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.