Super Bowl XLV Prediction

Added on Feb 04, 2011 by Scott in

Super Bowl

Two teams will enter Cowboys Stadium on Sunday evening. Only one will exit as pro football’s champions. Both the Steelers and Packers had to overcome plenty of obstacles to make it this far. Pittsburgh survived a troubling offseason, Ben Roethlisberger’s month-long suspension to begin the year and numerous injuries along the defensive and offensive lines. Green Bay lost starting running back Ryan Grant to a broken ankle in Week 1, budding star tight end Jermichael Finley a month later with a torn ACL and successfully lived up to lofty preseason expectations. Both teams are deserving of the Lombardi Trophy, but which one has the edge? Let’s take a look inside the matchup.

Pittsburgh Steelers (14-4) versus Green Bay Packers (13-6)

The Steelers have been playing the same brand of physical, punishing football for decades. On offense, they want to establish a strong running game early and pick their spots to exploit mismatches in the secondary. Big Ben might be the engine that drives the machine, but Rashard Mendenhall acts as the wheels. His ability to soften up a front seven is critical to the gameplan. If he finds room to run early, it will make life much easier for Roethlisberger, who won’t be shy delivering the ball to playmakers Hines Ward, Mike Wallace and Heath Miller. A wounded offensive line must open up lanes and provide adequate protection. If Green Bay is allowed to dominate the line of scrimmage, it will be lights out in steel city.

Mike Tomlin preaches his defense to be disruptive at all times. Eliminating what the opposing offense does best is always the top priority. James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley and Troy Polamalu excel at creating momentum-changing plays. Harassing Aaron Rodgers from the outset is the goal; consistent pressure and being cognizant of his improvisational skills will be keys to success. If cornerbacks Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden and William Gay can lock down the outside threats as they did against the Jets, Rodgers will be forced to thread the ball into tight spaces.

The Packers will remain patient with the run even when it’s not working. James Starks has given them a spark, but he’ll find the sledding beyond tough versus a stingy Steelers front. As it has been all season, the offensive load will fall on the shoulders of Rodgers. An underrated offensive line must stand up to a ferocious pass rush and allow Rodgers time to set his feet and fire downfield. Greg Jennings has been in beast mode the last two games with 16 catches for 231 yards. If he gets loose in the secondary, look out.

From top to bottom, the Packers have the most talent of any team on defense. Tackles B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkins combined for 13.5 sacks in the regular season, corners Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams are the league’s top tandem and linebacker Clay Matthews should’ve won Defensive Player of the Year. Coordinator Dom Capers has many chess pieces to maneuver and will utilize a plethora of schemes to confuse Roethlisberger. Limiting Mendenhall and baiting Ben into mistakes is a recipe for winning.

Both teams are evenly matched. However, the Steelers are more balanced on offense and bring a wealth of experience to the field. They won’t be rattled by the circumstances or surroundings and are better equipped to overcome a costly error or two. I love the Packers perseverance and Rodgers has the look of a future Hall of Famer. Bottom line: Pittsburgh doesn’t lose Super Bowls.

Steelers 27, Packers 24