***The Super Bowl XLV Thread*** - Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh (1 Viewer)

[belljr]

Did anyone read the article about Jenkins leaving a ticket for his missing father? Just bizzare

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_...?urn=nfl-316409

 

[Sabertooth]

Did anyone read the article about Jenkins leaving a ticket for his missing father? Just bizzare

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_...?urn=nfl-316409

That is weird.

 

[The Jerk]

Some simple Xs and Os discussed in Pat Kirwan's article on nfl.com HERE

Seems to underestimate the difficulties presented by the Packers and/or overrate the Steelers scheme capabilties, in my opinion. Still, some food for thought.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Have the Steelers won the toss and taken the ball at all this season? Or at least since Ben has been back?

I was curious about this, too. Because I'm bored:vs ATL: PIT wins toss, elects to Receive@ TEN: PIT wins toss, elects to Receive@ TB: PIT wins toss, elects to Receivevs BAL: BLT wins the coin toss and elects to defer. PIT elects to Receivevs CLE: CLV wins toss, elects to Receive@ MIA: MIA wins the coin toss and elects to defer. PIT elects to Receive@ NO: PIT wins toss, elects to Receive@ CIN: PIT wins the coin toss and elects to defer. CIN elects to Receivevs NE: NE wins the coin toss and elects to defer. PIT elects to Receivevs OAK: PIT wins toss, elects to Receive@ BUF: BUF wins the coin toss and elects to defer. PIT elects to Receive@ BAL: PIT wins the coin toss and elects to defer. BLT elects to Receivevs CIN: PIT wins the coin toss and elects to defer. CIN elects to Receivevs NYJ: PIT wins the coin toss and elects to defer. NYJ elects to Receivevs CAR: CAR wins toss, elects to Receive@ CLE: PIT wins the coin toss and elects to defer. CLV elects to Receivevs BAL: PIT wins the coin toss and elects to defer. BLT elects to Receivevs NYJ: NYJ wins the coin toss and elects to defer. PIT elects to Receive

Hmm. So since Ben returned, they won 8 tosses and deferred 6 times, receiving vs. Oakland and New Orleans. Nope... can't find any rhyme or reason to it.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Some simple Xs and Os discussed in Pat Kirwan's article on nfl.com HERE

Seems to underestimate the difficulties presented by the Packers and/or overrate the Steelers scheme capabilties, in my opinion. Still, some food for thought.

He did mention that Rodgers likes the 5 wide, min protect scheme that scares the crap out of me.

 

[The Jerk]

Monkey, elephant both pick Packers

Insert your own joke here.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

Don't judge Packer fans by Saberdoof. He's the blacksheep of Packer fans.

LOL!!!

 

[Sabertooth]

Don't judge Packer fans by Saberdoof. He's the blacksheep of Packer fans.

LOL!!!

Yeah, amazingly clever. Actually its Sabertool. Has been for years.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

The Onion's Super Bowl XLV Preview Guide

Ben Roethlisberger

STRENGTHS: Defensive ends and blitzing linebackers have trouble getting a grasp on his misshapen head; remarkable ability to avoid tacklers, prosecution; because his offensive line sort of sucks ####, has figured out how to extend plays indefinitely

WEAKNESSES: Getting people to like him; periodically does things that make Tony Dungy open his big sanctimonious mouth; still can't ride a motorcycle worth a damn

SUPER BOWL GOAL: To use the win or loss to his advantage after the game

NICKNAMES: Big Ben; Scumbag; Alleged Assailant; #####; That’s My Sister, You ####### #######

VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUE: Concentrates all game on tubing on a lake behind a ski boat driven by his dog while a woman *******s him

Hines Ward

STRENGTHS: One of the most agreeable #######s in the game; block on Keith Rivers received harsh critical reviews but grossed $12.5 million worldwide; great blocking receiver, mangling receiver; unlike some Steelers receivers, can in fact catch a cold

WEAKNESSES: Cheap shots could be a little more discreet; is not a natural-born U.S. citizen and therefore is ineligible to be elected league MVP; one of those guys who always has to touch you when he’s talking

SUPER BOWL PREPARATION: Looking at game film to determine which Packers turn their backs long enough for him to cheap-shot them

