Key Matchup

Chris Kemoeatu got the upper hand on former teammate Sione Pouha as Pittsburgh's injury-depleted offensive line took control in the first half of the AFC Championship Game. Running back Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 95 yards and a TD as the Steelers rolled to a commanding 24-0 lead. An injury to rookie center Maurkice Pouncey caught up to Pittsburgh in the second half, as a fumbled snap resulted in a safety, Mendenhall was limited to 26 yards, and the Steelers were held scoreless. Pouha came away with 6 tackles and was in pursuit of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he scrambled to hit Antonio Brown for the first down that clinched it.

Pouha and the Jets lost in the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year, while Kemoeatu will play in his third Super Bowl and rookie Stevenson Sylvester will play in his first.

Play of the Year

David Reed's kickoff return for 103 yards and a TD has been voted ProUtes Play of the Year! Honorable Mention goes to fellow rookie Koa Misi for his recovery of a Brett Favre fumble in the end zone for a TD.

Pocket Presence

Alex Smith may be finished in San Francisco, but he kept his poise to the end. Playing without his top running back (injured reserve) and his coach (fired), he stood tall in the pocket and delivered. In a battle of also-rans Smith was 15-29 for 276 yards and 2 TDs in a 38-7 rout of Arizona. The 49ers got 2 of their 6 wins against the Cardinals; it was the second straight sweep of this division opponent. Smith is now a free agent and likely will not be re-signed by the Niners. Hopefully he will get a fresh start with another team next season (if there isn't a lockout).

For playing well until the bitter end Alex Smith wins the ProUte of the Week award ahead of Paul Soliai (6 tackles, fumble recovery) and Eric Weddle (6 tackles, INT, PDef).