Super Bowl XLV: Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh

[Natetradomus 0]

Super Bowl XLV - Feb. 6 - Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, Texas) 6:30 p.m. FOX

 

Pit 24 Pack 16

Edited January 24, 2011 by Mike FF Today

[roroco 75]

If the weather is nice in Dallas... Rodgers is going to have an historic day. 34 17 Packers.

[Gepetto 1,454]

If the weather is nice in Dallas... Rodgers is going to have an historic day. 34 17 Packers.

 

If the weather is crappy, Jerrah will close the roof.

[roroco 75]

If the weather is crappy, Jerrah will close the roof.

You're right... 38-17 Packers.

[ER1CKSON 0]

Opening line is Pack -2.5. O/U is 45.

[Cruzer 1,996]

Packers minus 3 - really? Wow, pretty suprised.

[roroco 75]

Packers minus 3 - really? Wow, pretty suprised.

Why are you surprised... If you look at the match ups, the defenses are both very good. It would be hard to say which is better at this time. On the offensive side, you would have to give the slight edge to the Packers.

 

The Packers giving 3 is about right.

[Sho Nuff 720]

Im surprised just from the aspect of Pitt being the experienced team on the big stage.

But the matchups do support the line (which I saw at -2.5).

Pitt has struggled with teams that can spread them out and throw it a lot.

[edjr 6,898]

The system QB and his great defense should be favored in this game. it's great system.

[Cruzer 1,996]

Why are you surprised... If you look at the match ups, the defenses are both very good.

I would say the Pack's defense is very good, agreed. They play hard, rush the passer, and they keep GB in games for Rodgers and that offense to win games.........Pitt's defense is not very good - what they are is freaking phenomenal. That unit controls and dictates the flow of games, that unit takes over games - that unit single handedly shut outs 1/3 of the 3 phases of a football game.

 

It would be hard to say which is better at this time.

Defensively, it's actually quite clear - Pitt.

 

On the offensive side, you would have to give the slight edge to the Packers.

I am not so sure. Rodgers has been hot, but he is going to have to do it all himself against Pitt - they are not running the ball on that unit. Big Ben? Well, he does have 2 rings and everytime I look up all he is doing is winning football games in the postseason. And if that big tank can run against the Jets defense, I'm pretty sure GB's isn't scaring him much.

 

I expect this line to move once the money starts flowing to Pitt's side - prolly sooner than not.

[kmbryant09 1]

I think a big part of it is the location - the game's being played INDOORS, in Dallas, which favors the offense.

 

I know they play in Green Bay, but the Packers are really an indoor team with their high-powered passing offense.

 

If this game was being played at the new Giants stadium, it could very well be a pick 'em...But indoors, you gotta give GB's offense the slight advantage.

[Mike FF Today 751]

Super Bowl XLV - Feb. 6 - Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, Texas) 6:30 p.m. FOX

[Sho Nuff 720]

Should be a great game.

The field sets up well for Green Bay's ability to spread the field on offense and the team speed they have on defense.

But this is a tough tough tough Pitt D that will be coming in ready to roll...and Big Ben has been there done that and knows how to handle it.

Could be a low scoring tight game...or a wide open track meet (as it was when these teams played each other in 2009).

[roroco 75]

I would say the Pack's defense is very good, agreed. They play hard, rush the passer, and they keep GB in games for Rodgers and that offense to win games.........Pitt's defense is not very good - what they are is freaking phenomenal. That unit controls and dictates the flow of games, that unit takes over games - that unit single handedly shut outs 1/3 of the 3 phases of a football game.

 

 

Defensively, it's actually quite clear - Pitt.

 

 

I am not so sure. Rodgers has been hot, but he is going to have to do it all himself against Pitt - they are not running the ball on that unit. Big Ben? Well, he does have 2 rings and everytime I look up all he is doing is winning football games in the postseason. And if that big tank can run against the Jets defense, I'm pretty sure GB's isn't scaring him much.

 

I expect this line to move once the money starts flowing to Pitt's side - prolly sooner than not.