WELL-KNOWN FACT: He will definitely get his, and it ain’t gonna be pretty

PUBLIC IMAGE: Considered a role model in comparison to James Harrison

James Harrison

STRENGTHS: Has given NFL $3 million in fine money prior to game so he can feel free to tackle helmet-first anytime he wants, which shows good strategic thinking; good at murder; plays Steeler football, whatever the hell that means

WEAKNESSES: Steelers need him so bad that it’s a little pathetic; family pit bull only bit him after he bit pit bull first; can be lured offsides by the color red, shiny objects, or human food

DISLIKES: Rules, other people

DEGREE: M.S., mathematics and quantum mechanics, University of Cambridge

REDEEMING QUALITY: Headhunts for the thrill, not for the money

Troy Polamalu

STRENGTHS: So good, only needs to play 75 percent of season to be named Defensive Player of the Year; eight-year veteran at strong safety, but reads offenses at a 12th-year level; is behind you right now

WEAKNESSES: Style of play should have him paralyzed by third quarter of Super Bowl; only zooms around the field to where the ball is because he wants to be included; Polamalu is actually a fictional character in Ike Taylor’s imagination, and will disappear when Taylor realizes he has been the one making the Steelers’ big plays all along

NUMBER OF TIMES TROY AIKMAN AND JOE BUCK WILL TALK ABOUT HIS HAIR: Zero—Aikman and Buck are consummate professionals who would never stoop to that level of inanity

SUPER BOWL GOAL: To play entire game without ever having his feet touch the ground

ACTUAL NAME: David Dinkus

Mike Tomlin

STRENGTHS: Summoned the hypocrisy necessary to trade Santonio Holmes for pot infraction but keep Ben Roethlisberger; can manage and motivate an entire 40-man roster of elite athletes while staying on one side of white line; only decided to coach the Steelers after finding out there was no Neil O’Donnell, Kordell Stewart, or Bam Morris

WEAKNESSES: Has shown he is capable of occasionally losing games; often makes players feel like they’ll never be as cool as him; is only like 22 years old or something

AMOUNT OF BUSINESS IN ATTITUDE: 100 percent

CLIPBOARD: Brown Sparco 00893 Hardboard with Nickel-Plated Clip

NUMBER OF YEARS UNTIL HE IS A HAS-BEEN COACH JUMPING FROM FRANCHISE TO FRANCHISE, TRYING TO BRING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO A LONG-SUFFERING FAN BASE BUT ACTUALLY SERVING AS A BURNT-OUT MONEY-SUCKING HUSK OF HIS FORMER SELF: Eight

Steelers Fans

STRENGTHS: Somehow pull off rooting for a team that always wins without coming off like Patriots fans; good at waving things, spinning things; best fans in the world

WEAKNESSES: Still sort of like Terry Bradshaw; still sort of cheer for Ben Roethlisberger; even the personal towels in their homes are pretty terrible

CATCHPHRASE: "Yeaaahhhaarrryawooaghrghggh!!!"

RESPOND WELL TO: Being told to make noise; being told to make more noise

INFLUENCES: Sam Kinison; Attica Prison riot; howler monkeys

Aaron Rodgers

STRENGTHS: Sees the field almost too well, so is sometimes distracted by unevenly cut grass or poorly painted on-field lines; best time-out calling mechanics in NFL; uses mobility and quick feet to escape shadow of Brett Favre

WEAKNESSES: Your knees, when you stare directly into his piercing eyes; for unknown reasons, many of his pass attempts are met with hostility by certain other football players who attempt to obstruct the ball or even physically assault Rodgers himself; can make all the throws, but struggles with the incomplete pass

PERSONAL MOTTO: Work hard, be born with incredible talent, never give up, also be born with charming good looks, be a good teammate, have several million dollars, and good things will happen to you

FAVORITE PLAY: The one where you don't hear a loud pop and then black out for 30 seconds

CONCUSSIONS SUFFERED: Waffles and freshly squeezed orange juice; Lake Superior; sort of a shiny purple

Donald Driver

STRENGTHS: Best player in league at smiling after the catch; phenomenal jumper, but also remarkable at standing perfectly still; great route runner in the way that's actually not a euphemism for "slow as ####"

WEAKNESSES: Expressing emotions such as sadness, anger, or surprise; brings a fire to the game, which the league is tired of reminding him is not only against the rules but also the law; makes the game look easy, which really doesn't help the players union's cause in labor disputes

SIGNATURE MOVE: Runs right past everyone in secondary while informing cornerback that he's supposed to cover Packers receiver Greg Jennings

