1995 vs 2004 Steelers

Quarterback

The Steelers never would have played in Super Bowl XXX without Neil O'Donnell throwing for 2,970 yards, 17 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in a total of 440 drop-backs: an absolutely incredible season for a quarterback who never truly got his due in Pittsburgh. The Steelers wouldn't be where they are without Ben Roethlisberger, either. Both O'Donnell and Roethlisberger made big, tough throws at crucial times. We'll give the edge to experience: O'Donnell actually led his team to the Super Bowl. Roethlisberger is still in the midst of trying. Edge: 1995

Wide Receivers

The Steelers missed Yancey Thigpen like no other departed free agent when he signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans. But in 1995, this was deep group of receivers, with 1994 No. 1 pick Charles Johnson fourth in total receptions with 38, behind Thigpen, Andre Hastings and the ever-clutch Ernie Mills. Steelers' chairman Dan Rooney called them the best group of four in franchise history. The Steelers of today can't go that deep, but Hines Ward is a better all-around player and play-maker than Thigpen (although it's close). Edge:1995

Offensive Line

The heart of the 2004 Steelers is the line, led by left guard Alan Faneca, center Jeff Hartings and under-appreciated left tackle Marvel Smith. Its good health and dependability is the main reason the Steelers are going to the playoffs. Keydrick Vincent has made up for the injury to Kendall Simmons and is under-appreciated, too. The 1995 line didn't have the same star quality, although center Dermontti Dawson is a Hall of Famer. John Jackson, Leon Searcy, Tom Newberry and Brenden Stai were good, but this collective group is better. Edge: 2004

Running Backs

Most great teams can't win without two good runners, and the Steelers of 1995 and 2004 are no exceptions. But Erric Pegram (813 yards) and Bam Morris (559) were more serviceable than spectacular. On the other hand, Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley are more productive and better fit the bruising style sought by coach Bill Cowher. The Steelers of 1995 attempted 592 passes. This year's team came nowhere close to that total because Cowher insisted on running the football. First Staley and, then, Bettis shouldered the load with enthusiasm. Edge: 2004

Defensive Line

It's hard to imagine a better line than ends Aaron Smith and Kimo von Oelhoffen and scrappy nose tackle Chris Hoke, but that group nine years ago was good, too. Joel Steed played in the Pro Bowl. Ray Seals managed 8 1/2 sacks. And Brentson Buckner is still playing. Smith is one of the best big defensive ends in the league, equally effective rushing the passer and stuffing the run. But the loss of nose tackle Casey Hampton prevents this year's unit from being truly special. Edge: 1995

Linebackers

There aren't many better inside linebackers than James Farrior. Larry Foote hasn't been a liability in relief of Kendrell Bell. Outside linebackers Clark Haggans and Joey Porter have provided a solid pass rush. But the group of linebackers in 1995 was great. No other word suffices. Kevin Greene was one of the most dynamic pass rushers in NFL history, and Greg Lloyd was the soul and conscience of the 90s Steelers. Chad Brown and Levon Kirkland, were outstanding and only one rung down the ladder from Greene and Lloyd. Edge: 1995

Defensive Backs

Guess who led the 1995 Steelers in interceptions? Hint: He's still lining up at cornerback. It was Willie Williams, with seven. That was the year that Rod Woodson tore up his knee in the opener against Detroit and was out until the Super Bowl. Free safety Darren Perry was never out of position, Carnell Lake played cornerback and safety equally well, and strong safety Myron Bell tried to maim every time he made a hit. This year's group is younger, and the safeties are more athletic. Edge: 1995

Special Teams

The coaches - Bobby April, then, and Kevin Spencer, now - are recognized as two of the best in the business. Punt returner Antwaan Randle El is more exciting than Andre Hastings, but Hastings did return one for a score. Opposing kickoff returners averaged only 17.5 yards on the Ô95 coverage unit. Jeff Reed has had a solid year, but Norm Johnson was Mr. Consistency in 1995. Chris Gardocki is a better punter than Rohn Stark, who was on the downside of his career then. Edge: 1995