Super Bowl XLV: Packers Kept Steelers On Their Heels All Night

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV Scoring: Packers Took Advantage Of Steelers Mistakes To Keep Scoring

As Super Bowl XLV went on, you got the feeling that the last team with the ball would win the game.  It didn't end that way, but the Green Bay Packers did need to keep scoring in order to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite having double-digit leads most of the night.

• Green Bay opened the scoring in the 1st Quarter on a 29-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson.  Coming on a Third and 1, Rodgers threw a perfect spiral to Nelson who went up over William Gay to make the catch.
• Green Bay scored again, just 24 seconds later, to make the score 14-0 when Nick Collins intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass and returned it 37-yards for the touchdown.  In Super Bowl history, teams that return an interception for a touchdown are now 11-0.

SCORE AFTER FIRST QUARTER - GREEN BAY 14 - PITTSBURGH 0

• The Steelers got on the board early in the 2nd Quarter when Shaun Suisham hit a 33-yard field goal.
• Green Bay took advantage of Ben Roethlisberger's second interception of the game to score its third touchdown - a 21-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings.  Coming just before the 2-minute warning, the score gave the Packers a 21-3 lead and Super Bowl XLV looked to be heading towards a blow-out.
• The Steelers answered right back, however, as Ben Roethlisberger hit Hines Ward on an 8-yard touchdown pass to get the Steelers within 11 at the break.

SCORE AT HALFTIME - GREEN BAY 21 - PITTSBURGH 10

• The Packers received the opening kick-off of the 2nd half but couldn't move and were forced to punt the ball back to Pittsburgh.  The Steelers wasted no time moving the ball on the legs of running back Rashard Mendenhall to score the first points of the second half, an 8-yard run by Mendenhall to cut the Packers lead to 21-17.  All the momentum appeared to be with the Steelers.
• This was an interesting part of the game.  Both defenses got tough - especially the Packers.  Green Bay was on the wrong side of the field position battle much of the quarter but would not allow the Steelers to score.  All they could muster was a missed 52-yard field goal.  In a lot of ways, Super XLV may have been won right here by the Packers defense.

SCORE AFTER THIRD QUARTER - GREEN BAY 21 - PITTSBURGH 17

• The fourth quarter saw plenty of action.  The Packers got started with the help of another Steelers turnover, this time a Rashard Mendenhall fumble, that gave the Packers the ball near mid-field.  Aaron Rodgers took advantage, leading the Packers to their fourth touchdown, his 3rd touchdown pass of the game - and a 28-17 lead.  With less than 12 minutes to go, the Packers once again had a double-digit lead.
• Pittsburgh rallied again, wit Ben Roethlisberger hitting Mike Wallace on a 25-yard touchdown pass on 3rd and 3 to once again get the Steelers within a score.  Down 5, the Steelers went for two and converted on a perfectly executed option run by Big Ben and Antwaan Randle-El.  The Packers lead was just 3 at 28-25 and once again the momentum appeared to be on the Steelers side.
• Green Bay, as they've done all season, once again answered the score.  Aaron Rodgers converted three different 3rd down opportunities before being forced to kick a field goal.  The damage was done, however, as the Packers were able to kill over 5 minutes on the clock.  A Mason Crosby field goal gave the Packers a 6-point lead at 31-25.  It meant the Steelers would have to score a touchdown to win.
• The Steelers would have had decent field position, but a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct call had the Steelers backed up to their own 13-yard line.  The Steelers would have to go 87 yards with one timeout - in less than two minutes - to win Super Bowl XLV.  
• The Steelers got the ball out to the 35 yard line before Roethlisberger's last ditch 4th down pass fell incomplete.  The Green Bay Packers, by taking advantage of ever Steelers mistake, had won Super Bowl XLV.

FINAL SCORE - GREEN BAY PACKERS 31 - PITTSBURGH STEELERS 25

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Aaron Rodgers Named Super Bowl XLV Most Valuable Players

Brett Favre never won the MVP Award of the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers has. Rodgers was named MVP of Super Bowl XLV after the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV.