DID YOU KNOW? Driver had the chance to be a world-class high jumper but instead opted to pursue something that isn't ####### stupid

CONDITIONING: Muscular lips capable of grinding out an extra smile late in the game

Charles Woodson

STRENGTHS: Won the Heisman Trophy, which, come to think of it, has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on this game; unique ability to line-up anywhere on the field except, for some reason, the 36-yard line; disguises blitz by dropping back into coverage right after he sacks the quarterback

WEAKNESSES: Always trying to do Heisman Trophy pose in midair while jumping up to intercept ball; cannot be in two places at once, which is unfortunately crucial to the Packers' zone-coverage schemes; catlike reflexes and instincts actually a huge detriment considering cats are terrified by running men and thrown footballs

INTANGIBLES: Woodson adds an element to this team that is nearly impossible to explain, so we won't

PLAYING STYLE: Laid-back hip-hop with jazzy hard-bop influences

REAL MOTIVATION FOR WANTING TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE: President must be warned of something crucial to future of the nation, and Woodson cannot reach him through standard diplomatic channels

Clay Matthews

STRENGTHS: Able to tackle all players, even those who don't desire to be tackled; thick shag carpet matches the long drapes; dislikes not hitting people

WEAKNESSES: Sacks actually his second favorite statistic behind the obscure "Tackle After 10-Yard Gain"; sometimes a little sloppy when wrapping up birthday presents; was just trying to pet the lady's soft hair

TRAINING REGIMEN: Has studied judo and jiujitsu to increase his ability to scream long strings of vowels at opponents

COLLEGE CAREER: Refused to take "you scare us" as an answer and chose to walk on at USC anyway

SIGNATURE MOVE: Uses 8,000-rpm spin to drill deep into the field and burst out from the ground beneath the unsuspecting quarterback

Mike McCarthy

STRENGTHS: Never-ending source of thrilling sound bites such as "We'll address that after the Super Bowl," "That's a nonissue for us," and "We're just here to play football"; known for wild offensive trickery such as the "fake handoff" and "wide-receiver screen pass"; carefully scripts touchdowns for first 15 plays

WEAKNESSES: Relies on an entirely different guy to do most his defense; becoming the next Norv Turner is still perfectly within his reach; calls several dozens plays a game and can't once call his mother?

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: Balances offense with mix of brilliant plays and boneheaded calls

CONTROVERSY: Got pretty fired up during the Favre controversy with a now infamous outburst of "Dang it all!" during a press conference

ENJOYS: Hiding face behind laminated play sheet and then popping up and yelling “peekaboo” to entertain younger Packers

Packers Fans

STRENGTHS: Whatever muscles one uses to lift 340 pounds of lard out of bed each morning; unwilling to let work, family, religion, or even basic necessities like health and shelter stand in the way of their devotion to the Packers; best fans in the world

WEAKNESSES: Discussions about the 1970s or ’80s; are the last fan group in the United States to still perform the Wave; pretty much takes a tiny little Packers jersey to get them to love their kids

AVERAGE INCOME: 3.2 season ticket packages per annum

FAVORITE SAUSAGE: Sausage

OTHER INTERESTS: None

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Don't judge Packer fans by Saberdoof. He's the blacksheep of Packer fans.

LOL!!!

Yeah, amazingly clever. Actually its Sabertool. Has been for years.

GB Capella.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

It's weird. The last two SB runs, I could barely sleep. No joke, I had dreams every night and woke up thinking the games had already been played. I went camping the night before the Pittsburgh/Denver AFCC in 2006 and my wife told me I was talking about Polamalu intercepting a pass in my sleep. I woke up CONVINCED that the game was over and Steelers had won 13-10, and was horribly bummed out when I realized a trip to the big game was no longer a foregone conclusion.This time, nothing. I mean, NOTHING. No nerves, no dreams, I haven't even been watching/listening to that much coverage. It's bizarre. Not sure if it's because this is the third go-round in the last 6 years, if it's because I subconsciously feel like we're already playing with house money, because deep down I know the Steelers will win, because I know deep down that they'll lose.... no clue. It's just... odd. Even my wife mentioned yesterday that I've barely even been talking about it.

Funny. Same boat here, I was just talking to my wife about it -- how by this time for SB40 and SB43 I would have watch 50 hours of TV buildup and whatnot. I think we're spoiled. It's a nice issue to have.

