The Pittsburgh Steelers. Six Super Bowl Victories. A tradition of winning quarterbacks: Terry Bradshaw, Ben Roethlisberger. A tradition of winning coaches: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin. A tradition of the strongest defenses and defensive players in all of football, from Mean Joe Greene to Troy Polamalu and James Harrison. The Steelers absolutely dominated the first half of this football game, carrying over the way they played in the second half of the Baltimore game last week. Up 24-3 at halftime following touchdown runs by Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall and a fumble recovery touchdown return by William Gay, the Steelers seemed untouchable and unphasable. However, the Jets managed to mount a comeback in the second half and almost pulled off an upset that would have seemed impossible in the first half. Santonio Holmes continued his playoff heroics, catching a 45 yard touchdown pass at the beginning of the third quarter, and Jerricho Cotchery caught a pass to bring the score to 24-19 with three minutes left. Pittsburgh was able to run out the clock though, ending a game which truly was a tale of two halfs. Can Pittsburgh put two strong halfs together in the Superbowl two weeks from now? We will see, as they will need it to defeat a hot Green Bay Packers team.
The Green Bay Packers. Traditionally one of the strongest franchises in NFL history and winners of three Super Bowls, the Pack is back!! Aaron Rodgers has looked the part of the best quarterback in the NFL throughout the playoffs. His connection with Greg Jennings forms arguably the top QB-WR combo in the NFL, and his rapport with his other receivers allows him to spread the ball around to many targets. Rodgers didn't have his best stat line against the Bears Sunday, but his performance was admirable, as he made so exceptional throws outside the pocket following some quick moves to avoid pass rushers. The Packers were not very effective running the ball against the Bears strong front seven, but the Bears were no better against the Packers defense. Both defenses were stout, but Aaron Rodgers outplayed the trio of Bears quarterbacks to lead Green Bay to victory.
Can this Packers team move the ball against the best defense in football next week? It remains to be seen! The Steelers defense has been strong, but not dominant. Both these defenses are capable of forcing a lot of turnovers, as Green Bay picked of Chicago quarterbacks three times yesterday, and both teams scored a defensive touchdown. I believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is more proven and should be better prepared for this Super Bowl XLV. Another advantage the Steelers have is the running game, Rashard Mendenhall runs hard and has great vision. If the Packers had issues moving the ball against the Bears, the Steelers are even stronger up front and play the pass extremely well with Troy Polamalu in the secondary. Don't expect James Starks, Brandon Jackson, and John Kuhn to get much going against the Steelers run defense. In fact, I expect Aaron Rodgers to be the Packers top rusher in the Super Bowl. Damn is he mobile!
Prediction for this game? I say the Packers cinderella run continues, even though they seem a little bit overmatched. Marilynn tends to have a better grasp then I do with who will win games like this, so without further adieu....
Packers 27 - Steelers 24
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