Rodgers did what Ben Roethlisberger could not do – protect the football – in going 24/39 for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rodgers had been dominant throughout the playoffs and ended his season with a clutch performance in the Super Bowl.

Replacing a legend is never easy, at least it wasn’t before Rodgers helped lead the Packers to the Super Bowl just three years after Brett Favre was traded to the New York Jets.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Pittsburgh Steelers Rally Falls Short, Green Bay Packers Are Super Bowl Champs

The Green Bay Packers won three games on the road on their way to Super Bowl XLV. With thousands of Terrible Towels in the stands, Super Bowl XLV seemed, at times, like a road game. The results for the Packers were the same.

Aaron Rodgers was 24/39 for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25, holding off a Steelers rally the entire second half to win their 4th Super Bowl Championship.

Ben Roethlisberger had the ball with 2 minutes to go, needing 87 yards to win the game, but a 4th and 5 pass to Mike Wallace fell incomplete, fitting on a night that Roethlisberger wasn’t sharp – 25/40, 263 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

All year he Packers have handled adversity – losing 19 players to injury – so it was no shock to the Pack when Charles Woodson went down with a shoulder injury in the first half. The Packers moved on – the way they have all year – and made enough plays down the stretch to get the win.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Ben Roethlisberger Hits Mike Wallace On 25-Yard Touchdown, Trail Packers 28-25

Ben Roethlisberger knows when to turn it on. With the Pittsburgh Steelers down 11 in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLV, Ben is getting started. Roethlisberger hit Mike Wallace on a 25-yard touchdown pass, then executed a perfect option-run to Antwaan Randel-El for the 2-point conversion bringing the Steelers to within 28-25.

The Steelers went 66-yards on seven plays to answer Aaron Rodgers' third touchdown pass of the game, an 8-yarder to Greg Jennings that had put the Packers ahead 28-17.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Aaron Rodgers Third Touchdown Pass Set Up By Third Steelers Turnover

The Green Bay Packers extended their lead in Super Bowl XLV to 28-17 on Aaron Rodgers third touchdown pass of the game – an 8-yard strike to Greg Jennings – after the Pittsburgh Steelers turned the ball over for the third time, a Rashard Mendenhall fumble that ended what appeared to be a promising Steelers’ drive.

Momentum seemed to be with the Steelers after Pittsburgh took over near midfield after a Packers punt. That ended when Clay Matthews stripped Mendenhall.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV: Steelers Football Has Pittsburgh Close To Packers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting back to Steelers football – tough defense and a dominant running game – to get back into Super Bowl XLV. Down 21-3 late in the first half, the Steelers have now scored 14 unanswered points to close the gap to 21-17.

The Packers received the 2nd half kickoff but were forced to punt after a huge drop by James Jones. The Steelers took the ball and quickly went 50 yards on 5 plays, mostly on the legs of running back Rashard Mendenhall, to score on an 8-yard Mendenhall run.

The Packers are without one of their best defenders after defensive back Charles Woodson was lost for the game with a shoulder injury.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV Halftime: Ben Roethlisberger Finds Hines Ward For Steelers First Touchdown

Injuries are becoming a factor in Super Bowl XLV. Green Bay Packers defenders are beginning to drop like flies – Nick Collins, Charles Woodson and Sam Shields all went to the locker room early – which allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to get their first touchdown on an 8-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Hines Ward.

The Steelers, who fell behind 21-3, went 77 yards in 7 plays to cut the Packers lead to 11.

Aaron Rodgers is not looking like a quarterback starting in his first Super Bowl. Rodgers is 11/16 for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Big Ben was 13/21 for 143 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. One of Ben’s picks was returned for a touchdown.

As expected, neither team has run the ball well – James Starks leads the Packers with 37 yards on 7 carries while Rashard Mendenhall has 30 yards on 8 carries for the Steelers.

The Black Eyed Peas are the halftime entertainment.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Aaron Rodgers Throws Second Touchdown Pass, Packers Leads Steelers 21-3

The Green Bay Packers are threatening to turn Super Bowl XLV into a blowout. Following the second Ben Roethlisberger interception of the first half, Aaron Rodgers threw his second touchdown pass – this one a 21-yard strike to Greg Jennings – giving the Packers a 21-3 lead late in the 2nd quarter.

