ESPN NFL Playoffs 2008

Ward's blocking

Both teams' receivers are excellent at blocking, but Steelers WR Hines Ward is the best in the NFL. He is one of the toughest receivers in the league and he attacks defenders with leverage. He always plays to the whistle, and sometimes even past it. Ward does a great job of coming back to the ball, blocking a defender and springing one of his teammates -- especially on underneath routes. He is also effective on bubble screens or routes over the middle, where he can use great angles to hit the safety cleanly. The other Steelers receivers feed off Ward's toughness and unselfish blocks, so they often return the favor.

Fitzgerald's high-point ability

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald does a great job of catching the ball at its highest point. There are a lot of receivers who elevate well, but Fitzgerald has a great sense of timing. He always seems to go up at exactly the right time. He is probably the best jump-ball receiver in the NFL because he has a subtle knack of not letting the defender know when he is about to jump. As a result, he can still go up and get the ball when it looks as if he is covered. Fitzgerald is especially lethal on fade routes.

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