With the super bowl only a day away, the suspense is still growing and growing. There have been some close games in the previous 10 years with the Patriots winning 3 with a combined margin of 9 points, we all remember Pittsburgh’s last appearance with big Ben throwing a TD with just seconds left, or David Tyree’s catch that that shocked the Patriots and the world, which helped lift the Giants over the undefeated and highly favored Patriots 17-14. It seems like things are a little different with Super Bowl XLV. Sports personalities are having very difficult time picking a winner for this game, and for very good reasons.
Two of the top defenses in the league will be facing off. The Steelers finished the season with the leagues top defense and the Packers finished at number 4. Defense has been the talk of this year’s super bowl but people don’t realize that the Steelers finished the season with the number 5 offense and the Packers finished at number 4. Both teams come into this game with advantages over the other team and these advantages may be the difference of walking out world camps and going home number 2.
“DOME”-FIELD ADVANTAGE: We all know that Aaron Rodgers is a very dangerous QB, but when his receivers have the chance to showcase their speed on turf, Aaron Rodgers becomes deadly. Rodgers completes almost 67% of his passes, averages 8.6 yards an attempt, averages 265 yards a game and 2.5 touchdowns a game when playing indoors. The key stat is he has only five interceptions in 10 dome games. Outdoors, Rodgers averages 3% fewer completions and almost a yard per throw less, and he has 27 interceptions in 44 games.
CB VS. WR: The biggest weakness in the Steelers defense is at the corner back position. This may become a deciding factor in the outcome of the game. With the talent of the Green Bay wide outs and the struggles of the Pittsburgh corners we could see a big game from Rodgers. This is where the others players on the defensive side of the ball for Pittsburg need to have a great game. Harrison, Woodley, Farrior (watch for a big game from him), and especially Troy Polamalu. If Rodgers has time in the pocket then Jennings, Driver (both possibly hall-o-famers), or Jones are bound to get open for a big gain.
POUNCEY FACTOR: The Pouncey factor may prove to be one of the biggest disadvantages for the Steelers. Although only a rookie, Maurkaice Pouncey is a pro-bowl center and is out for this Sunday’s game with a high ankle sprain. The Steelers need to have a big day on the ground to win the big game, and this task was just made that much more difficult. With the 6’3” 345 beast of a man, B.J. Raji playing the nose for Green Bay makes this that much more of a loss for Pittsburgh. You will probably see Pittsburgh show more of the 3 tight end set to give Roethlisberger more time to throw the ball which will help to get Heath Miller involved in the game.
EXPERIENCE: One of the biggest advantages in any sport is experience and the Steelers have just that going into this Sunday’s game. The Packers have only two players on their roster that have gone to a previous super bowl. This being the Steelers third super bowl in six years and a NFL record sixth super bowl, they have 38 players who have been to the big dance before. This is a major advantage, especially very early, and very late in the game.
If the Packers O-line can give Aaron Rodgers time to make plays, they have a great chance to win. If the Steelers can be effective running the ball and sustain drives (like the opening 9 minute drive of the AFC championship game) and get pressure on Rodgers they will come out on top. I see the experience of the Steelers lifting them above the Packers 28-24.
Chandler Turley (Guest Writer)
Good job, guest writer.
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