The Steelers looked like they were beginning to get in gear, having kicked a field goal and forced the Packers to punt. Nearing midfield, Roethlisberger tried to squeeze a pass to Mike Wallace but found the Packers instead. Just 4 plays and 53 yards later, the Packers were in the end-zone.

The Steelers trailed the Baltimore Ravens 21-7 at halftime during the divisional round of the playoffs, but Joe Flacco wasn’t playing as well as Aaron Rodger is now – and that game was in Pittsburgh.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Nick Collins Scores On Interception Return, Packers Lead 14-0

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in trouble in Super Bowl XLV. One play after giving up a 29-yard touchdown to Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw their offense give the Packers another touchdown.

Trying to get a big play, Ben Roethlisberger looked deep to Mike Wallace. Unfortunately, Ben’s arm was hit and the pass fell short, right into the arms of Packers safety Nick Collins. The Pro Bowler brought the ball back 37-yards for the touchdown and just like that the Steelers were down 14-0.

The Steelers are not strangers to being behind – they trailed the Baltimore Ravens 14-0 in the divisional round as well.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV: Green Bay Packers Grab Lead On Aaron Rodgers Touchdown Pass

The Green Bay Packers have struck first in Super Bowl XLV, taking a 7-0 lead on the Pittsburgh Steelers on a 29-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson. Green Bay drive 80 yards on 9 plays to get the score, with the touchdown coming on 3rd and 1.

The Packers took over after forcing the Steelers to punt on their first two possessions. The Packers had to punt on their first possession, but Aaron Rodgers looked right at home with his second opportunity. Rodger hit his final 5 passes of the possession.

Rodgers, playing in his first Super Bowl, is 6/10 for 87 yards. Ben Roethlisberger has started 2-4 for 9 yards in his 3rd Super Bowl start.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV - Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers Both Punt After First Possessions

Super Bowl XLV is underway and both defenses are playing the way they played during the regular season. After losing the coin toss, the Green Bay Packers chose to defer, kicking to the Steelers. Despite solid field position, the Steelers sent 3-and-out, punting to the Packers.

Green Bay avoided potential disaster when they fumbled the punt but were able to recover. The Packers picked up a first down, but were unable to get into scoring position and were forced to punt the ball back to Pittsburgh.

The two defenses in the Super Bowl were #1 and #2 in points allowed, so scoring may be hard to come by.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl Predictions: SBNCleveland Picks The Winner Of Super Bowl XLV

Super Bowl XLV is just a few hours away and while most people in Cleveland are hoping with their hearts that the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight, I figured I would ask the editorial staff of SBN-Cleveland who would win tonight.  

Eddy Jansen: Pittsburgh Steelers 32 - Green Bay Packers 29

The word "clutch" may be an understatement in terms of describing the play makers of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roethlisberger, Ward, Wallace; they all elevate their level of play inside the two minute warning of quarter number four. They've came through at the highest stage before. And the Packers inexperience will not guide them in a new, but eccentric environment in Cowboys Stadium. An indoor atmosphere should translate into an offensive shootout, and Pittsburgh has some home run hitters.

Martin Rickman: Green Bay Packers 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers 17

The agonizing two weeks are over. Super Bowl Sunday is finally here. And with all the black and yellow and green and yellow we've been hearing about, boy am I relieved. This game comes down to quarterback play, plain and simple. Big Ben has a knack for making a bad game look good with his scrambling, quick shovels, delayed rollouts for first downs and tight throws to his receivers.

Aaron Rodgers is one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, plain and simple. Can Rodgers break the vaunted (albeit slightly overrated) Steelers secondary and get Greg Jennings the ball early and often? Or will the Steelers put enough pressure on him to force him into mistakes that will ultimately doom the Packers.?

