2) Pittsburgh Steelers 14-4 vs. 6) Green Bay Packers 13-6
Recent Super Bowl History
The Steelers are making their third Super Bowl since 2006. They are 2-0 in those games. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is starting in his third. Head coach Mike Tomlin is leading his team to their second Super Bowl. The Packers haven't made the Super Bowl since 1998 and don't have a player who has won an NFL championship on the roster.
How They Got Here
Overcoming Roethlisberger's 4 game suspension at the outset of the year, the Steelers have been a title contender throughout the season. They rely on their hardnosed defense, tough running game, and on their quarterback's propensity to make a big play in the clutch.
The Packers were one of the favorites in the NFC at the beginning of the year. But the loss of starting running Ryan Grant proved a tough hurdle for much of the season. The Packers needed a last season surge to creep into the playoffs, where they've won three road games and have looked impressive. Green Bay has a high-flying passing assault and a very underrated defense that is no stranger to making big plays.
How the Game Will Shape Up
I'm counting on this game being a defensive struggle. For the Packers, cornerback Charles Woodson can change a game on a corner blitz. He's Green Bay's answer to Troy Polamalu, the defensive player of the year. The Packers do not contain a running game, which will free up Polamalu to make plays against the Packers' passing attack.
The Steelers' low-risk running game and Roethlisberger's calm under fire could very well carry the day. Limiting turnovers will be the key objective in a game with two great defenses. The Steelers are more prepared to do so. That the Packers cannot move the ball on the ground should be their undoing.
Prediction
To win my family pool for the entire season (I'm down by 1) I need the Steelers to win (or at least lose by fewer than 2.5). To win the tie-breaker, both teams need to score fewer than 39.5 points combined. I believe it will happen as Pittsburgh will win 21-14.
1 comment:
I am really looking forward to the Super Bowl! I'm going to make sure I enjoy it knowing that next season may be affected by a lockout. I'll be rooting for Pittsburgh, even though my favorite team happens to be the New York Jets. I say the Steelers will win 27-23. It'll be a close, exciting game between two franchises with a lot of history.
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