Photo by: Clarion
Before I get started with my prediction for Super Bowl XLV, let me say goodbye to the 2010-2011 season.
I can say that I feel rewarded for investing so many hours on Sunday watching my favorite sport unfold, because this season, like many before, was unpredictable and emotionally-tugging.
As a result, all we have left is two of the league’s most storied teams led by two of the game’s top five quarterbacks (Manning, Brady, Brees, Roethlisberger, and Rodgers in some order, no argument).
And don’t get forget those defenses, ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in points allowed per game.
When the Steelers and the Packers square off on Sunday night in Dallas (what a site for these two team’s to play at), the audience around the country will be captivated for three-plus hours to see who gets to end the season as champion, and who gets to walk off the field a loser.
Picking for the Super Bowl, especially with this match-up, is never easy. However, this year my criteria comes down to this — pick the winner.
Pittsburgh has been here before. Their QB has two rings, their head coach is the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl and is the youngest to ever reach two.
In addition, the team’s well documented defense is never short of praise after leading the league in sacks (48), fewest points (14.5) and rushing yards (62.2).
Safety Troy Polamalu is arguably the best defensive player in the game today, and will be the best player on the field come Sunday.
Pass-rushing linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley each recorded 10 sacks this season, and the team has two-Pro Bowlers on its defensive line.
The worst part about this is I am rooting for the Packers, who are somehow two-point favorites as of this past weekend, despite everything I just said.
The problem is, I just don’t think they can do it. Although the last time these two squads met in December, the Packers recorded 36 points on the stiff Steeler defense, they were still beat as Big Ben and Co. drove down the field and won 37-36 on a game-winning touchdown pass expired.
I never said it wouldn’t be close, I’m just saying the Steelers have a lot on their side, including their overwhelming experience factor, including two Super Bowl victories in the last five seasons.
What it comes down to is the Packers were the best team in the NFC, despite their No. 6 seed. They fought through injuries and overcame more adversity than I think any other team. With all that being said, the AFC trumps the NFC and the Steelers will prove that once again.
Well, the pick is in — goodbye NFL season, it was a fun ride…
Steelers 27, Packers 20. Big Ben out-duels Aaron Rodgers in an epic fourth quarter. Despite early turnovers, the Packers defense can’t make enough plays down the stretch and the Steelers go on to claim their seventh Super Bowl title.
