I have read everything there is to read and saw every sportscaster angle there is, kickoff can not get here soon enough. We still have a four hour pre-game show but I will try avoid that as much as possible. I’m ready for the game.
The Packers have survived the hype in what appears to be fine form and are confident and ready to go. The Steelers have that been there, done that mentality and are acting business as usual. I don’t think nerves will be a problem for either team after that first hit.
The Packers haven’t faced an offense like this since Philadelphia, one that can run the ball and has a quarterback who is a huge threat out of the pocket. Vick is more likely to run than Big Ben is, but the longer Ben is running around the longer the Packers’ defense has to cover the Steelers’ receivers, which gets harder and harder with each passing second.
The Packers haven’t faced a defense like this all year. The Steelers are fast and extremely mean, they hit with extremely bad intentions, as their fine totals for the year would attest to. The Steelers will be coming after Aaron Rodgers full force from the opening gun, only by hitting some big plays will the Packers be able to slow them down.
After going back and forth about winning the toss or not I think I want the Packers to receive. The Packers should come out firing and try to slow down the pressure right from the start. If they could hit a few passes and maybe even get a decent James Starks run it will get them going. You can’t ease into a street fight.
I think on offense the Steelers will test Sam Shields early as he would be the most likely to be affected by the Super Bowl pressure. I think the Steelers will try to open up the running game by working the pass first. I think they would like to get a lead and then keep the Packers’ offense on the bench by grinding it out on the ground. The Packers’ rush defense is not the best but for some reason was never tested in the playoffs. The Steelers will test it.
The game won’t be a shootout in the true sense of the word, but I think it will be higher scoring than most people think – Packers 33, Steelers 27. One final defensive stand brings the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown!
Go Pack!