January 28th, 2011 Friday
Friday’s Football Fixx
Who Will Win on Super Sunday?
Bold predictions can sometimes become boring clichés fast, but that doesn’t mean we tire from hearing them and on that note I would like to offer a few thoughts on the big dance set to take stage in just over a week. The Packers and Steelers have traveled very different roads to get to Dallas, but both have used very similar blue prints to find their way; a big armed quarterback, a suffocating pass rush, and playmakers all around.
The Packers boast the next up and coming elite quarterback in the game with Aaron Rodgers. Finally out of the shadow of a legend, Rodgers is paving his way to his own history. In the post season he has looked as good as any other under center completing better than 70 percent of his throws, averaging 263 yards per game, and accounting for eight touchdowns (6 pass, 2 run). His counterpart, Big Ben (Roethlisberger) has not been quite the highlight reel this post season, but his resume has been well documented; 10-2 record in the post season, one of the highest regular season winning percentages as a starter, and his third appearance in the Super Bowl. Both will lead offenses very capable of lighting up the score board in a hurry.
The Packers were only 10th in scoring this past season, but they did rank 5th in passing and will undoubtedly stick to their guns on the big stage. The Steelers
Can the Defenses Dominate on the Big Stage?
Super Bowl XLV should plenty filled with lots of fireworks from both offenses, but don’t think for a moment there will be an absence of defense. The Steelers finished the regular season with the 2nd ranked defense overall (1st in scoring), while the Packers ranked 5th overall and second in scoring. The Steel Curtain had plenty of stars on the defense with players like James Harrison (10.5 sacks), LaMarr Woodley (10 sacks), and Troy Polamalu (7 interceptions).
The Packers also have plenty of stars on defense to boast of as well with players like Charles Woodson (5 forced fumbles), Clay Matthews Jr (13.5 sacks), and Cullen Jenkins (7 sacks). Both defenses face monumental tasks of trying to stop the opposing offenses, but each should some level of success. The Packers are going to bring plenty of heat and count on Big Ben to hold onto the ball longer trying to make a play downfield, while the Steelers defense will limit the Packers ground game so they can turn their dogs loose on the edge to get after Rodgers.
This matchup has the makings of being something great and the evidence is readily available to view; their matchup in December 2009 is a screaming example. Both teams will be exchanging haymakers and thunderbolts on Super Sunday, but which team will land the biggest blow and take the biggest prize?
This one may be too close to call, but like their previous meeting this one could simply come down to who has the ball last.
Injury News and Updates for Super Sunday
The Steelers will likely be without defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) who is still ailing from his injury according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team had refrained from placing him on the injured reserve in hopes he could be ready for the Super Bowl (if they had made it), but the prospect looks improbable at best now.
The word on offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey has not changed much; he suffered a sprained ankle in the AFC Championship and appears to be dealing with a broken bone in the ankle as well. His status appears to be in serious doubt and would be huge blow to the “O” line.
The Packers appear to be in good health leading up to Super Sunday with just a few players getting some rest; Greg Jennings (knee) was listed as limited, but appears to be fine and just resting up for the big dance on February 6th.
Just my views.
By David Ortega
Bold predictions can sometimes become boring clichés fast, but that doesn’t mean we tire from hearing them and on that note I would like to offer a few thoughts on the big dance set to take stage in just over a week. The Packers and Steelers have traveled very different roads to get to Dallas, but both have used very similar blue prints to find their way; a big armed quarterback, a suffocating pass rush, and playmakers all around.
The Packers boast the next up and coming elite quarterback in the game with Aaron Rodgers. Finally out of the shadow of a legend, Rodgers is paving his way to his own history. In the post season he has looked as good as any other under center completing better than 70 percent of his throws, averaging 263 yards per game, and accounting for eight touchdowns (6 pass, 2 run). His counterpart, Big Ben (Roethlisberger) has not been quite the highlight reel this post season, but his resume has been well documented; 10-2 record in the post season, one of the highest regular season winning percentages as a starter, and his third appearance in the Super Bowl. Both will lead offenses very capable of lighting up the score board in a hurry.
The Packers were only 10th in scoring this past season, but they did rank 5th in passing and will undoubtedly stick to their guns on the big stage. The Steelers
Can the Defenses Dominate on the Big Stage?
Super Bowl XLV should plenty filled with lots of fireworks from both offenses, but don’t think for a moment there will be an absence of defense. The Steelers finished the regular season with the 2nd ranked defense overall (1st in scoring), while the Packers ranked 5th overall and second in scoring. The Steel Curtain had plenty of stars on the defense with players like James Harrison (10.5 sacks), LaMarr Woodley (10 sacks), and Troy Polamalu (7 interceptions).
The Packers also have plenty of stars on defense to boast of as well with players like Charles Woodson (5 forced fumbles), Clay Matthews Jr (13.5 sacks), and Cullen Jenkins (7 sacks). Both defenses face monumental tasks of trying to stop the opposing offenses, but each should some level of success. The Packers are going to bring plenty of heat and count on Big Ben to hold onto the ball longer trying to make a play downfield, while the Steelers defense will limit the Packers ground game so they can turn their dogs loose on the edge to get after Rodgers.
This matchup has the makings of being something great and the evidence is readily available to view; their matchup in December 2009 is a screaming example. Both teams will be exchanging haymakers and thunderbolts on Super Sunday, but which team will land the biggest blow and take the biggest prize?
This one may be too close to call, but like their previous meeting this one could simply come down to who has the ball last.
Injury News and Updates for Super Sunday
The Steelers will likely be without defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) who is still ailing from his injury according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team had refrained from placing him on the injured reserve in hopes he could be ready for the Super Bowl (if they had made it), but the prospect looks improbable at best now.
The word on offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey has not changed much; he suffered a sprained ankle in the AFC Championship and appears to be dealing with a broken bone in the ankle as well. His status appears to be in serious doubt and would be huge blow to the “O” line.
The Packers appear to be in good health leading up to Super Sunday with just a few players getting some rest; Greg Jennings (knee) was listed as limited, but appears to be fine and just resting up for the big dance on February 6th.
Just my views.
By David Ortega
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