Packers-Steelers Super Bowl Could Be One For The Ages

Added on Jan 24, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

After the smoke cleared and the stadiums emptied, only two teams were left standing in the gladiator arena that is the NFL playoffs. Super Bowl XLV will star a pair of the league’s most storied franchises: the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers, winners of nine combined Lombardi Trophies. With two whole weeks to delve into every possible nook and cranny of the matchup, there should be no shortage of storylines to ponder.

The last time the Packers and Steelers met was December 2009 in Pittsburgh. On that day, Ben Roethlisberger threw for 503 yards and three touchdowns and Aaron Rodgers tossed for 383 yards, three scores and ran for one more. As time expired, Big Ben hit wide receiver Mike Wallace to seize a thrilling 37-36 victory. We can only hope the “rematch” will be as good.

The Steelers obviously hold the edge in experience. History is also on their side. They’ve won six of seven trips to the Big Game and have captured two of the last five titles. Roethlisberger is 2-0 and head coach Mike Tomlin is 1-0. The likes of Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, Brett Keisel and James Farrior all have two rings, along with Big Ben. In other words, the black and gold won’t be intimidated by the situation or surroundings.

On the other hand, Green Bay will participate in its first Super Bowl since January 1998, when they lost to Denver 31-24. Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy are both new to February football not located in Hawaii. Charles Woodson is the only starter with experience, having played as a member of the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. No matter what the betting lines are, they are the underdogs.

Elite quarterbacks, dynamic wide receivers, stud defenses and multiple Pro Bowlers. This has the makings of a classic showdown between evenly matched teams. A win for Roethlisberger will solidify his place among the all-time greats. A win for Rodgers would permanently remove him from Brett Favre’s shadow. Regardless of the outcome, it’s safe to assume we’re in store for one helluva football game on February 6th. Fingers crossed.