Little publicity, but these guys could make difference

Judge: Five Seahawks to watch

DETROIT -- He doesn't have long locks of hair flowing out the back of his helmet or a cool name that people love to say.

But Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Chris Hope has something far more important in common with his much-heralded safety-mate Troy Polamalu:

He's a heck of a player, too.

Chris Hope could be as big as Troy Polamalu after the Super Bowl on Sunday. (AP)

It's Hope who leads the team in interceptions with three, one more than Polamalu. He's third on the team in tackles with 90, nine more than Polamalu, who is tied for fourth.

So why doesn't he get the attention?

"I get that question a lot," Hope said. "I may not get the national attention or the big cameras in my face, but somebody notices me. And that's what it's all about. If you know football, you have to see what I bring to the table."

He brings plenty. He's a good tackler and he is adept at playing the ball. Combine those two skills, and he's the choice here as the player many people might not know who is most likely to have an impact on Sunday's Super Bowl XL.

Hope is a fourth-year player from Florida State who has been starting the past two years. He had a solid 2004 season -- one that caught the attention of some personnel directors around the league -- and he followed that up with an even better 2005.

So while Polamalu will be the fan favorite Sunday, keep an eye on Hope. He could be the guy who snares an interception or two and takes home the MVP.

"I don't get offended or upset by all the attention Troy gets because he deserves it," Hope said. "He's not a selfish guy. So it's easy to work with him. Everybody can't get the attention. It's part of the game. It doesn't affect the way I play. It makes me play harder and more motivated to get even better. One day it will be my day."

It might be Sunday.

"It would be a great opportunity to put one of my best performances on Sunday," Hope said. "And maybe open some eyes. It's in the back of my mind."

Here are four other lesser-known Steelers who will have an impact:

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson

Cedrick Wilson (AP)

When the Steelers allowed Plaxico Burress to leave in free agency, they left a big void in their deep passing game. Hines Ward is a big-time receiver, but he doesn't run that well. So the Steelers signed Wilson as a free agent from San Francisco with the idea he would provide a deep passing threat.

Wilson didn't do much in the regular season, and the word "disappointment" was used. But in the postseason he has come alive. He leads the team in receiving yards with 196 and is averaging 24.5 per catch. The deep ball is back and Wilson is providing it. He had five catches for 92 yards against the Broncos in the AFC title game. He also has two touchdowns in the playoffs.

Wilson doesn't start, but he plays a lot in the three-receiver sets. He will be counted on again to provide some big plays down the field against the Seahawks.

Fullback Dan Kreider

Dan Kreider (AP)

Did you hear the Steelers use a three-guard lineup? That's a joke, of course. But that's about what they have in Kreider. He is a powerful lead blocker who explodes on linebackers. Some consider him among the best blocking fullbacks in the league. He doesn't get much attention, even though the Steelers have been among the best running teams in the league with him at fullback.

His collisions with Lofa Tatupu will go a long way in determining if Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis are getting yards on the Seattle defense. Kreider is one of those selfless players who doesn't get the attention he deserves. Then again, he's a fullback. What else is new? He has been bothered this week with a knee injury, but he will play Sunday. He's too tough to sit this one out.

Defensive end Brett Keisel

Brett Keisel (AP)

He doesn't start on a good defensive line, but he's a heck of a reserve. Keisel is an effort player who gets by with his toughness and grit rather than his athletic ability. In other words, he's a perfect Steelers player.

Keisel is a fourth-year player out of Brigham Young who is just now coming into his own. It happens at a good time, too. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. The Steelers will do all they can to keep him, but he might be attractive to teams looking for a quality starter.

He had two sacks in the AFC Championship Game against Denver. If he has another big game in the Super Bowl, the price for his services could be on the rise even more. This is a kid worth watching for the future.

Linebacker Clark Haggans

Clark Haggans. (AP)

He's the other outside linebacker. You know all about Joey Porter. How can we not with that mouth? He also plays well in big games.

Haggans doesn't get the attention of his former college teammate. That's a mistake. The Steelers love to have both outside linebackers coming off the corner, so if the Seahawks focus more on Porter, Haggans could be the guy who comes up big.

Haggans had nine sacks on the season in 13 games, which is 1½ less than Porter had in 16 games. Porter rushes from the right side, so he will deal with All-Pro tackle Walter Jones. Haggans will be working against second-year player Sean Locklear. So he has the easier player trying to handle him.