 

[Steelfan7]

It's weird. The last two SB runs, I could barely sleep. No joke, I had dreams every night and woke up thinking the games had already been played. I went camping the night before the Pittsburgh/Denver AFCC in 2006 and my wife told me I was talking about Polamalu intercepting a pass in my sleep. I woke up CONVINCED that the game was over and Steelers had won 13-10, and was horribly bummed out when I realized a trip to the big game was no longer a foregone conclusion.This time, nothing. I mean, NOTHING. No nerves, no dreams, I haven't even been watching/listening to that much coverage. It's bizarre. Not sure if it's because this is the third go-round in the last 6 years, if it's because I subconsciously feel like we're already playing with house money, because deep down I know the Steelers will win, because I know deep down that they'll lose.... no clue. It's just... odd. Even my wife mentioned yesterday that I've barely even been talking about it.

Funny. Same boat here, I was just talking to my wife about it -- how by this time for SB40 and SB43 I would have watch 50 hours of TV buildup and whatnot. I think we're spoiled. It's a nice issue to have.

If the vaunted Lions defense can hold the Packers to 3 points then I'm feeling pretty confident about the Steelers chances Sunday. First play will be play action with Ben hitting Wallace deep.

 

[Sabertooth]

It's weird. The last two SB runs, I could barely sleep. No joke, I had dreams every night and woke up thinking the games had already been played. I went camping the night before the Pittsburgh/Denver AFCC in 2006 and my wife told me I was talking about Polamalu intercepting a pass in my sleep. I woke up CONVINCED that the game was over and Steelers had won 13-10, and was horribly bummed out when I realized a trip to the big game was no longer a foregone conclusion.This time, nothing. I mean, NOTHING. No nerves, no dreams, I haven't even been watching/listening to that much coverage. It's bizarre. Not sure if it's because this is the third go-round in the last 6 years, if it's because I subconsciously feel like we're already playing with house money, because deep down I know the Steelers will win, because I know deep down that they'll lose.... no clue. It's just... odd. Even my wife mentioned yesterday that I've barely even been talking about it.

Funny. Same boat here, I was just talking to my wife about it -- how by this time for SB40 and SB43 I would have watch 50 hours of TV buildup and whatnot. I think we're spoiled. It's a nice issue to have.

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do. This isn't the Seahawks. This team is better than your team and has an even richer tradition and twice as many championships.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do.

Thanks for the wake up call, Corky. I'm now going to study film and playbooks furiously and round the clock until kickoff on Sunday.

 

[Sabertooth]

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do.

Thanks for the wake up call, Corky. I'm now going to study film and playbooks furiously and round the clock until kickoff on Sunday.

No problem Junior.

 

[Sabertooth]

Watching NFL network coverage from Sterling Sharpe I got the impression that the reason Pitt is so stout against the run is because they over-commit to stopping it, thus opening themselves up to play action. Interesting to see if they adjust this strategy against Green Bay.

 

[Sabertooth]

Ok, I just went over to NFL.com to compare Starks and Mendenhall. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Starks was leading in almost every metric. Yards/gm, yards/attempt, attempts/game.

Mendenhall has an edge in touchdowns. But it isn't like Green Bay has trouble scoring.

 

[Clorox]

I echo some of what a few other Steelers fans have said in here...not really paying much attention to the media circus and overanalysis by the talking heads, and not really sure why. I think I got tired of everyone blabbing about how great the Packers are. I also get tired of hearing things I already know about the Steelers. The Packers are a great team, no doubt. I don't feel confident at all that the Steelers are going to win, but I think they are going to find away. This isn't Philly, Atlanta, or Chicago that Green Bay is playing.

This thread is starting to give me a headache as well.

Must...resist...taking...the...Sabertooth

 

[The Jerk]

Must...resist...taking...the...Sabertooth

It's a shame. Makes the Ravens and Jets fans -- who were pretty classy in their own right -- look like sportsmen of the year candidates.The irony is that despite countless utterances of "many more championships" Sabertooth doesn't act like he's been there before. Not even close.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

It would be a shame if this thread got sidetracked into a pissing match.

I heard today that Driver has a sore quad again. The last time he had this condition this year his effectiveness disappeared, and to some extent never really re-emerged. I hope this is not the same thing, just soreness, and that his reduced practice roll today was wholly precautionary. I happen to believe the packers are going to win, but not if they are playing with an ineffective reciever. They need all of the weapons they have left.

