Super Bowl XLV: 10 Pittsburgh Steelers that Will Beat Green Bay Packers
From Big Ben to Troy Polamalu 10 Things to Watch for in Super Bowl XLV
No.10. Ike Taylor: Pittsburgh Steelers Pass Defense
Ike Taylor has picked up his game this season and his 11 passes defensed is just a small snippet of what he is capable of doing when he sets his mind to shut down the opposing number one receiver. Taylor is quick on the back pedal and his coverage of Greg Jennings of the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV will be a key to the Pittsburgh Steelers victory next Sunday.
No.9. Rashard Mendenhall: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Game
The running game and Rashard Mendenhall will be extremely important against the Green Bay Packers defense. One key match up in the running game will right up the gut. Maurkice Pouncey injured his ankle in the Pittsburgh Steelers win over the New York Jets and if he is on the bench it will affect the Steelers ability to drive the ball down the Packers throat.
No.8. Aaron Smith: Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Line
Aaron Smith has been injured most of the season for the Steelers and if he can go for the Super Bowl next Sunday it will be a major boost. Smith is a defensive end that will require attention from two offensive lineman or an offensive lineman and a tight end. This will free up Troy Polamalu or James Harrison to make their way into the back field and get to Aaron Rodgers.
No.7. Mike Tomlin: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach
Mike Tomlin is 38 years old and he is going to his second Super Bowl. Tomlin is a gambler and a motivator that displays more chutzpah than his opposing head coach Mike McCarthy. When it comes down to coaching the young Tomlin has a decisive mentality to counter the unsure McCarthy.
No.6. Pittsburgh Steelers: Possession Receiver Hines Ward
Hines Ward is a clutch wide receiver. He knows how to run precise routes and he has the instinct to know when his quarterback is in trouble. Ward is not going to break any records in the 40 yard dash but he doesn't need to. Ward will be a key several times in this game when Ben Roethlisberger needs a key catch.
No.5. James Harrison: Pittsburgh Steelers Terminator
The Pittsburgh Steelers most notorious hitter is James Harrison. He has been fined so many times this season he has opened up his own chapter of the United Way. Harrison may work on the gray edges when he delivers his hits but make no mistake. Every receiver in the NFL flinches when they hear his footsteps. This alone makes Harrison a game changer every time he sets foot on the field.
No.4. Troy Polamalu: Pittsburgh Steelers All Purpose Defender
Troy Polamalu is unstoppable when he is on but in the New York Jets game it was obvious he was 70%. Still a 70% Polamalu is better than no Polamalu. He will be rested and ready to hammer Green Bay Packers receivers over the middle and Aaron Rodgers if he holds the ball too long. Before the Super Bowl is over Rodgers will be tired of smelling Polamalu's hair.
No.3. Mike Wallace: Pittsburgh Steelers Deep Threat
Mike Wallace may be the fastest wide receiver in the NFL That is saying a mouthful but Wallace has not received his due this year and the Super Bowl will be his coming out party. Wallace is not only a wide receiver that can run deep when needed. Wallace is also a smart route runner that has made some of the best cover corners look foolish this season.
No.2. Big Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback
Big Ben is not the best NFL quarterback in this league but he is the bet leader under center. Phillip Rivers and Tom Brady are great quarterbacks but Ben Roethlisberger is a great leader. Watching the lower echelon quarterbacks who rarely make it to a Super Bowl it is noticeable why Roethlisberger is returning for his third Super Bowl.
No.1. Dick LeBeau: Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Coordinator
Dick LeBeau is the unsung hero of this Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker has established himself as the most brilliant defensive mind in football. LeBeau has dedicated himself to nothing but defense and it has shown in the results. The Pittsburgh Steelers held the opposition to 61 yards rushing per game and 206 yards passing per game. LeBeau will devise a game winning plan for this years Super Bowl and he deserves all of the credit this season.
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Published by Todd Jacobs
Todd Jacobs is from Anaheim, California and resides in the city of Las Vegas. Todd worked for Orange Coast Magazine as News Editor in the 80s and recently began writing for several online sites including:... View profile
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- Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is 38 years old & he is going to his second Super Bowl.
- Polamalu is unstoppable when he is on but in the New York Jets game it was obvious he was 70%.
- Dick LeBeau is the unsung hero of this Pittsburgh Steelers defense.
6 Comments
Post a Commentgood reasons, but I think this one one too close to call.
Great Article. Hate to admit it, but the Steelers are the class of the NFL - going for a 7th Super Bowl - incredible!
ach when he was the Def Coordinator for Pit. Uncanny ability to constantly evolve both in game and week to week.)
See I can do the same thing. 10 key players/positions for the Packers followed by generic analysis. Took me 5 minutes. :-/
Woodson (Reigning Def POY, plays at line amazingly.) Matthews (Probable Def POY, pass rush force, requires multiple blockers.) Tramon Williams (Fast, smart, great technique, great ball skills.) Nick Collins (See Tramon.) B.J. Raji (Amazing interior NT. Strong fast and athletic.) Rodgers (Strong Arm, accurate, mobile, smart etc.) Greg Jennings ( Pro Bowler, tied for fourth in tds and yards. Avging 8 catches for 110 yrds last two weeks.) Jones, Driver, Nelson (The most potent 2,3, and 4 receiver combos in league. Can play any spot in any formation. All over 45 catches in reg season.) McCarthy ( Offensive master, with unlimited formations, play designs, that take some over a season to get. Good motivator with a team thats hungry veterans that haven't won the big one mixed with young, don't know any better guys. Team has never trailed by more than 7 all year. NFL Record.) Dom Capers (Took a team known for offense and made Def the star. Created the 3-4 with Lebeau as an assistant co
Gotta count those Steelers Super Bowl wins on two hands ;-) Great article, Todd!
I hope you're right!