 

The Pack shut the Jets out. So I would not say it is absolutely clear that Pitt's D is better. The defenses have slightly different personalities, but saying Pitt's is clearly better than GB's is silly.

 

Pitt's offense gets the job done, but in a dome, there is no more explosive team than the Packers right now - especially since they have seem to find a rusher in Starks.

[Phurfur 70]

Packers minus 3 - really? Wow, pretty suprised.

 

 

Surprised? The line is set to get even money on both sides, they are not picking who will win.

[Brad GLuckman 519]

I wouldn't use the Jets/Packers game as any evidence on which team is better. That NYJ/GB game was extremely windy and neither team could move the ball...GB could only muster 3 FG's.

 

I would have to give the defensive edge to Pittsburgh. They're just a quality group, who is going to make life difficult for Rodgers and company. I don't expect any run game from GB. I think, as has been stated, Rodgers may have some success spreading them out. GB does have 4 quality receivers, and they're going to need them against the Pitt D.

 

On the other side of the ball, GB's defense could get some serious pressure on Ben, like he hasn't seen all year. GB should be able to abuse that line, but I expect Pitt to try and establish a running game early to keep Capers on his heels.

 

Should be a good game.

 

Too early to predict. But right now I'll say.

 

GB 20

PIT 17

[Cruzer 1,996]

The Pack shut the Jets out. So I would not say it is absolutely clear that Pitt's D is better. The defenses have slightly different personalities, but saying Pitt's is clearly better than GB's is silly.

I'd be willing to be you ask every GM/HC in the leauge which defense they'd rather have - they would take Pitt's. Not to say GB's isn't really good - it's just not as good.

[Cruzer 1,996]

I've liked GB all along in the post season - over Philly, over Atlanta and certainly over Chicago. But I think their run ends - just do not see how they can win this game w/out running the ball and I do not see them having any success at doing that. I also do not think Big Ben is getting the credit he deserves - think he wins a close one here and punches his ticket to the HOF.

 

GB - 20

 

Pitt - 24

[roroco 75]

I'd be willing to be you ask every GM/HC in the leauge which defense they'd rather have - they would take Pitt's. Not to say GB's isn't really good - it's just not as good.

 

I don't think you can say that. GB's defense is much young and has been playing extremely well this year. Pitt's has been historically good, but I think GB's is on par this year with much more upside. Just look at how young their studs are outside of Woodson... Raji, Matthews, Williams, etc...

[Brad GLuckman 519]

I've liked GB all along in the post season - over Philly, over Atlanta and certainly over Chicago. But I think their run ends - just do not see how they can win this game w/out running the ball and I do not see them having any success at doing that. I also do not think Big Ben is getting the credit he deserves - think he wins a close one here and punches his ticket to the HOF.

 

GB - 20

 

Pitt - 24

 

I agree Gb won't have success running the ball, but they haven't for the most part all season. They may be able to move the ball while being one - dimensional.

 

If Pittsburgh wins this game, it will be because of their defense. Ben's just along for the ride as he has been for most of his career.

[Cruzer 1,996]

I don't think you can say that. GB's defense is much young and has been playing extremely well this year. Pitt's has been historically good, but I think GB's is on par this year with much more upside. Just look at how young their studs are outside of Woodson... Raji, Matthews, Williams, etc...

I think you can certainly say that, w/out question. Now if you want to talk about down the road, no doubt GB may be the unit picked over PItt. But as for today, this year - I think most take Pitt's.

[gemynd 0]

I'm hoping we get a game similar to the 37-36 game from last year between these two. Down to the last second and, hopefully, a Steeler win.

[Franknbeans 46]

I'm hoping we get a game similar to the 37-36 game from last year between these two. Down to the last second and, hopefully, a Steeler win.

886 passing yards in that one

[Puddleglum 0]

I don't think you can say that. GB's defense is much young and has been playing extremely well this year. Pitt's has been historically good, but I think GB's is on par this year with much more upside. Just look at how young their studs are outside of Woodson... Raji, Matthews, Williams, etc...

