By TLarner
Super Bowl XLV- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers
The day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. In September, there were 32 teams with one thing in common, they all wanted to win the Super Bowl. Now, there are only two teams left. One will leave Dallas with the coveted Lombardi Trophy.
The Steelers and Packers are two of the most storied franchises in NFL history. Pittsburgh has won six Super Bowls, starting in 1975 with Super Bowl IX, and most recently, Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.
Green Bay won the first two Super Bowls under Head Coach Vince Lombardi. Quarterback Bart Starr was named the MVP in both games. In Super Bowl XXXI, Brett Favre won his only Super Bowl ring.
This year’s championship game features many big names. Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu are all playing for their third Super Bowl ring. Green Bay will be led by Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Charles Woodson.
Big Ben has proven time and time again that he is a championship caliber quarterback. He has a solid core of skill players around him, including Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace, Heath Miller, and Ward. However, his offensive line may have trouble slowing down the Green Bay defense. Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey will not play with a high ankle sprain. Doug Legursky will make his first career start at center.
The Steelers’ defense needs no introduction. Pittsburgh has one of the best groups of linebackers in the league with James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior, and LaMarr Woodley. Corner Ike Taylor and Polamalu occupy the secondary.
On the other side of the ball, Rodgers and the Green Bay offense are on fire. Rodgers has a 109.2 passer rating and is completing over 70 percent of his passes so far in the playoffs. Receivers Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson provide Rodgers with dangerous targets. Rookie running back James Starks has provided a spark in the running game, but he’ll have trouble running against Pittsburgh’s front seven.
Green Bay’s defense also deserves some respect. Matthews is arguably the most feared pass-rusher in the league. He currently has three and a half sacks in the playoffs. With the emergence of corners Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, Woodson has been able change his coverages, and blitz out of the slot. B.J. Raji has become a household name with his interception return for a touchdown against Chicago.
Prediction
Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Green Bay Packers 27
The Lombardi Trophy returns home. Rodgers will continue the legacy of great Green Bay quarterbacks, and be named MVP with about 230 yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown.
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