Five Players To Watch During Super Bowl XLV

Added on Feb 03, 2011 by Scott in

Super Bowl

The 2010 NFL season will officially come to an end Sunday night after the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers throwdown in Super Bowl XLV. Two weeks of game-planning and practicing comes down to four quarters (maybe more) to decide which team will be crowned Kings of Pro Football for the next year. Whether it’s a low-scoring defensive struggle or an aerial shootout that comes down to the wire, a handful of individual performances will influence the outcome. Here are five players (not quarterbacks) to keep a close eye on come kickoff.

Doug Legursky (Steelers) – Rookie center Maurkice Pouncey likes his chances of playing on Sunday despite a severe ankle sprain suffered in the AFC Championship game. According to him, if he practices Friday, then he should be able to go. Even is he does start the game, there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to finish. Backup Doug Legursky, who filled-in nicely two weeks ago, is preparing to have his number called. If he does get the nod, he’ll have his hands full with Packers defensive tackles B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkins. The Steelers are at their best when they run behind the center, so Legursky must be sharp.

Nick Collins (Packers) – Ben Roethlisberger is prone to firing risky passes over the middle. Collins has a history of ballhawking with 21 career interceptions and three touchdowns. With Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields covering outside receivers, Collins should have room to roam in the secondary, when he’s not in the box supporting the run. With Pittsburgh’s offensive line limping, Big Ben might be forced to deliver the ball under duress. Collins will be lying in wait.

James Harrison (Steelers) – The last time Harrison played in a Super Bowl, he returned a Kurt Warner interception 100 yards for the longest pick-six in Big Game history. The Steelers know they have to pressure Aaron Rodgers early and often. Harrison has the speed and strength to give left tackle Chad Clifton fits. If he unleashes one of his signature games, the Pack could be in big trouble.

Jordy Nelson (Packers) – Nelson has been on a bit of a tear in the postseason. He snagged 12 balls for 146 yards and a touchdown versus Atlanta and Chicago. In addition, he caught four for 71 in 2009′s 37-36 thrillfest with the Steelers. With so much attention being paid to Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones, Nelson should get opportunities to exploit one-on-one coverage from nickel backs or safeties. All it takes is one huge play to shift momentum. Nelson is capable of making such a play.

Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers) – Mendenhall crushed the Jets in the AFC title tilt to the tune of 153 total yards and a touchdown. The Packers stingy defense is more vulnerable against the run. However, they did hold both Michael Turner and Matt Forte to less than 75 yards. If Rashard gets off to a strong start, he’ll establish the physical style Pittsburgh wants, and also keep Aaron Rodgers and the explosive Packers offense on the sideline. That’s how the black and gold win championships.