 

[Clorox]

I totally respect the Packers. Like many diehard football fans, I felt like they would be SB-bound if they could get by Philly. If they weren't playing the Steelers, I would be rooting for them to win on Sunday...classy team, fun to watch. As someone said, the spread offense scares the hell out of me. The Steelers have a hard time getting off the field on third down no matter how long it is. I was rooting for Atlanta and Chicago because I knew Green Bay would be hard to beat.

I just don't have much to add in terms of substance. I think we all know what both teams bring to the table. Not to be cliche, but it really comes down to whoever avoids costly turnovers and penalties. I expect the game to go down to the final buzzer.

 

[Sabertooth]

Obviously I'm talking about the postseason stats above.

Not sure where that comes off as being a poor sport. The way I've heard Mendenhall talked about I thought he'd have quite a lead. Starks has played well, but hasn't been lights-out great. I was honestly surprised to see those numbers.

 

[Sabertooth]

It would be a shame if this thread got sidetracked into a pissing match.I heard today that Driver has a sore quad again. The last time he had this condition this year his effectiveness disappeared, and to some extent never really re-emerged. I hope this is not the same thing, just soreness, and that his reduced practice roll today was wholly precautionary. I happen to believe the packers are going to win, but not if they are playing with an ineffective reciever. They need all of the weapons they have left.

This is a concern. The dropoff from Driver to Swain is pretty big.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Obviously I'm talking about the postseason stats above. Not sure where that comes off as being a poor sport. The way I've heard Mendenhall talked about I thought he'd have quite a lead. Starks has played well, but hasn't been lights-out great. I was honestly surprised to see those numbers.

Baltimore and the Jets are sort of tough for anybody to run against

 

[Sabertooth]

Obviously I'm talking about the postseason stats above. Not sure where that comes off as being a poor sport. The way I've heard Mendenhall talked about I thought he'd have quite a lead. Starks has played well, but hasn't been lights-out great. I was honestly surprised to see those numbers.

Baltimore and the Jets are sort of tough for anybody to run against

So is Chicago. In fact in the regular season they were better than either team Atlanta was top 10 as well. I just think that maybe people should consider that Green Bay might be able to run the ball a bit on Pittsburgh and open up the playaction game. Before digging into the stats a bit deeper I thought Green Bay would just concede the running game. Now I don't really think that. McCarthy will certainly use the pass to set up the run, but if Green Bay scores early and gets a lead, you'll see Starks get some real action.

 

[The Jerk]

It would be a shame if this thread got sidetracked into a pissing match.

To whom could this possibly be addressed?Hmmm.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

It's weird. The last two SB runs, I could barely sleep. No joke, I had dreams every night and woke up thinking the games had already been played. I went camping the night before the Pittsburgh/Denver AFCC in 2006 and my wife told me I was talking about Polamalu intercepting a pass in my sleep. I woke up CONVINCED that the game was over and Steelers had won 13-10, and was horribly bummed out when I realized a trip to the big game was no longer a foregone conclusion.This time, nothing. I mean, NOTHING. No nerves, no dreams, I haven't even been watching/listening to that much coverage. It's bizarre. Not sure if it's because this is the third go-round in the last 6 years, if it's because I subconsciously feel like we're already playing with house money, because deep down I know the Steelers will win, because I know deep down that they'll lose.... no clue. It's just... odd. Even my wife mentioned yesterday that I've barely even been talking about it.

Funny. Same boat here, I was just talking to my wife about it -- how by this time for SB40 and SB43 I would have watch 50 hours of TV buildup and whatnot. I think we're spoiled. It's a nice issue to have.

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do. This isn't the Seahawks. This team is better than your team and has an even richer tradition and twice as many championships.

That's really NOT it. In fact, if I were a neutral observer and betting the game, I might just take the Pack and lay the 2 1/2. I think it's a 50/50 game. I'm just not a bundle of nerves this time. Probably because we've had two titles in the last 5 years, coupled with the fact that the Steelers are the underdogs this time around. Even if it's only 2 1/2 points, most of the so-called experts (about 80-90% from what I've heard) are picking Green Bay. All the pressure is on the Packers to live up to the hype, whereas the last two times around, the Steelers were favored and expected to win.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Watching NFL network coverage from Sterling Sharpe I got the impression that the reason Pitt is so stout against the run is because they over-commit to stopping it, thus opening themselves up to play action. Interesting to see if they adjust this strategy against Green Bay.

