"The popular theory of why the Steelers will beat the New York Jets in Sunday's AFC Championship Game revolves around the return of a Pro Bowl performer who missed their previous meeting at Heinz Field.

Strong safety Troy Polamalu is arguably the NFL's best defensive player and the catalyst for the league's No. 1 defense because of his ability to make heart-stopping, momentum-changing plays.

But tight end Heath Miller might be the difference between the Steelers losing to the Jets and playing in Super Bowl XLV.

"They're both Pro Bowl players. What Troy does for the defense definitely has an impact, but what Heath does for us is help give us balance," Steelers receiver Hines Ward said. "We put me and Heath in the middle and our fast guys outside. You can't match up everywhere. You put him one-on-one on the back side — they play a lot of single coverage — and if you want to put (Antonio) Cromartie and (Darrelle) Revis on us, then somebody's got to cover Heath. I like him. I like the matchup there."

Covering Miller is a matchup problem the Jets didn't have to worry about in their 22-17 victory Dec. 19. He was out with a concussion, courtesy of a head-snapping hit by Baltimore's Jameel McClain. Just ask Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who called Miller "the best tight end in the game.""