Look for an offensive show in Big D
The Steelers’ and Packers’ defenses have made headlines all season for their stellar play, but it’s their offenses that have hit their stride in recent weeks. RealScouts, a team of former NFL scouts, breaks down the Super Bowl matchup and explains why this could be a high-scoring affair:
The last meeting was all about offense. These teams met in December 2009 at Heinz Field, 37-36 Steelers win at that featured nearly 1,000 yards of total offense—including 848 passing yards—and nine total touchdowns. Can it happen again? The coaches will have fixed the defensive problems that led to those numbers, but because running against either of these units will be tough, this could become another shootout.
The offenses will be prepared for their opponents. The defensive coordinators in this game, the Steelers’ **** LeBeau and the Packers’ Dom Capers, were on Bill Cowher’s Steelers staff together from 1992-94, and they run the same basic defensive system. Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers practice every day against a unit similar to the one they’ll face in the Super Bowl.
When Pittsburgh has the ball, look for:
The Steelers to emphasize Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers’ offensive line has been devastated by injury, including last week’s loss of Pro Bowl rookie center Maurkice Pouncey to an ankle injury. To reduce potential protection problems against the Packers’ extensive blitz schemes, Pittsburgh likely will look to build on a running game that exploded last week against the Jets’ third-ranked run defense.
The Steelers to move the pocket. When the Steelers do pass, they will look to avoid the interior pressure likely to come at backup center Doug Legursky. Roethlisberger likes to get outside, so look for more rollout and bootleg action from the shotgun. His ability to keep his eyes downfield and complete throws on the run makes this a viable plan.
The Packers to attack the A gaps. Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji has been a beast in the playoffs and will present a big challenge for Legursky. Also expect blitzes from inside linebackers Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk. They’ll rush the A gaps to try to overload the protection schemes and break down the pocket around Roethlisberger. The Packers will have to be careful to keep him contained, though; Roethlisberger likes to release to his right and get the ball downfield.
A third-down struggle. Roethlisberger had the No. 2 third-down passer rating in the league this season, and because he is so good outside the pocket, it will be imperative for the coverage to hold up on the back end of the Packers’ defense. Look for a linebacker like Clay Matthews to spy on Roethlisberger, allowing the defensive backs to focus on the receivers downfield and remain in coverage. The Packers have the personnel to create coverage sacks if they play it right.
When Green Bay has the ball, look for:
The Packers to pass to set up the run. James Starks has sparked the running game for the Packers in recent weeks, but like the Jets, they will struggle to run against this Steelers defense early. Expect the Packers to use Rodgers’ arm to take shots downfield in the hopes of backing defenders out of the box and setting up runs for Starks later.
The Packers to find the escape lanes for Rodgers. One danger of the zone blitz scheme both defenses use is that it creates holes underneath. The goal is to get to the quarterback before those holes become obvious, but Rodgers has enough mobility to extend plays with his legs, and if he can find the open lanes, he can tear off long runs. Rodgers has 12 carries for 56 yards (4.7 yards per carry) in the playoffs.
The Steelers to bring interior pressure on Rodgers. The Bears had success against the Packers in the second half last week by bringing pressure up the middle in Rodgers’ face. The Steelers will do the same thing, looking to force quick throws and make Rodgers uncomfortable and throw off his back foot.
The Steelers to get physical with the Packers’ receivers. Long considered the weakness of the Steelers’ defense, cornerbacks Ike Taylor, William Gay and Bryant McFadden have played very well recently. All three are well-built, physical players, so expect press coverage and physical play at the line. If they can knock the receivers off their routes, it will disrupt Rodgers’ timing and create more sack opportunities for the pass rush.