- Experience- This will be their 8th appearance in the big game. From 2006-present, the Steelers have appeared and won 3 times, the last win in 2009 against the Arizona Cardinals. From that win, the Steelers’ roster hasn’t changed much in keeping key players such as Superbowl XL MVP WR Hines Ward, SS Troy Polamalu, QB Ben Roethelisberger, LB LaMarr Woodley, TE Heath Miller, and OLB James Harrison. They share the top spot for # of appearances with Dallas and if they win XLV, will be the top for Superbowl wins. The Superbowl brings added pressure to the game that the Steelers can handle in spades. Green Bay hasn’t seen the light of the Superbowl since 1996.
- Defense- The Steelers are #1 this postseason for Yards Allowed in Total Defense and rushing with only 207.5 and 52.5 respectively. And are #2 to the eliminated Baltimore Ravens for Passing yards allowed with 155.0. SS Troy Polamalu is 2nd in leading the NFL in interceptions. Until now, the Packers haven’t had to face a defense of this magnitude. In just the postseason, the Packer defense has managed to accrue 23 penalties. That’s almost double of any other team this postseason. I will give the Packers credit for the powerhouse that is Clay Matthews. I feel that if i speak ill of him, he’ll find out and kill me. He leads in sacks this postseason. However, The Steelers have 3 players with 7+ sacks each this season, which means 2 things: if the Steelers’ offensive line shuts down Clay Matthews, Big Ben is gonna have it pretty easy come February 6th and that Aaron Rodgers is in for a world of hurt.
For the most part however, these 2 teams are extremely well matched. Green Bay has a very talented roster and deserves to be in the game. This has promise to be one the best Superbowls in NFL history. These 2 factors though are what I think are gonna give Pittsburgh the advantage and bring the hardware home!