I agree about Pitt's D maybe getting more credit due to history/perception. Troy is a superstar and everybody knows the defense is solid every year, where as just 12 months ago you had the Packers D giving 45 points in the playoffs, and most of the stars are young and still making their way onto the scene. But the Packers D is every bit of the defense that Pittsburg's is. Just looking at the most recent two games, here's what we have:

 

GB defense: 28* points allowed, 495 yards, 7 turnovers, 7 sacks, 2 defensive TDs

Pitt defense: 34* points allowed, 415 yards, 4 turnovers, 7 sacks, 1 defensive TD

 

*Note that I'm not counting the ATL kickoff return or the Big Ben fumble TD & safety in the points allowed

 

The teams the Packers played were maybe slightly less offensively potent than the Steelers' foes, but they were also on the road for both games vs. Steelers being at home. Bottom line is that both units are playing some insane ball right now and if I was a betting man I would take the under in this game.

[FeelingMN 273]

Ben's just along for the ride as he has been for most of his career.

 

 

I seem to remember him driving down the field for the game winning TD in a SB a couple years ago.

 

Also, the play to seal the game yesterday was huge. It wasn't high on the degree of difficulty scale, but most coaches don't trust their QBs...at least ones who are just along for the ride....to end the game right there. And most QBs find a way to choke there too. Give Roethlisberger credit, he makes plays when he has to....and he's had to when the stakes are highest. Dude's not Peyton or Brady because he doesn't have to be....but he can definitely win a game for you if it comes down to that.

[Cruzer 1,996]

 

I seem to remember him driving down the field for the game winning TD in a SB a couple years ago.

 

Also, the play to seal the game yesterday was huge. It wasn't high on the degree of difficulty scale, but most coaches don't trust their QBs...at least ones who are just along for the ride....to end the game right there. And most QBs find a way to choke there too. Give Roethlisberger credit, he makes plays when he has to....and he's had to when the stakes are highest. Dude's not Peyton or Brady because he doesn't have to be....but he can definitely win a game for you if it comes down to that.

If it's possible for a 2-time SB champion to be underrated, I think Ben is. Even as a Dallas fan, I can appreciate his greatness.... I agree with all you said, but this also - with Ben you are never out of the play. He is so hard to bring down, so hard to sack, and he does have the ability to run. You combine this with his natural leadership qualities and you have a pretty big time qb - a big time qb who produces in big post season games. Rodgers is going to get all the oohs and ahhhs, deservedly so - but Big Ben is one game away from the HOF.

[Brad GLuckman 519]

Big Ben is one game away from the HOF.

 

If Ben has a bad game, but Pit still wins...would you say Ben deserves to be in the HOF?

[Cruzer 1,996]

If Ben has a bad game, but Pit still wins...would you say Ben deserves to be in the HOF?

I don't know, that's a good question. Seeing how GB opened as the favorite, I'm inclined to say yes. Reason being, by the time Ben is finished playing and actually becomes eligible, nobody will remember much that he had a bad game. What they will remember is that he has 3 SB rings. Qb's with 3 end up in the HOF.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Tomlin better lock Ben in his room because he's gonna wanna party in Texas!

 

Rodgers and his receivers too much for Pittsburgh's D on the Dallas fast track. Rodgers throws for at least 325.

 

Clay, Raji, Pickett, and Woodson in Ben's face all day. Mendenhall fumbles once to go with 2 Big Ben turnovers.

 

Pack 34

Pittsburgh 20

 

[lambert58 73]

I believe the Pack won't be able to run the ball but the check down throws to the running backs will keep the Steelers blitzes from being effective. I do see the Pitt D getting a turnover for a score or setting up a quick score.

 

The D will be solid for both teams but I believe Pittsburgh will be able to run the ball more effectively to set up better field position. I see a few more 3 and outs for Green Bay than Pittsburgh.

 

Steelers 31

 

Packers 27

 

 

Should be a helluva game.