The Steelers always get lucky in these kinds of games, but for some reason, I think the luck won't be going their way this time. There's something about this never-say-die Packers team that gives them that extra "something." I can't explain it, but I've got to go with Green Bay.

John Bena:  Pittsburgh Steelers 31 - Green Bay Packers 27

In 2009 the Packers and Steelers met during the regular season.  The results - the teams combined for over 900 yards, over 70 points.  Ben Roethlisberger threw for over 500 yards himself.  So much for defense.  While I don;t expect that many points to be scored today, I do expect plenty of scoring.  Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers are both playing at a high level - as are the receiving corps - and I think it is going to be hard for the defenses to slow them down.

While Super Bowl experience is likely overrated - see Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in 2010 - there will be a moment during the game that Aaron Rodgers will realize he is playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  That moment, in a game between two teams so evenly matched, could be the difference.  Until a team other than the New England Patriots take down Big Ben and the Steelers I cannot bet against them.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV Kick-Off Times, Odds and Announcers

The day has arrived! Super Bowl XLV is here and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers seem to have gotten through the week without any major distractions. Below is all you need to know about the game:

Super Bowl 2011 kickoff time is at 6:29 p.m. (ET) on FOX. There’s nowhere on-line to watch – legally anyway – so FOX is the way to go.

Super Bowl pregame coverage is well underway. ESPN, NFL Network and FOX are already knee-deep in Super Bowl previews.

As for the game, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are your Super Bowl XLV play-by-play announcers, while Chris Meyers and Pam Oliver broadcast from the sidelines.

The 2011 Super Bowl odds are still in the Green Bay Packers favor. The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been favorites all week. The line has been holding steady around 3 points all week and that’s about where it remains.

We can only hope that Super Bowl XLV is remembered more for the game than the awful weather Dallas has seen leading up to the game. Snow, ice, rain, sleet have all been part of the day-to-day events of the game.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV Kick-Off Time, Odds and Announcers

The day has arrived! Super Bowl XLV is here and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers seem to have gotten through the week without any major distractions. Below is all you need to know about the game:

Super Bowl 2011 kickoff time is at 6:29 p.m. (ET) on FOX. There’s nowhere on-line to watch – legally anyway – so FOX is the way to go.

Super Bowl pregame coverage is well underway. ESPN, NFL Network and FOX are already knee-deep in Super Bowl previews.

As for the game, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are your Super Bowl XLV play-by-play announcers, while Chris Meyers and Pam Oliver broadcast from the sidelines.

The 2011 Super Bowl odds are still in the Green Bay Packers favor. The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been favorites all week. The line has been holding steady around 3 points all week and that’s about where it remains.

We can only hope that Super Bowl XLV is remembered more for the game than the awful weather Dallas has seen leading up to the game. Snow, ice, rain, sleet have all been part of the day-to-day events of the game.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV Injury Report: Maurkice Pouncey Can't Go

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers released their final injury report in preparation for Super Bowl XLV on Sunday and for Steelers fans the news wasn't good, albeit not unexpected.  Rookie center Maurkice Pouncey was officially ruled out of the game with the ankle injury he suffered early in the AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets.  Puncey had said yesterday he was "75%", but he couldn't practice at all this week making it impossible for the Steelers to play him.

The Steelers will also be without defensive end Aaron Smith who has missed most of the season with a triceps injury.  The Steelers had avoided putting Smith on Injured Reserve in hopes he would be ready some time during the playoffs, but Smith's arm just wouldn't respond.

For the Packers the news is much better as everyone appears healthy and ready to go.  

