Five Players To Watch On Championship Sunday

Added on Jan 20, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Four teams, two games and a trip to Super Bowl XLV. That’s what’s in store this Sunday when the AFC and NFC anoint their respective champions. Big-name quarterbacks, top rated defenses and one headline-making coach will be on display for all to see. The Jets-Steelers will stage a knock-down, drag-out rematch from Week 15, while the Packers-Bears will tangle for a third time after splitting the regular season series. Here are five players to keep a close eye on this weekend.

Tramon Williams (Packers) – No defensive player has been as hot as Williams. The fourth-year cornerback has notched three interceptions and a pick-six in two playoff games after recording six thefts during the regular season. With most teams avoiding Charles Woodson, Williams has been targeted frequently, and he frequently makes opposing quarterbacks pay. Jay Cutler must be cognizant of Williams’ ballhawking skills and be precise with his throws. Williams might not be on the same level as Woodson, but his reputation is growing by the day.

Greg Olsen (Bears) – Chicago doesn’t boast the most dynamic playmakers, but Olsen has the size and speed to cause matchup problems for any defense. He caught ten passes, including a touchdown in two games versus the Pack in 2010. He also snagged three balls for 113 yards and a 58-yard score in last week’s win over Seattle. With Woodson and Williams locking down the outside receivers, Olsen should be featured heavily in the gameplan.

Santonio Holmes (Jets) – As he showed once again last week with his tip-toe touchdown grab, Holmes has a knack for coming up huge in huge games. Nobody knows this better than his former employers. He caught six passes for 40 yards in the December 19th meeting, but he should be well-versed in Pittsburgh’s tendencies. Needless to say, Holmes would love to exact some level of vengeance on the team that traded him away last April.

LaMarr Woodley (Steelers) – Here’s a stat to chew on: in the nine games this season (including playoffs) in which Woodley registered at least half a sack, the Steelers are undefeated. However, one of the games he was shutout was the 22-17 loss to the Jets. So, he should be more than eager to get a piece of Mark Sanchez on Sunday. Woodley doesn’t get the same pub as James Harrison or Lawrence Timmons, but his ability to wreak havoc on an offensive line cannot be overlooked.

Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) – Rex Ryan’s defense is feeling no pain after disposing of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Big Ben presents a different kind of challenge. He won’t stand in the pocket like a statue. Instead, he’ll use his 6’5″ 240-pound frame to repel would-be tacklers and move when necessary. His style is unorthodox, but it’s nonetheless extremely effective. If given time to set-up and throw, Roethlisberger will deliver the ball in tight spots and frustrate a talented Jets secondary.