That's not it at all. Hampton is a terrific NT, their pass rush comes from the LB corps, so they have the entire DL committed to the run on just about every play, all their secondary guys can hit and are good tacklers, and Polamalu and the LBs have tremendous closing speed (except Farrior, who makes up for it with intelligence and positioning.)

Ok, I just went over to NFL.com to compare Starks and Mendenhall. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Starks was leading in almost every metric. Yards/gm, yards/attempt, attempts/game. Mendenhall has an edge in touchdowns. But it isn't like Green Bay has trouble scoring.

Sample size down? His one big game against Philly represents almost 25% of the season's carries (99 for the entire year, playoffs included). He won't get 50 against Pittsburgh unless he breaks a long one.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Obviously I'm talking about the postseason stats above. Not sure where that comes off as being a poor sport. The way I've heard Mendenhall talked about I thought he'd have quite a lead. Starks has played well, but hasn't been lights-out great. I was honestly surprised to see those numbers.

Baltimore and the Jets are sort of tough for anybody to run against

So is Chicago. In fact in the regular season they were better than either team Atlanta was top 10 as well. I just think that maybe people should consider that Green Bay might be able to run the ball a bit on Pittsburgh and open up the playaction game. Before digging into the stats a bit deeper I thought Green Bay would just concede the running game. Now I don't really think that. McCarthy will certainly use the pass to set up the run, but if Green Bay scores early and gets a lead, you'll see Starks get some real action.

I pray he does. He won't. Pittsburgh's run defense is not just good, it's historically good. If you want to look at some #s, look at the opponents' lead back's #s in the 18 games they've played this year. If you want to just look at postseason, Rice, McGahee, Greene, and Tomlinson combined for a very impressive 40 carries for 105 yards in 2 games aggregate.

 

[Sabertooth]

Obviously I'm talking about the postseason stats above. Not sure where that comes off as being a poor sport. The way I've heard Mendenhall talked about I thought he'd have quite a lead. Starks has played well, but hasn't been lights-out great. I was honestly surprised to see those numbers.

Baltimore and the Jets are sort of tough for anybody to run against

So is Chicago. In fact in the regular season they were better than either team Atlanta was top 10 as well. I just think that maybe people should consider that Green Bay might be able to run the ball a bit on Pittsburgh and open up the playaction game. Before digging into the stats a bit deeper I thought Green Bay would just concede the running game. Now I don't really think that. McCarthy will certainly use the pass to set up the run, but if Green Bay scores early and gets a lead, you'll see Starks get some real action.

I pray he does. He won't. Pittsburgh's run defense is not just good, it's historically good. If you want to look at some #s, look at the opponents' lead back's #s in the 18 games they've played this year. If you want to just look at postseason, Rice, McGahee, Greene, and Tomlinson combined for a very impressive 40 carries for 105 yards in 2 games aggregate.

They've been very good no doubt. But I have a feeling Starks will get some carries. Now those may be draws and what not but he'll be used. I'd expect 12-15 carries minimum. But I have no doubt Pittsburgh is tough against the run. The plays they showed on NFL network did show Timmons biting on play action, allowing players to expose Pitt over the deep middle.

 

[Gachi]

Has anyone heard that "Black and Yellow" song, it has to be the most annoying song I've ever heard..

 

[Reepicheep]

Has anyone heard that "Black and Yellow" song, it has to be the most annoying song I've ever heard..

Also, I thought it was black and gold?

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

It would be a shame if this thread got sidetracked into a pissing match.

To whom could this possibly be addressed?Hmmm.

Persons with full bladders.

 

[pghrob]

4 wide with a back in pass pro is not a bad idea with the edge rushers the Steelers have, but I'd think the more WRs you put on the field, the more mismatches you create against the Steelers' defense. Teams that have had success spreading Pittsburgh out in the past have done so with 5 wide and getting the ball out of the QB's hands after a 5-step drop, leaving pass protection almost unnecessary. The object is to get Hampton off the field and/or create mismatches wherein the Steelers' LBs are covering slot receivers, leading to easier short gains on slant patterns and such. The problem most teams have running this kind of offense against the Steelers is that most teams don't have a QB who makes reads fast enough and can't deliver the ball as quickly and accurately as is necessary for this game plan to succeed. I think Rodgers can do it, though - and that's what frightens me about this game. If they can achieve success early on with this approach, Pittsburgh is forced to pack their coverage in, which then leaves big plays open over the top, and Rodgers has the mobility and arm to evade pressure and make those throws.