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Status Report

OUT

C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle), DE Aaron Smith (triceps)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle)

Thursday

C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle)

Friday

C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

DE Aaron Smith (triceps)

Thursday

DE Aaron Smith (triceps)

Friday

DE Aaron Smith (triceps)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Status Report

QUESTIONABLE

LB Erik Walden (ankle)

PROBABLE

T Chad Clifton (knees), WR Donald Driver (quadricep), C Jason Spitz (calf), LB Frank Zombo (knee)

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

T Chad Clifton (knees), C Jason Spitz (calf), LB Erik Walden (ankle)

Thursday

T Chad Clifton (knees), WR Donald Driver (quadricep), C Jason Spitz (calf), LB Erik Walden (ankle)

Friday

WR Donald Driver (quadricep), LB Erik Walden (ankle)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

LB Frank Zombo (knee)

Thursday

LB Frank Zombo (knee)

Friday

T Chad Clifton (knees), C Jason Spitz (calf), LB Frank Zombo (knee)

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Talks CBA, Weather At Super Bowl XLV Press Conference

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with the press on Friday, a yearly 'obligation' for the Commish at the Super Bowl.  This is no ordinary year, however, with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Dallas weather.  Goodell talked all of those things, and then some.

Collective Bargaining Agreement
This is the giant elephant in the room and Goodell emphasized over and over that the time was NOW to start 'intense negotiations' for a new agreement.  Goodell called March 4 a 'critical day' for both sides and reiterated that the Owners and Players should try to get a deal done by that day.  While not specifically saying there would be a lock-out, Goodell did say that no deal by March 4 means no Free Agency.  Essentially, that means there would be a lock out.

Goodell is doing a great job using Players Association President Kevin Mawae's words against him.  Mawae talked back in 2006 about how good the deal was for the players, and said something similar 18 months ago.  Goodell is essentially using those words against the Union, saying the NFLPA 'knows what the financial issues are for the owners".

Weather
It took three questions, but Goodell was asked about the wintery weather that has hit north Texas this week.  Honestly, does anyone OTHER than the media care about the weather?  Goodell answered the way it should be answered - fans, players, media - everyone should be prepared for anything.  He applauded Dallas and Ft. Worth for being prepared and made note that Indianapolis(Super Bowl 46) and New York(2014) will be prepared as well.

18-Game Regular Season
Goodell was asked about the 18-game season, and repeated what he has said many times.  The NFL, under the current CBA, is allowed to go to 22 preseason/regular season games but is only looking to remain at 20 total games.  

Goodell also said that the 18-game season is not a 'deal breaker' in negotiations, that there will be give and take on both sides.  "There are no deal breakers".

Legacy
Paul Taglibue was heralded for getting a deal done in 2006, thus ensuring there would be no work stoppages during his time as commissioner.  Roger Goodell was asked about his legacy as well "I am worried about doing the right thing for this game, the fans, for the long term. Not concerned about my legacy."

On Super Bowl
When asked for his thoughts on the Packers-Steelers match-up, Goodell responded succinctly, "That's football.  It represents our history".  He called fans from both teams "Tremendous".

One thing Goodell seemed to tire of were questions about the Steelers' players being treated differently than other teams in terms of rules violations and fines.  Goodell was succinct in saying, "I am the commissioner of 32 teams, not just one and it is my job to treat everyone fairly."  Goodell also stated he was "proud" of the progress Michael Vick has made.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl Injury Report: Green Bay Packers Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle)

Thursday

C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

DE Aaron Smith (triceps)

Thursday

DE Aaron Smith (triceps)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

T Chad Clifton (knees),
C Jason Spitz (calf),
LB Erik Walden (ankle)

Thursday

T Chad Clifton (knees)
WR Donald Driver (quadricep)
C Jason Spitz (calf),
LB Erik Walden (ankle)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday

LB Frank Zombo (knee)

Thursday

LB Frank Zombo (knee)

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Super Bowl XLV - Green Bay Packers Offense Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers square off in Super Bowl 45 in Dallas on Sunday and both teams are finally ramping up final preparations.  The Steelers and Packers, just saying the names harkens back to a different time, to the history of the NFL.  The Packers won the first two Super Bowls, the Steelers have won six Vince Lombardi Trophies, which are named for the legendary Packers head coach.  

