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Packers have what it takes to win Super Bowl XLV

Brian Reid, Reporter

February 5, 2011

Packers have what it takes to win Super Bowl XLV

The Packers will beat the Steelers in this year’s Super Bowl, and that is a guarantee.

The Steelers had a relatively easy journey to the Super Bowl, starting the playoffs with a bye week. Then, they only had to play the fifth and sixth seeded teams to get to the Super Bowl. It was easy street for them.

The Packers, on the other hand, had to fight hard every game to get to the Super Bowl, taking down the top three teams in the NFC. They are riding a hot streak into the Super Bowl, and momentum is everything. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers played exceptionally well during those games, especially against the top seeded Atlanta Falcons. In that game, Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and earned a passer rating of 144.0.

Several factors will determine this year’s Super Bowl winner, and the first deals with Rodgers. With the exception of safety Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh’s secondary is mediocre. If Rodgers has time to find an open receiver, he will be able to light up Pittsburgh’s secondary for huge gains. It will be up to his offensive line to protect him from defensive end James Harrison.

Another large factor in this game is the health of the Steelers’ offensive line. According to ESPN, the Steelers’ Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey will not be playing in the Super Bowl due to a fractured ankle. His replacement, Doug Legursky, messed up a snap in the Jets’ game, which led to a safety for the Jets. This is a huge advantage for Green Bay.

Furthermore, Green Bay’s linebacker Clay Matthews recorded 13.5 sacks on the year. It will be important to protect Roethlisberger if the Steelers are going to win.

The Steelers’ injured offensive line will also negatively affect their running game. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is one of the best in the league, but he can only succeed when he hasgood protection up front. With the absence of Pouncey, Green Bay’s linebackers should be able to stop the run more effectively.

Green Bay will win this year’s Super Bowl, but the game will be close. Pittsburgh is a team that never gives up, no matter how far down they are. Despite being down 21-7 at halftime, the Steelers came back to beat the Ravens in the playoffs. My prediction for the game is 24-20, Green Bay.

Brian Reid is a reporter for “The Patriot” and jcpatriot.com.