelers have still been flying high these past few years, the Cardinals have, and excuse me for the pun, had their wings clipped. Though they did acquire touted free agent QB Kevin Kolb, the Cardinals' record stands at a meager 1-4, including losses to Seattle and Minnesota. However, despite already collecting four losses thus far, the Cardinals are looking to rebound their season against Pittsburgh and assert themselves as contenders in the always weak NFC West.

Though there are undoubtedly a lot of players from the Super Bowl squads of these teams that have parted ways with the teams, there are still many players to pay attention to in this game as they will have a big impact upon the games' outcome.

Here is a list of some players you should be on the look-out for.

Arizona Cardinals: CB Patrick Peterson

Patrick Peterson, the fifth pick in the 2011 draft as a corner-back and punt returner from LSU, has so far been fairly impressive in his rookie campaign that has seen him step into a bigger role than anticipated at the start of the season.

Due to an injury-plagued defensive-backs unit as well as the departure of Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, Peterson was  put into the starting corner-back position by his first game in the NFL, and has done everything expected of him.

While he has had some rookie mistakes at time, a lot of his play has resembled the strength that he showed while playing for the LSU Tigers.

Though Peterson is a very good corner and has the ability to break for a big defensive play on any down, most of his specialty thus far has been in the punt return game.

In his rookie debut against the Carolina Panthers, Peterson took a punt return for an 89-yard touchdown and showed the nation why he is such a versatile and dangerous player.

Look for the Steelers and Big Ben to throw to this young corner quite a bit during this game, thus giving Patrick an opportunity for a breakout game where he can assert himself as a dominant corner as well as a punt returner.

Pittsburgh Steelers: S Troy Polamalu

After receiving a concussion in the game against Jacksonville last week, it looks as though Troy Polamalu will be able to  play against the Cardinals this weekend after passing a concussion test this week.

There really isn't much to say about Polamalu because everybody already knows the outstanding talent that he brings to the field every week. Though some may see his play somewhat in a decline as of late, look for Polamalu to assert himself against a weak Arizona Cardinals team and have one of his better games of the season.

It just has to be the hair...

Arizona Cardinals: OLB Joey Porter

One of the most vocal players in the NFL, OLB Joey Porter probably wishes he was still with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While he was with Pittsburgh, Joey collected a Super Bowl ring when the Steelers beat the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. He was then released in 2007 and signed with the Dolphins and is now in his second season with the Arizona Cardinals.

Though his play has definitely declined since he was with the Steelers, look for Porter to have a showing against his old team as he tries to reassure everybody that his career is not coming to an end.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Mike Wallace

Though he has garnered more attention as of late, I still believe Mike Wallace of the Steelers is one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

He consistently brings a game to the field that wows coaches and exemplifies what it means to be an NFL Wide Receiver.

With a questionable defensive-backs unit facing him, watch for Mike Wallace to have an impressive game against the Cardinals and show the nation just how good he can be.

Arizona Cardinals: WR Larry Fitzgerald

Is there really any reason why you shouldn't be watching Larry Fitzgerald on Sunday?

The answer: No

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Hines Ward

Not only a great player, but one of the most entertaining players on the field with his feisty temper and the constant effort he exerts on the field.

Also expect Hines Ward to have a big game alongside fellow WR Mike Wallace against a weak Arizona secondary.

Arizona Cardinals: RB Beanie Wells

RB Beanie Wells has scored 6 TDs this season and will be looking to improve upon that mark in the Cardinals' crucial matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Drafted out of Ohio State as a factor back who is supposed to give the Cardinals a new direction on offense, Wells will be ready for a big game against the Steelers as the Steeler defense will try to take Kevin Kolb out of the picture as soon as they can. 

With a big game, Beanie Wells can help the Cardinals en route to a big upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR/KR Antonio Brown

Antonio Brown of the Steelers is somewhat like a Patrick Peterson of the Cardinals.

Brown is a versatile player who can create big plays in the open field, and is due for an impressive performance in both the kicking and receiving game against the Cardinals.

QB Kevin Kolb

Kevin Kolb, in many regards, was the most sought after free agent this off-season, and has so far led the Arizona Cardinals to a 1-4 record.

While his play hasn't been awful, it hasn't been everything that the Cardinals were expecting, and many are debating on whether or not he has what it takes to be an NFL starting Quarterback.

In order to assert that he has the ability to succeed as an NFL starter, Kolb must have an impressive game against a very good Steeler defense that will definitely strain his abilities.

However, look for Kolb to have a coming-out performance as he hooks up with WR Larry Fitzgerald and finds a rhythm between the two that will work for the time being.

Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Ben Roethlisberger

There is no doubt that Big Ben has had his fair share of off-field issues but this man can really play football.

He already has two super bowls to his name and will be looking to lead the Steelers to another this year behind his steady play.

Though there had been reports that Roethlisberger may be injured, all indications are that he will play this Sunday against the Cardinals and should not have a problem doing so.