It's been a long two weeks since we've known the Packers would be facing the Steelers in todays Superbowl, but I think that I've finally made a decision about who to pick. The short of it is, I gotta go with the Steelers and big (10 or more points) for my prediction.
My reasoning, well let's start here:
QBs - Both Big Ben and Rodgers are good to great QBs. The biggest thing is Big Ben's experience in this big game. Yes, you have to win one to get experience, but I don't think that I'm worried about the normally unflappable Rodgers. I think both of these guys are going to play well but I doubt it comes down to either of them winning the game. With that said, I have to go with experience.
Defense - I like the Packers defense because they are able to bring pressure, with the blitz, and they can cover with Williams and Woodson out there. Like my coach once told me, the quarterback can't throw if he's on his back. I expect the Packers to get some pressure on Big Ben, but for some reason he doesn't make a lot of bad throws. As good as the Packers defense is, I just think the Steelers are better. That 3-4 that they run is nasty with stopping the run and although the Packers' corners are better, I like the Steelers safeties. Polamalu will be a big difference in this game.
Coaching - Mike Tomlin exudes a confidence that doesn't even border on cockiness. He's been here before with this team and knows what it takes to be successful. He directs this Steeler ship and they've won when no one thought they would (first 4 games of the year). Mike McCarthy has done a great job with getting his team prepared to make the playoffs and then go on the road and dominate the Falcons and the Bears. I have to think that he will prepare, as usual, but I think that the experience is the factor here. He's got enough guts to take some chances with the way Rodgers and his defense are playing so that may end up biting him in the butt.
Keys to Winning (Steelers) - Lots of Mendenhall on the ground to establish the running game, but to also keep Rodgers on the bench. Look for a few big plays from Wallace and Heath Miller. The defense will have to find a way to keep these explosive Packers wideouts in front of them and they have to make tackles. Any misses can easily turn into TDs.
Keys to Winning (Packers) - Find a way to run the ball. This Steelers defense is about as dominant as you can get with stopping the run, but the Packers have had success in the playoffs with the threat of the run. The offensive line will need to protect Rodgers and keep him from taking a lot of hits and sacks. The Packers defense will have to get some takeaways and make them count (turn them into TDs). The Packers are going to need another big game from their defensive line (Raji and Jenkins), especially with Legursky starting for Pouncey.
All in all, I expect this to be a good game. Two very good teams and the game will be inside so no weather issues to worry about. Again, I am picking the Steelers and we'll see what happens.
Who you got?
Showing posts with label Troy Polamalu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Troy Polamalu. Show all posts
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
NFL 2010 AFC Championship Game Pick
Now that we have that NFC Championship Game Pick out of the way, let's get to the next game.
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh - People are talking about how these two teams are somewhat identical, but I have to kindly disagree. The Steelers come into this game a little banged up (Polamalu and some of the offensive lineman) but basically in pretty good shape. Big Ben is on his game and that gives the Steelers the option of running or passing against you. I am a little concerned with the injuries to the O-line during the Ravens game, but they should be ok. Mendenhall will get lots of carries and we'll see how good the corners from the Jets really are as they battle (literally) Hines Ward. The more quick passes to give their receivers some space to run will loosen up that Jets defense and keep them guessing. Look for big games from Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth (in those double tight-end sets). On defense the Steelers will have their hands full with the resurgence of Shonn Greene and 'The Closer' in LT. Polamalu has to play in this game to take away anything in the middle of the field. I'm looking for Brett Keisel and James Harrison to be in Sanchez's back pocket. Nothing that much different from the regular season. If the Steelers get up on the Jets, they will definitely close them out, Mike Tomlin will accept nothing less. I wonder what he said to them at half time of the Ravens game.
The Jets come in as quiet as church mice this week, an extreme turnaround from the bravado prior to the Patriots game last week. Not sure if this really fits them. The Jets played a knock out drag'em game concentrating on the run last week, which is probably the best thing for them. Shonn Greene has become that power runner that the Jets need (and even had a little bit of speed), who also doesn't fumble the ball. LT comes in as a change of pace, but is dangerous as ever when given more carries. Mark Sanchez has struggled a bit with his play, but he has played well enough to actually help his team win. If he can turn back the page a few weeks, when he was scorching hot and playing extremely well, the Steelers will be in trouble. On defense the Jets will need to mix it up in an effort to confuse Big Ben. At times Big Ben holds on to the ball in order to escape a sack or make a big play and if the coverage can confuse him enough to allow the pass rush to get to him, they can create turnovers. The defensive line will sub often so look for strong play from the vets Jason Taylor and Trevor Price. Revis and Cromartie (and Eric Smith when the Steelers go 3 or 4 wide) will need to be big for the Jets to win this game. They are going to have to cover Mike Wallace, Ward, Randle El, and Sanders.
In the end, the Jets are a little more finesse than power on the offensive side of the ball and the Steelers are power on both sides of the ball. The Jets have played well to get to this point, but I think the dream ends this weekend. Winner - Steelers.
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh - People are talking about how these two teams are somewhat identical, but I have to kindly disagree. The Steelers come into this game a little banged up (Polamalu and some of the offensive lineman) but basically in pretty good shape. Big Ben is on his game and that gives the Steelers the option of running or passing against you. I am a little concerned with the injuries to the O-line during the Ravens game, but they should be ok. Mendenhall will get lots of carries and we'll see how good the corners from the Jets really are as they battle (literally) Hines Ward. The more quick passes to give their receivers some space to run will loosen up that Jets defense and keep them guessing. Look for big games from Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth (in those double tight-end sets). On defense the Steelers will have their hands full with the resurgence of Shonn Greene and 'The Closer' in LT. Polamalu has to play in this game to take away anything in the middle of the field. I'm looking for Brett Keisel and James Harrison to be in Sanchez's back pocket. Nothing that much different from the regular season. If the Steelers get up on the Jets, they will definitely close them out, Mike Tomlin will accept nothing less. I wonder what he said to them at half time of the Ravens game.
The Jets come in as quiet as church mice this week, an extreme turnaround from the bravado prior to the Patriots game last week. Not sure if this really fits them. The Jets played a knock out drag'em game concentrating on the run last week, which is probably the best thing for them. Shonn Greene has become that power runner that the Jets need (and even had a little bit of speed), who also doesn't fumble the ball. LT comes in as a change of pace, but is dangerous as ever when given more carries. Mark Sanchez has struggled a bit with his play, but he has played well enough to actually help his team win. If he can turn back the page a few weeks, when he was scorching hot and playing extremely well, the Steelers will be in trouble. On defense the Jets will need to mix it up in an effort to confuse Big Ben. At times Big Ben holds on to the ball in order to escape a sack or make a big play and if the coverage can confuse him enough to allow the pass rush to get to him, they can create turnovers. The defensive line will sub often so look for strong play from the vets Jason Taylor and Trevor Price. Revis and Cromartie (and Eric Smith when the Steelers go 3 or 4 wide) will need to be big for the Jets to win this game. They are going to have to cover Mike Wallace, Ward, Randle El, and Sanders.
In the end, the Jets are a little more finesse than power on the offensive side of the ball and the Steelers are power on both sides of the ball. The Jets have played well to get to this point, but I think the dream ends this weekend. Winner - Steelers.
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