We'll start breaking down the match-ups of Super Bowl XLV, starting with a look at the Green Bay Packers offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense:

GREEN BAY PACKERS OFFENSE

Packers Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers (3922 passing yards, 28 TD, 11 INT) had already cemented himself among this era's elite regular-season quarterbacks by averaging over 4,100 passing yards and nearly 29 touchdowns in his three years as Brett Favre's successor, but the 27-year-old has proven himself to be a big- time performer in the postseason as well. In four career playoff tilts, the former first-round pick has thrown for 10 scores and amassed a stellar 113.0 passer rating, the highest in NFL history among signal-callers with at least 100 attempts. Rodgers also easily navigated Pittsburgh's accomplished defense in the previously-mentioned 2009 meeting at Heinz Field, throwing for 383 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers in a 37-36 Green Bay loss.

Packers Running Backs: The 6-foot-2, 218-pound James Starks (101 rushing yards) offers a tantalizing combination of power and speed to the Packers' backfield and fresh legs as well, having been given only 29 regular-season carries prior to his vastly-increased role in the playoffs. The rookie's emergence has rendered leading rusher Brandon Jackson (703 rushing yards, 43 receptions, 4 total TD) into a supporting capacity, with the fourth-year pro's primary duty to serve as a receiving outlet for Rodgers in third-down situations. Also in the mix is John Kuhn (281 rushing yards, 6 total TD), a versatile 250-pounder and one-time Steeler who also possesses solid pass-catching skills and is often utilized in short yardage, as well as a co-lead blocker along with squatty fullback Quinn Johnson in McCarthy's creative three-back sets.

Packers Wide Receivers: The Packers boast possibly the deepest collection of wideouts in the league, with the excellent foursome of Greg Jennings (76 receptions, 1265 yards, 12 TD), Donald Driver (51 receptions, 4 TD), Jordy Nelson (45 receptions, 2 TD) and James Jones (50 receptions, 5 TD) all surpassing 500 receiving yards during the regular season. Jennings ranks as the dangerous deep threat of the bunch and scorched the Steelers for 118 yards and a touchdown in last year's bout between the teams, while the 35-year-old Driver is a savvy veteran who gives Rodgers a tremendously reliable option out of the slot. Jones is the most inconsistent of the group, having struggled with drops at times, but his 15.7 yards per reception average and two touchdowns during the playoffs shows he still must be accounted for.

Packers Tight Ends: The tight end hasn't been a big part of the Green Bay passing game since field-stretcher Jermichael Finley was forced to injured reserve after undergoing knee surgery in mid-October. Rookie Andrew Quarless (21 receptions, 1 TD) has been serviceable as a starter, though, and practice- squad promotee Tom Crabtree contributes as both a blocker and core special teamer.

Packers Offensive Line: Green Bay will attempt to combat a ferocious Pittsburgh pass rush with a sturdy and seasoned front wall that deems pass protection as its strength. The five-man contingent is headlined by steady left tackle Chad Clifton, who's started 164 times (including playoffs) since being taken by the Green and Gold in the second round of the 2000 draft and earned a second career Pro Bowl nod this year. Many insiders believed Josh Sitton deserved the same distinction after putting together a banner season at right guard, and he anchors a sound interior cast that also contains trusted mainstays Scott Wells (center) and Daryn Colledge (left guard), both of whom have locked into their present positions since 2006. The newbie of the corps is rookie right tackle Bryan Bulaga, a first-round selection who's gradually began to justify his lofty draft status after replacing injured vet Mark Tauscher after the season's fourth game. The Packers did a very good job of keeping Rodgers upright in last season's skirmish with the Steelers, allowing only one sack in 49 pass attempts.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS DEFENSE

Steelers Defensive Line: Pittsburgh's No. 1 overall ranking in run defense (62.8 ypg) was in large part due to the work of the large men along the team's three-man front. Veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton (20 tackles, 1 sack) is an immovable force in the middle with five Pro Bowl citations to his credit, while fellow longtime starter Brett Keisel (33 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) was named an alternate to this year's all-star game for his steady play on the right side. 2009 first-round draft choice Ziggy Hood (20 tackles, 3 sacks) has filled in ably for mainstay Aaron Smith (15 tackles), out since late October with a torn triceps, at the other spot. The Steelers have kept Smith on the active roster in the hopes he'd be able to make it back for the Super Bowl, though that seems like an iffy proposition at this point.

