Superbowl XLV-Green Bay Packers Take The Trophy

Green Bay looked as though they were going to coast through this game, jumping out to a big lead in the first half 21-10. A dropped pass by Jones on the first set of plays starting the second half and a bad facemask call on the ensuing punt turned the tide of the game in favor of the Steelers, who scored shortly after on a Mendenhall run. Then a fumble by Mendenhall took the steam out of the Steelers surge and the Packers scored a touchdown on a Rodgers to Jennings hookup in the end zone. The Steelers made a quick recovery capping off a drive with Wallace taking in a reception for a touchdown and a successful execution of a two point conversion making it only a three point deficit. Green Bay converted a crucial third down play to extend their next drive that ended with a Crosby field goal. Pittsburgh fell short on their last ditch effort and Green Bay walked away with a 31 to 25 victory and the trophy.

The Steelers played their usual type of game, falling behind early, but never out of it. Considering the Steelers committed three turnovers, they still made it hard on the Packers to walk away with the victory. Ben Roethlisberger committed the majority of the mistakes, throwing two picks. One of them returned for a touchdown. Rashard Mendenhall had some decent runs and scored a touchdown. Mike Wallace was controlled for most of the game, but still managed to take the top spot with 89 yards and a touchdown. Hines Ward was next with 78 yards and one touchdown.

From beginning to end the Packers were committed to the pass. The Steeler defense roughed up Aaron Rodgers, but he prevailed through the adversity with some good numbers. Rodgers threw for 304 yards and was 24-39. Three of his passes were for touchdowns, two of them to Greg Jennings and one to Jordy Nelson. Rodgers numbers would've been even better if it wasn't for the fact that his receivers were plagued with a case of the muffs. Jordy Nelson was Rodgers prime target gathering in 9 catches for 140 yards. Greg Jennings had 4 catches for 64 yards and James Jones had 5 for 50 yards. Green Bay's offense was mistake free and their defense was opportunistic, taking advantage of Roethlisberger's mistakes and forcing a fumble.

Overall it was an entertaining Superbowl. The Green Bay Packers were a sixth seed team that looked like a number one seed and prevailed over everyone else week to week through the playoffs. Either team was worthy of winning, but it was the Packers time and they were not going to be denied their rightful place. By the way, the unforseen occurrence played a significant part and it was wearing the green and gold colors in this one.

Superbowl XLV-Who Will Walk Away With The Trophy

All this week will be dedicated to building anticipation for the upcoming Superbowl. Everyone is weighing in on how they think things will play out when the Packers meet the Steelers in Dallas. We know what each player is capable of doing and how each team matches up in perspective categories. As I said in my previous article it is often the unforeseen occurrence that determines the fate of the game. This game will be no acception when it comes to this happenstance phenomenon.

The Steelers are a proven winner when it comes to the big game. They have six Superbowls to their credit. Their last appearance was in Superbowl XLIII where they won. For the Packers it has been a long dry spell. The Packers have three Superbowl trophies and their last visit was Superbowl XXXII where they lost.

It is a tough pick to make a decision on. Emotionally you have a favorite, but pragmatically things may be different. If you were to add up all their ratings from offense and defense, the Steelers win hands down 38 to Packers 52. The Steelers are tough on the run with a rating of one and the Packers are tough on the pass with a rating of five.

Considering the Packers have been a predominantly passing offense with Rodgers at the helm, the Steelers will be preparing with emphasis on controlling him. The Packers can counter with the screen pass to Starks to keep the Steelers leery of putting the heat on Rodgers, which they will try frequently. The Steelers have more of a running threat with Mendenhall, so the Packers will be looking to shore up their run defense. There will be an opportunity here for the Steelers to utilize Heath Miller strategically to their advantage.

Well, here it is, my final thoughts and pick. It would be an easy choice if I were a Steeler fan. Alas, I am from Northeast Ohio and therefore a Browns fan. But one could counter and say the Steelers and the Browns are in the same AFC division. I am obviously stonewalling my decision.

I think the Packers passing attack will be to much for the Steelers to handle for the whole four quarters barring any unforeseen injury, like a concussion, to Rodgers. He just has to many choices when it comes to quality receivers and Polamalu is not omnipresent. The key for the Steelers will be how well they blitz Rodgers to offset that.

 

My cousin, who is a Steeler fan, will not like what's coming next. I am taking the Packers to win by a touchdown. Then again, the unforeseen occurrence will be suited up and we will have to wait to see whose colors it will be wearing on Sunday.