Game plan

What the Steelers will do: Even though Mike Tomlin said the offensive line has to do a better job, that is one of the main reasons the team has rushed for 595 yards (5.5 ypc). And it is the reason NFL rushing leader Willie Parker has opened with three consecutive 100-yard games. LT Marvel Smith, who has been exceptional, will line against OLB/DE Bertrand Berry, Arizona's best pass-rusher. The Steelers have done a good job pressuring the quarterback -- 12 sacks, 38 hurries -- but will need to have better containment vs. QB Matt Leinart, who will move around.

What the Cardinals will do: Ken Whisenhunt knows he probably can't run on the Steelers' base defense, which hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 28 games. So he will try to spread the field with multiple receiver and tight end combinations, forcing the Steelers to use a lot of their nickel and dime packages. He will also not hesitate to use backup QB Kurt Warner. The Cardinals' 3-4 defense has done a good job against the run, holding Frank Gore, Shawn Alexander and Willis McGahee to a combined 223 yards. But CBs Eric Green and Rod Hood, are a concern because they allow a lot of big plays.

Keep an eye on ...

Cardinals S Adrian Wilson: He is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Wilson has the speed to run with receivers, but he plays like a linebacker because of his size (6-3, 230) and hitting ability. The Steelers have been very active throwing to the tight end, especially Heath Miller, who leads the team with 10 catches. Wilson will line up all over the field, in the same manner as Troy Polamalu, and is second on the team with 25 tackles.

Data

Game: Steelers (3-0) ar Arizona Cardinals (1-2).

When: 4:15 p.m.

Where: Glendale, Ariz.

TV: KDKA.

Radio: WDVE-FM (102.5), WBGG-AM (970).

Intangibles

Rookie coaches are 5-10 and Mike Tomlin has accounted for three of the wins. The Steelers are 13-1 in their past 14 games against NFC teams, but have lost two of the last three in Arizona. The Cardinals have had all three games come down to the final play, and their comeback from 17 down in Baltimore is testament to a new resolve under Whisenhunt.

Keys to victory

To win, the Cardinals must ...

1. Not let Willie feel at home. Parker has averaged 125 yards rushing in his past three road games, dating to last season.

2. Be bold with Anquan. Two-time Pro Bowler is a tough, physical receiver in the mold of Hines Ward, but he has been slowed by a bad hip.

3. Not play possum with Rossum. Allowed a 75-yard punt return for TD vs. the Ravens, the same week Allen Rossum returned a kickoff 98 yards.

To win, the Steelers must ...

1. Put the hurt on Kurt. Warner is less mobile than Leinart, but he will throw quicker and be more decisive with his reads.

2. Keep James from the Edge. Edgerrin James had 57 yards on 10 carries, including a 27-yard run, before falling behind against the Ravens.

3. Have Nate play great. The Steelers can make big plays in the secondary, but WR Nate Washington might have to start at flanker for Ward (knee).