Sunday • 6:30 p.m. • Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas • TV » FOX • Radio » Sirius 124
STORYLINES
1. Running games » With so much attention focused on the quarterbacks, one team’s running game could flourish. Which one? Pittsburgh’s has been more consistent thanks to Rashard Mendenhall, who has 167 yards in two postseason games (and 1,273 for the season). Green Bay’s defense ranked 18th vs. the run in the regular season. The Packers have rookie James Starks, who has rushed for 263 yards in three postseason games. But he’s facing the top-rated run defense.
2. History in the making » For historical drama, this Super Bowl is as good as it gets. No team has won more Super Bowls than Pittsburgh’s six and this is the eighth time the Steelers have played in this game. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is trying to become only the fifth quarterback to win three Super Bowls. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers is trying for his first. And he plays for a franchise whose former coach has the Super Bowl trophy named for him..
3. Secondary stars » Two of the best defensive backs in the NFL could have a major impact on this game, even if it’s just where they align themselves before each play. Defensive player of the year Troy Polamalu, perhaps still slowed by an Achilles’ injury, still keys the secondary with his ability to disguise coverages longer than other safeties. Green Bay’s Charles Woodson, a former defensive player of the year, is used all over — as a corner, in the slot, as a safety. He’s a dangerous playmaker.
KEY MATCHUPS
| Steelers | Packers | |
|
LB LaMarr Woodley » He’s recorded a sack in all six postseason games he’s played (10 total). Good against the run, too. |
vs. | RT Bryan Bulaga » He’s struggled at times; don’t be surprised if he has a few false starts. |
| C Doug Legursky » Assuming he fills in for injured starter Maurkice Pouncey, he’ll have his hands full. | vs. | NT B.J. Raji » He’s developed into one of the best at his position in a short period of time. |
| CB Ike Taylor » He’s a tall, athletic corner and does well in part because of the pass rush. | vs. | WR Greg Jennings » He’s a big-play receiver, averaging 16.2 yards per catch in his career with 40 touchdowns. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
PACKERS » Green Bay reached the Super Bowl through a tough road, from having 16 players on injured reserve to needing to win three road games in the playoffs. It’s fair to say nobody has been more tested mentally.
STEELERS » Pittsburgh’s year began with talk about Roethlisberger’s suspension, but the Steelers overcame that as well as injuries to their line. They have 16 players who have won two Super Bowls and 25 who have won one.
EXAMINER PREDICTS …
This is a pick-em game. Ultimately, we like Pittsburgh’s ability to run the ball and control the game. But we hope Green Bay wins. Alas …
Steelers 23, Packers 21