[gregzeetheking 0]

I am Steelers all the way, and I am REALLY glad Finley is injured.

 

Considering what top TE's do to us, and our very suspect pass defense....

 

James Starks is talented, but Green Bay all season had trouble running, and now going against a brick wall defense....Rodgers is going to have to work it hard if he wants to win.

 

I also think, Revis was the last good corner back to hold Wallace back. I think both he and Jennings are going to have long scores, or at least big time catches.

 

Steelers - 31

Packers - 9 (lol)

[Puddleglum 0]

Pack 34

Pittsburgh 20

Steelers 31

Packers 27

Steelers - 31

Packers - 9 (lol)

 

Not sure if you guys are serious or not, but you've got the #1 and #2 scoring defenses in the league, I don't see anyone topping 30 in this game.

[murf74 461]

I would be totally shocked if the team that scores the most points doesn't win. Either that or the team that scores the lowest is sure to lose.

[IMMensaMind 462]

Green Bay 27 Pittsburgh 20.

 

I do not see Pittsburgh keeping up with Green Bay on offense; Green Bay is just too good.

[FeelingMN 273]

When do the animals start making their picks? This is from last year:

 

Get ready to go ape, New Orleans Saints fans.

 

This morning at the Fort Worth Zoo, Amani, a 37-year-old gorilla, cracked open a snack-filled football bearing the Saints' logo.

 

Zookeepers gave her the option of two papier-mache footballs filled with peanuts, popcorn, grapes and other gorilla treats. But in Amani's eyes, the Colts football didn't stand a chance.

 

Indianapolis and New Orleans face off in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

 

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/fort-worth/headlines/20100204-Gorilla-at-Fort-Worth-Zoo-picks-3905.ece

 

 

 

I wonder if reptiles ever get into the act....like dress up two rats in different jerseys and whichever one isn't eaten first by a python, that team is thereby picked to win by the python. They need to jazz this stuff up.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Not sure if you guys are serious or not, but you've got the #1 and #2 scoring defenses in the league, I don't see anyone topping 30 in this game.

Did you happen to watch the game between the Steelers and the Packers in 2009? I'm pretty sure Pitt's D was at the top of the charts then too, because they always are. Green Bay's D is better this year than in 2010 though.

 

This game could be a track meet just as easily as it could be a low scorer.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

I am Steelers all the way, and I am REALLY glad Finley is injured.

 

Considering what top TE's do to us, and our very suspect pass defense....

 

James Starks is talented, but Green Bay all season had trouble running, and now going against a brick wall defense....Rodgers is going to have to work it hard if he wants to win.

 

I also think, Revis was the last good corner back to hold Wallace back. I think both he and Jennings are going to have long scores, or at least big time catches.

 

Steelers - 31

Packers - 9 (lol)

You stay classy Pittsburgh.

 

So you're saying your team would be screwed if Finley was healthy, but without him Pitt will beat GB by 22 points? Seems logical.

 

Green Bay has the NFC version of Revis.......Tramon Williams.

[gregzeetheking 0]

You stay classy Pittsburgh.

 

So you're saying your team would be screwed if Finley was healthy, but without him Pitt will beat GB by 22 points? Seems logical.

 

Green Bay has the NFC version of Revis.......Tramon Williams.

 

 

Any time San Diego plays the Steelers, Gates rips us a new one....he is amazing, but he seems to just rape us without lube....I am too lazy to look up other TE stats, but I wouldn't be surprised to see us weak at defending them.

 

The score was not a serious score.

[Sho Nuff 720]

Did you happen to watch the game between the Steelers and the Packers in 2009? I'm pretty sure Pitt's D was at the top of the charts then too, because they always are. Green Bay's D is better this year than in 2010 though.

 

This game could be a track meet just as easily as it could be a low scorer.

 

Sure...could be.

But that game Troy P did not play and GB's D has improved vs. the pass where last year good QBs were shredding them.

[dj88 0]

This should be a great Superbowl! Both teams deserve to be there.

 

GB - 20

PIT - 17