SUPER BOWL XL

Calling the signals

A look at the two quarterbacks.

By Times staff writers
Published February 5, 2006

BIG BEN

Roethlisberger, listed at 6 feet 5, 241 pounds, is extremely hard for opponents to bring down, even defensive linemen. He stands in the pocket, shakes off would-be tacklers and manages to throw accurately with defenders draped on him. Despite his size, Roethlisberger moves well, too. He's no Michael Vick, but he's surprisingly nimble.

YOUNG BEN

Roethlisberger is the second-youngest quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl. At 23 years, 11 months, he is second to Dan Marino, who was 23 years and four months when he led the Dolphins to Super Bowl XIX. Roethlisberger would be the youngest to win.

BIG ATTITUDE

Roethlisberger plays with a chip on his shoulder. After a record-setting rookie season, he has emerged in his second as a fiery leader for much-older teammates. He combines a blue-collar attitude, for which Steelers fans love him, with a celebrity's charisma. "He carries himself like an NFL star," CBS analyst Phil Simms said.

BIG ARM

Throughout the playoffs, defensive coordinators have focused on stopping the Steelers' running game, daring the second-year quarterback to beat them. The results: three road games, three victories, 680 passing yards, a 68.1 completion percentage, seven touchdowns, one interception and a 124.8 quarterback rating.

- JOANNE KORTH

FOOTWORK: Quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn has helped develop Hasselbeck's ability to throw on the run. With the multiple blitzes the Steelers are expected to deploy, Hasselbeck will not be able to sit comfortably in the pocket. But he has excellent footwork and can scramble effectively and buy time for his receivers to complete their routes.

"It's something I've worked on and tried to improve on each and every year," Hasselbeck said. "It's worked pretty good this year."

THE GUNSLINGER: Hasselbeck grew up in the NFL worshiping at the temple of Brett Favre. It was a go-for-broke mentality that he adopted early in his career trying to emulate the Packers quarterback. Sometimes that landed him in hot water with coach Mike Holmgren, but he has the arm strength and moxie to make some Favre-like plays downfield.

FAMILY TIES: Baldness is hereditary. So is playing in the Super Bowl, it seems. Hasselbeck's father, Don, played on the Raiders team that won Super Bowl XVIII in Tampa. Matt grew up hanging around the NFL during his dad's nine-year career as a tight end with the Patriots, Raiders, Vikings and Giants. Hasselbeck's brother, Tim, is a backup quarterback with the New York Giants.

EXPERIENCE: Hasselbeck is 30 and a veteran of the postseason, although he did not win a playoff game until this year. He readily admits this is a new experience, but consider the coach he has to lean on. Holmgren, who will call the plays, has been in two Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers, winning one. Say what you want about Big Ben, but he's the second-youngest quarterback to play in the Super Bowl.

- RICK STROUD

[Last modified February 5, 2006, 01:22:20]