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Each week we preview the biggest mismatch in each game, one that should make an impact either through its exploitation or in changing a team's plans to try to compensate. For the postseason, we can concentrate more attention on each game and will highlight several mismatches for each contest.

Browns at Steelers
Steelers LBs vs. Browns' offensive linemen
The Steelers' defense has really picked up the pace over the second half of the season. Before their bye week, the Steelers had no prescription for offenses spreading the field and relentlessly passing on them. Over the last month, they have stymied those same game plans while still getting pressure from their linebackers on opposing quarterbacks. Kendrell Bell, last year's defensive rookie of the year, was sidelined for the first half of the season but has had four sacks in his last five games. Joey Porter and Jason Gildon can put plenty of pressure on from the outside. The Browns' offensive line is a weak unit and will be hard pressed to stop the constant Pittsburgh blitzing. Man on man, the Browns would have difficulty blocking the Steelers, but throw in the guessing games of stunts and zone blitzes, and quarterback Kelly Holcomb will be trying to escape the pocket all day.

QB Tommy Maddox vs. QB Kelly Holcomb
Tim Couch broke his leg in the season finale, making fan favorite Kelly Holcomb the Browns starter for the playoffs. Holcomb had great success early in the season when Couch was injured, but threw two interceptions in his last game, allowing the Falcons to come back and make a game of it. Holcomb reads defenses better than Couch and has a stronger arm, but isn't as accurate with his passing and can have problems handling a pass rush, which the Steelers will certainly generate. Tommy Maddox became the first Steeler to win the Comeback Player of the Year award. He sees the field very well and can make all the throws, and the hardship he endured to become an NFL starting quarterback keeps him on an even keel throughout the game. He'll also be playing behind an excellent offensive line that will give him plenty of time to make his throws.

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