Super Bowl Preview
Well, it's finally here; the Super Bowl. In just 12 days, confetti will be flying and the notable players, like Aaron Rodgers or Ben Roethlisberger, will be celebrating. But now, all we can do is predict.
The Super Bowl features the 2nd seed Pittsburgh Steelers and the 6th seed Green Bay Packers. Green Bay has a reason to be fired up, for the trophy was dedicated to their former coach, Vince Lombardi. However, to win this game they will need a nice game from seldom-used James Starks, who came on in the playoffs.
In Week 1, Ryan Grant got hurt and was never able to convalesce. So, with coaches exasperated and looking for a running back, they finally found their long overdue answer. Starks ran for 123, 66 and 74 rushing yards, scoring a touchdown in Green Bay's NFC Championship triumph over Chicago. But, to defeat Pittsburgh, they will have to overthrow Ben Roethlisberger and co.
Big Ben has penetrated through defenses all year, with his only multi-pick game coming against the Jets in their AFC Title win. Although his stats don't show great numbers; he has painted a portrait of a new Steeler dynasty. But, one reason that Pittsburgh could be here is when Charlie Batch stepped up during Roethlisberger's 4 game restriction, which gave them home-field advantage.
However, his counterpart, Aaron Rodgers, is 3-1 in the playoffs, with his only playoff loss being one of his best games ever. In the divisional round, Green Bay never had to punt. In the wild card round, Rodgers threw 3 touchdowns; it would have been 4 if James Jones hadn't dropped a sure touchdown. But, the dictator of the Green Bay offense has thrown 34 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions in 19 games, including the playoffs.
One of the guys that helped stimulate the Packers is cornerback Tramon Williams. Williams saved the Packers season when he intercepted a Michael Vick pass with 33 seconds left to seal the Green Bay triumph. And, he gave Green Bay a huge boost with 2 interceptions in Green Bay's 48-21 win over Atlanta, returning one back for a touchdown.
The Steelers are a pretty complete team, but their only weakness is the offensive line. Their best player on the line, Maurkice Pouncey, is hurt and may be out for the Super Bowl. So if Green Bay can bring a tempest on to Roethlisberger, and Big Ben can't make enough plays on the run, then the Steelers might be in trouble.
Another advantage to the Packers is their secondary. Many Packers have a great story, with a hard upbringing or being overlooked by NFL scouts, but they are all in the Super Bowl. Led by Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, with 3 and 2 interceptions, the Green Bay secondary has picked off 6 passes in the playoffs. Many of the players from their secondary can just step out of the blue and make a play.
Pittsburgh does have a big advantage. Rashard Mendanhall, their star running back who just seems to rebel defenders' ideas and pick up 6 points or 100+ yards for Pittsburgh. He rushed for 121 yards against the Jets and the winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. If he can step up like that again, Green Bay will need a huge performance from B.J Raji and the defensive tackles and lineman.
Overall, this sums up to be a pretty good game. But I think this game will come down to who can capitalize on mistakes and make enough big plays. I think the secondary of Green Bay will make the difference and lead the Packers to the win. It will be close, but I like Green Bay 24-20.
The Super Bowl features the 2nd seed Pittsburgh Steelers and the 6th seed Green Bay Packers. Green Bay has a reason to be fired up, for the trophy was dedicated to their former coach, Vince Lombardi. However, to win this game they will need a nice game from seldom-used James Starks, who came on in the playoffs.
In Week 1, Ryan Grant got hurt and was never able to convalesce. So, with coaches exasperated and looking for a running back, they finally found their long overdue answer. Starks ran for 123, 66 and 74 rushing yards, scoring a touchdown in Green Bay's NFC Championship triumph over Chicago. But, to defeat Pittsburgh, they will have to overthrow Ben Roethlisberger and co.
Big Ben has penetrated through defenses all year, with his only multi-pick game coming against the Jets in their AFC Title win. Although his stats don't show great numbers; he has painted a portrait of a new Steeler dynasty. But, one reason that Pittsburgh could be here is when Charlie Batch stepped up during Roethlisberger's 4 game restriction, which gave them home-field advantage.
However, his counterpart, Aaron Rodgers, is 3-1 in the playoffs, with his only playoff loss being one of his best games ever. In the divisional round, Green Bay never had to punt. In the wild card round, Rodgers threw 3 touchdowns; it would have been 4 if James Jones hadn't dropped a sure touchdown. But, the dictator of the Green Bay offense has thrown 34 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions in 19 games, including the playoffs.
One of the guys that helped stimulate the Packers is cornerback Tramon Williams. Williams saved the Packers season when he intercepted a Michael Vick pass with 33 seconds left to seal the Green Bay triumph. And, he gave Green Bay a huge boost with 2 interceptions in Green Bay's 48-21 win over Atlanta, returning one back for a touchdown.
The Steelers are a pretty complete team, but their only weakness is the offensive line. Their best player on the line, Maurkice Pouncey, is hurt and may be out for the Super Bowl. So if Green Bay can bring a tempest on to Roethlisberger, and Big Ben can't make enough plays on the run, then the Steelers might be in trouble.
Another advantage to the Packers is their secondary. Many Packers have a great story, with a hard upbringing or being overlooked by NFL scouts, but they are all in the Super Bowl. Led by Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, with 3 and 2 interceptions, the Green Bay secondary has picked off 6 passes in the playoffs. Many of the players from their secondary can just step out of the blue and make a play.
Pittsburgh does have a big advantage. Rashard Mendanhall, their star running back who just seems to rebel defenders' ideas and pick up 6 points or 100+ yards for Pittsburgh. He rushed for 121 yards against the Jets and the winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. If he can step up like that again, Green Bay will need a huge performance from B.J Raji and the defensive tackles and lineman.
Overall, this sums up to be a pretty good game. But I think this game will come down to who can capitalize on mistakes and make enough big plays. I think the secondary of Green Bay will make the difference and lead the Packers to the win. It will be close, but I like Green Bay 24-20.
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