It is fairly well known that the Great Steelers D has shown its vulnerabilities against a offenses that can run a good spread offense. Gotta think that LeBeau and company have been working on schemes to address that following the Patriots debacle earlier this season at Heinz Field. If the Steelers pass rush cannot get to Rodgers the way the Giants D got to Tom Brady in SB XLII, I think the Packers will have a good shot. The Steelers have to harass Rodgers and get hits on him.

 

[smackdaddies]

what a nightmare

I woke up this morning screaming mad

My packers had lost the superbowl 50-10

50-10?!?!?!?!?!?

My numbers aren't 0-0! How could you let me down? I lost the office pool because of you!

 

[smackdaddies]

Watching NFL network coverage from Sterling Sharpe I got the impression that the reason Pitt is so stout against the run is because they over-commit to stopping it, thus opening themselves up to play action. Interesting to see if they adjust this strategy against Green Bay.

That's not it at all. Hampton is a terrific NT, their pass rush comes from the LB corps, so they have the entire DL committed to the run on just about every play, all their secondary guys can hit and are good tacklers, and Polamalu and the LBs have tremendous closing speed (except Farrior, who makes up for it with intelligence and positioning.)

Ok, I just went over to NFL.com to compare Starks and Mendenhall. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Starks was leading in almost every metric. Yards/gm, yards/attempt, attempts/game. Mendenhall has an edge in touchdowns. But it isn't like Green Bay has trouble scoring.

Sample size down? His one big game against Philly represents almost 25% of the season's carries (99 for the entire year, playoffs included). He won't get 50 against Pittsburgh unless he breaks a long one.

Ignore the comments by the Stark Man Love association. They are simply not rational.

 

[smackdaddies]

Packers Reverse Wishbone play

from the JSonline.com

 

[bcr8f]

what a nightmare

I woke up this morning screaming mad

My packers had lost the superbowl 50-10

50-10?!?!?!?!?!?

My numbers aren't 0-0! How could you let me down? I lost the office pool because of you!

Glad you got that one out of your system.

 

[Ookie Pringle]

Watching NFL network coverage from Sterling Sharpe I got the impression that the reason Pitt is so stout against the run is because they over-commit to stopping it, thus opening themselves up to play action. Interesting to see if they adjust this strategy against Green Bay.

That's not it at all. Hampton is a terrific NT, their pass rush comes from the LB corps, so they have the entire DL committed to the run on just about every play, all their secondary guys can hit and are good tacklers, and Polamalu and the LBs have tremendous closing speed (except Farrior, who makes up for it with intelligence and positioning.)

Ok, I just went over to NFL.com to compare Starks and Mendenhall. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Starks was leading in almost every metric. Yards/gm, yards/attempt, attempts/game. Mendenhall has an edge in touchdowns. But it isn't like Green Bay has trouble scoring.

Sample size down? His one big game against Philly represents almost 25% of the season's carries (99 for the entire year, playoffs included). He won't get 50 against Pittsburgh unless he breaks a long one.

Ignore the comments by Sabertooth. They are simply not rational.

Fixed

 

[CrossEyed]

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do. This isn't the Seahawks. This team is better than your team and has an even richer tradition and twice as many championships.

Yeah, I'm sure the preparations of the fans will be a HUUUUUUUGE factor on Sunday.

 

[Godsbrother]

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do. This isn't the Seahawks. This team is better than your team and has an even richer tradition and twice as many championships.

Yeah, I'm sure the preparations of the fans will be a HUUUUUUUGE factor on Sunday.

I have tons of food, beer and a 102" big screen. I am as prepared as I am ever going to get.

 

[CrossEyed]

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do. This isn't the Seahawks. This team is better than your team and has an even richer tradition and twice as many championships.

Yeah, I'm sure the preparations of the fans will be a HUUUUUUUGE factor on Sunday.

I have tons of food, beer and a 102" big screen. I am as prepared as I am ever going to get.

What, no game film?We're dooooooomed.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

It is simply misguided confidence fueled by entitlement. You simply think you are going to win and don't have to prepare. You aren't and you do. This isn't the Seahawks. This team is better than your team and has an even richer tradition and twice as many championships.