Steelers Inside Linebackers: Though neither were chosen to the Pro Bowl, it's hard to find a more formidable duo of inside linebackers than the Steelers' outstanding combo of 14th-year pro James Farrior (109 tackles, 6 sacks) and emerging star Lawrence Timmons (135 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INT). While best known for excelling at filling gaps and stuffing the run, the pair are also adept at pressuring the quarterback, with Farrior posting the second-highest sack total of his long career at age 35.

Steelers Outside Linebackers: The Steelers are equally as strong on the edges of their linebacking corps, boasting two tremendous pass rushers in 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison (100 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 INT) and LaMarr Woodley (50 tackles, 10 sacks, 2 INT), a top-notch tandem and the main reason Pittsburgh led the NFL with 48 sacks in the regular season. Both have a knack of coming through on the big stage as well. Harrison, named to his fourth straight All-Pro team, delivered one of the signature moments of Super Bowl XLIII when he intercepted a Kurt Warner pass at the end of the first half and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown -- the longest play in the game's history. Woodley has registered at least one sack in all six postseason tilts he's appeared in, having racked up 10 over that stretch.

Steelers Cornerbacks: This is the one area that will have its depth tested by the Packers, who extensively employ multiple-receiver looks and figure to test Pittsburgh frequently through the air on Super Bowl Sunday. Physical vet Ike Taylor (66 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT) can be a shutdown cover man and is likely the secondary member Rodgers will look away from, as opposite-side starter Bryant McFadden (81 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INT) and slot specialist William Gay (48 tackles, 2 sacks) are best suited as nickel backs and dime defender Anthony Madison (24 tackles, 1 sacks, 1 INT) makes his living on special teams. This is a group that can makes plays, however, with the quartet combining for six sacks and five of the Steelers' regular-season sum of 21 interceptions.

Steelers Safeties: Troy Polamalu's (63 tackles, 1 sack, 7 INT) remarkable abilities as both a tackler and in coverage make Pittsburgh's last line of defense an obvious strength, but backfield mate Ryan Clark (90 tackles, 2 INT) can hold his own as a playmaker as well. The sometimes overlooked free safety was hard to ignore in the Steelers' come-from-behind win over Baltimore in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, producing an interception and a forced fumble that helped spark the second-half rally. The two's mixture of intelligence and experience were clear factors towards Pittsburgh placing second in pass efficiency defense this season.

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Names Super Bowl XLV Officials

Referee WALT ANDERSON will lead the seven-man crew of game officials selected to work Super Bowl XLV this Sunday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers at Cowboys Stadium, the NFL announced today.

The other members of the Super Bowl XLV officiating crew are CHAD BROWN (umpire), KENT PAYNE (head linesman), JOHN HUSSEY (line judge), DOUG ROSENBAUM (field judge), MIKE WEATHERFORD (side judge) and SCOTT HELVERSON (back judge). The Super Bowl XLV officiating crew collectively has 77 years of NFL officiating experience and 53 combined playoff game assignments.

Anderson, in his 15th season as an NFL game official, served as the line judge in Super Bowl XXXV. Promoted to referee in 2003, he has officiated in 13 playoff games - one Super Bowl, three conference championships, two divisional playoffs and seven wild card games. 

Under the NFL officiating program's evaluation system, the highest-rated eligible officials at each position earn the right to work the Super Bowl.  Super Bowl officials must have at least five years of NFL experience and previous playoff assignments.

TOMMY MOORE is the replay assistant.  The video operator is BUD ALEXANDER.

SUPER BOWL XLV OFFICIALS

• over 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

REPORT: Maurkice Pouncey Has Broken Ankle

The questions about Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey continue to pour in after he missed another day of practice, had a teammate proclaim he wouldn’t play, and was seen wearing a cast with crutches. What does it all mean?

According to various reports, Pouncey, a rookie and a Pro Bowler, has a broken bone in his ankle to go along with the high-ankle sprain he suffered in the AFC Championship Game. While the Steelers have not ruled him out of Super Bowl 45, it would be hard to imagine Pouncey playing with that type of injury.