This matchup between two of the NFL's storied franchises lived up to it's billing. Two teams with a similar road to the Superbowl: one of adversity. The Pittsburgh Steelers were without QB Ben Roethlisberger for the first four games, as he was suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The Green Bay Packers endured injuries throughout the season to Aaron Rodgers, Nick Barnett, Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley, and Al Harris, to name a few, and overcame injuries to veterans Charles Woodson and Donald Driver in the Superbowl itself. The way that the Packers handled this adversity throughout the season was exceptional. Backups that were used mainly for special teams had to step into key roles on offense and defense. Aaron Rodgers had to carry even more of the offensive load on his shoulders when Ryan Grant went down with a season-ending injury in Week 1. When Donald Driver went down with an injury, unheralded Jordy Nelson stepped in to the tune of 9 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown.
On paper, the Steelers were a stronger team, with a better running game and superior play on both lines. However, this Green Bay Packers team is filled with playmakers that made a difference. The star players for the Packers played exceptionally, while the top players for the Black and Gold were neutralized.
Pittsburgh
Troy Polamalu - 3 tackles, no QB hits. He was hardly around the football.
James Harrison - 1 tackle, 1 sack, 3 QB hits, but was neutralized for most of the game
Ben Roethlisberger- 25/40 for 263 yards, 2 TD but 2 Int. Roethlisberger played well, but not well enough
Green Bay
Nick Collins - 4 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and an interception return for a touchdown. Lived up to his Pro Bowl selection
Greg Jennings - 4 catches for 64, 2 TD, but made the most of his seven targets
Aaron Rodgers - 24/39 for 304 yards, 3 TD no Int. Rodgers played a great game and picked apart the second best defense in the NFL.
In what was a very evenly matched Superbowl, the Packers made more big plays, forcing three turnovers while the Steelers couldn't force one. Relentless pressure on Ben Roethlisberger resulted in an errant throw and an interception return for a touchdown, and an early Packers lead caused the Steelers to go away from their strong running game and revert to a passing game that clearly misses Santonio Holmes. It seemed like the Packers just wanted to win this game more. Their final regular season games were essentially elimination games, as they sported an 8-6 record after 14 games and needed to win out to make the playoffs. This Green Bay team played with a swagger and confidence that was unmatched, and rode that confidence to a Superbowl XLV victory!
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