Yeah, I'm sure the preparations of the fans will be a HUUUUUUUGE factor on Sunday.

I have tons of food, beer and a 102" big screen. I am as prepared as I am ever going to get.

What's your address again? I seem to have misplaced it...

 

[bcr8f]

DALLAS — Ryan Grant can move around just fine. And that’s just what he’ll be doing on Sunday during the Super Bowl XLV pregame.

“I’m going to run around come warm-ups so everybody sees it, so they’re like, ‘Oh, man, Ryan Grant!’” the Packers running back said. “I want Pittsburgh to know, ‘Yeah, you’re lucky I’m not playing.’”

Grant isn’t playing because he tore a ligament in his ankle during Green Bay’s season opener. The injury required surgery and has had the Don Bosco Prep grad on crutches for more than two months.

Right now, Grant is nearly 100 percent healthy and could potentially have suited up on Sunday against the Steelers — if he hadn’t been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

 

[sho nuff]

DALLAS — Ryan Grant can move around just fine. And that’s just what he’ll be doing on Sunday during the Super Bowl XLV pregame.

“I’m going to run around come warm-ups so everybody sees it, so they’re like, ‘Oh, man, Ryan Grant!’” the Packers running back said. “I want Pittsburgh to know, ‘Yeah, you’re lucky I’m not playing.’”

Grant isn’t playing because he tore a ligament in his ankle during Green Bay’s season opener. The injury required surgery and has had the Don Bosco Prep grad on crutches for more than two months.

Right now, Grant is nearly 100 percent healthy and could potentially have suited up on Sunday against the Steelers — if he hadn’t been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Sucks for Grant for sure...the idiocy of the NFL's IR rules.Im not sure how far along Finley is in his rehab either...same with Barnett.

But have to give credit to those who have played in their place for sure.

Hope they can keep Grant next season.

 

[bcr8f]

DALLAS — Ryan Grant can move around just fine. And that’s just what he’ll be doing on Sunday during the Super Bowl XLV pregame.

“I’m going to run around come warm-ups so everybody sees it, so they’re like, ‘Oh, man, Ryan Grant!’” the Packers running back said. “I want Pittsburgh to know, ‘Yeah, you’re lucky I’m not playing.’”

Grant isn’t playing because he tore a ligament in his ankle during Green Bay’s season opener. The injury required surgery and has had the Don Bosco Prep grad on crutches for more than two months.

Right now, Grant is nearly 100 percent healthy and could potentially have suited up on Sunday against the Steelers — if he hadn’t been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Sucks for Grant for sure...the idiocy of the NFL's IR rules.Im not sure how far along Finley is in his rehab either...same with Barnett.

But have to give credit to those who have played in their place for sure.

Hope they can keep Grant next season.

Oh yeah. I'm very happy Desmond Bishop got the playing time he did too.

I think they keep Grant and have him groom Starks for the future, (perhaps not Jackson) but only TT knows for sure.

 

[sho nuff]

Yeah, I don't mind Jackson though in his role as a 3rd down guy. And would be happy with a Grant, Starks, Jackson backfield.

 

[CrossEyed]

DALLAS — Ryan Grant can move around just fine. And that’s just what he’ll be doing on Sunday during the Super Bowl XLV pregame.

“I’m going to run around come warm-ups so everybody sees it, so they’re like, ‘Oh, man, Ryan Grant!’” the Packers running back said. “I want Pittsburgh to know, ‘Yeah, you’re lucky I’m not playing.’”

Grant isn’t playing because he tore a ligament in his ankle during Green Bay’s season opener. The injury required surgery and has had the Don Bosco Prep grad on crutches for more than two months.

Right now, Grant is nearly 100 percent healthy and could potentially have suited up on Sunday against the Steelers — if he hadn’t been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly what the Steeler D will be thinking about on Sunday during warm-ups.

 

[Godsbrother]

Adam Schefter is reporting that Pouncey will not practice today and will not play on Sunday.

The Big Legursky will make his first NFL start at center in Super Bowl XLV.

 

[CrossEyed]

From Dale Lolloy's blog FWIW

© Word to the wise, even if Maurkice Pouncey practices today, he won't start in the Super Bowl.If he were to dress, it would be as an emergency linemen.© Aaron Smith won't play in the Super Bowl, but that's no surprise.