Super Bowl Prediction

With Super Bowl XLV only a mere couple of days away, the culmination of another exciting NFL season will come to a close. The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers will face off in what is to be an epic battle of two stunning teams, with both having major implications on past and future legacies. Here’s an in-depth analysis at my prediction for Super Bowl XLV:

First, let’s look at the Steelers. The Steelers, with a steady defense and an agile offense, has been to the Super Bowl twice in the last 5 years (not including this year). They have won it both times, and developed an incredible resume in big playoff games. Ben Roethlisberger, the famous (or shall I say, infamous) quarterback of the Steelers seems to be the most dangerous player on the Pittsburgh offense. He can run, pass, and in general make a play. Of course, he has equally tantalizing weapons in his arsenal. Running back Rashard Mendenhall has turned into a workhorse for this team, replacing the vacancy left by Willie Parker and perhaps even Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. Mendenhall joins a list of receivers that include the speedy Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown along with vested veteran Hines Ward (Super Bowl XL MVP). Don’t forget about tight end Heath Miller, who may have a breakout game after an underperforming season. The offensive line must win the battle up front against the Packers’ imposing defensive front, without center Maurkice Pouncey. Outstanding right tackle Flozell Adams hasn’t lost a beat, and hopefully this offensive line will find some inspiration from the long time veteran.

The Steelers defense is still the same solid defense that was featured in Super Bowl XLIII. The only difference this time will be the possible loss of Aaron Smith at defensive end. The Steelers’ front line still remains strong with nose tackle Casey Hampton and defensive end Brett Keisel filling the load. Linebackers LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior, and James Harrison will be as intimidating as ever to the Packers’ quick underneath routes. The secondary features familiar faces in Ryan Clark, Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, and Troy Polamalu. Polamalu, the Defensive Player of the Year, will especially make it hard for Rodgers to find deep post routes open. Overall, this defense is solid and unique.

Special teams includes kicker Shaun Suisham and punter Jeremy Kapinos, with Antonio Brown returning kicks. Suisham has been impressive this year, playing in only 7 games but only missing one field goal and 0 PATs. Kapinos has done well in punting duties. Antonio Brown is a speed demon that can easily take one to the house. Overall, special teams should do their job, but could easily be the scapegoats in a Steelers loss.

Now on to the NFC team. The Packers are one of an increasing trend of wild card teams to make it to the big game in recent years. The Packers possess one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, with the prolific Aaron Rodgers at the controls of an attack that features a receiving combo of Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, with Jordy Nelson and James Jones to clean up. The biggest question this season has been at running back, but Green Bay’s prayers seem to have been answered in a three headed rushing attack lead by James Starks, John Kuhn, and Brandon Jackson. The Packers pretty much abandoned the tight end position after Jermichael Finley got injured early in the season, but Andrew Quarless and Donald Lee have filled in nicely. The offensive line will be looked upon to block against the pass rush but also open holes for the running game when needed. The Packers must be able to complement their pass attack with their running game in order to move the football with the clock in mind.

The defense is stout as ever, featuring Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, and Cullen Jenkins up front, a mobile but strong group of linemen. In the middle stands an explosive linebacking core, especially on the left side with Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk. Complementing Matthews and Hawk are the under observed but still talented Desmond Bishop and Erik Walden on the right side. The defensive backfield provides a safety blanket for the front seven, including the impressive tandem of Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams. Also in the back will be safeties Nick Collins and Charlie Peprah.

On special teams, the duo of Mason Crosby and Tim Masthay combine to make a consistent kicking attack. The returners don’t really matter, as long as they’re fast and have good hands (Sam Shields and Tramon Williams will be designated for those duties). The Packers offense should be able to make up whatever yards the returners can’t.

Overall, this will be an exciting Super Bowl featuring two very exciting and explosive teams. The Steelers may have a unit built on Super Bowl experience, but the Packers won’t be taking this game lightly. Both teams will want this one, but I’ve got a feeling the Steelers will want it more. The Packers will come out firing on all cylinders, but even a large lead early doesn’t mean the Packers are safe. The Steelers are excellent in adjustments made during the game, and the Steelers will undoubtedly win a defensive struggle up front. I predict both teams taking shots downfield, but the Steelers will have a better chance to win since they’ve had a knack for closing tight games.

PICK: PITTSBURGH OVER GREEN BAY, 30-24