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

[Godsbrother]

I don't see anything wrong either. He's a totally changed guy. No worries. He wants to do the right things now in life because of his dad.

I was hoping this thread would be about the game but it looks like you want it to go in another direction. Disappointing...

 

[The Jerk]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.

I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.

Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

 

[Sabertooth]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

Just posting current events.

 

[Eric Stratton]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

 

[Sabertooth]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

Ok. And you're ugly.

 

[CrossEyed]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

I would have to agree with this.

 

[Sabertooth]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

I would have to agree with this.

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

 

[CrossEyed]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.

I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.

Should be fun!!

 

[Godsbrother]

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

How about we keep the focus in this thread on SB XLV and leave the off-the-field stuff for 100 other threads that have already been started?

 

[Steeler]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

I would have to agree with this.

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

Are you trying to ruin the thread?

 

[Godsbrother]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I heard Aaron Rodgers has a thing for baby goats.

 

[Eric Stratton]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

Think the Packers will come out guns a blazing!

 

[Eric Stratton]

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

How about we keep the focus in this thread on SB XLV and leave the off-the-field stuff for 100 other threads that have already been started?

 

[Godsbrother]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

Think the Packers will come out guns a blazing!

I expect that too. If the Steelers receive first I expect them to come out with a traditional balanced attack, though not conservative.

 

[CrossEyed]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

I would have to agree with this.

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

No, anything doesn't go with me. I criticized his actions at the time. I made my feelings about what he did well known.But since you bring up my beliefs and accuse me of being hypocritical, allow me to point out that Christianity is about grace, forgiveness, and second chances. I look at how a person conducts himself now, not what he has done in the past. I know a pastor who has interacted with Ben quite a bit since the Milledgeville event. I won't go into details, but I'm satisfied that Ben is turning his life back around and has learned from his mistakes. Only time will tell, but I'm willing to let the past be the past. Maybe you should try that sometime.

 

[Sheriff66]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

I would have to agree with this.

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

No, anything doesn't go with me. I criticized his actions at the time. I made my feelings about what he did well known.But since you bring up my beliefs and accuse me of being hypocritical, allow me to point out that Christianity is about grace, forgiveness, and second chances. I look at how a person conducts himself now, not what he has done in the past. I know a pastor who has interacted with Ben quite a bit since the Milledgeville event. I won't go into details, but I'm satisfied that Ben is turning his life back around and has learned from his mistakes. Only time will tell, but I'm willing to let the past be the past. Maybe you should try that sometime.

:slowlybacksawaybeforecommenting:

 

[Sabertooth]

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

How about we keep the focus in this thread on SB XLV and leave the off-the-field stuff for 100 other threads that have already been started?

Fair enough.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I heard Aaron Rodgers has a thing for baby goats.

Information that would have been helpful before I brought my kid to one of his autograph signings.:rimshot:

 

[fred_1_15301]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

Just posting current events.

You're still trying to win that battle against Sheriff I see

 

[Sabertooth]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

Just posting current events.

You're still trying to win that battle against Sheriff I see

Who?

 

[Sabertooth]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

Green Bay won't play conservative. They will come out an try to get big chunks just like they did against Chicago. Especially if they can identify some weaknesses on film (I suspect there are very few). I'm not sure what kind of success they'll have but I would bet that is what they will try to do.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

Think the Packers will come out guns a blazing!

Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised to see them open with an empty backfield and 5 wide even, trying to see if they can run their timing offense down the field for a quick score. Conversely, I think the Steelers will try to establish the run early, especially if they get the ball first (Packers win the toss and defer) and attempt to impose their will on the Packer defense early. Nothing takes the sizzle out of an explosive offense like Green Bay's quite like sitting on the sideline watching the opposition march down field on a 14 play, 75 yard drive that ends in a TD and takes 8-9 minutes off the clock.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

I would have to agree with this.

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

No, anything doesn't go with me. I criticized his actions at the time. I made my feelings about what he did well known.But since you bring up my beliefs and accuse me of being hypocritical, allow me to point out that Christianity is about grace, forgiveness, and second chances. I look at how a person conducts himself now, not what he has done in the past. I know a pastor who has interacted with Ben quite a bit since the Milledgeville event. I won't go into details, but I'm satisfied that Ben is turning his life back around and has learned from his mistakes. Only time will tell, but I'm willing to let the past be the past. Maybe you should try that sometime.

Very nice response and I'm not sure you need to defend your position anymore. I'm still taking the wait and see approach with Ben but I have no issues with anyone who is willing to forgive and forget. I also have no issues with people who are not willing.

 

[Sabertooth]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

Think the Packers will come out guns a blazing!

Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised to see them open with an empty backfield and 5 wide even, trying to see if they can run their timing offense down the field for a quick score. Conversely, I think the Steelers will try to establish the run early, especially if they get the ball first (Packers win the toss and defer) and attempt to impose their will on the Packer defense early. Nothing takes the sizzle out of an explosive offense like Green Bay's quite like sitting on the sideline watching the opposition march down field on a 14 play, 75 yard drive that ends in a TD and takes 8-9 minutes off the clock.

Actually I've read that for protection purposes Green Bay likes to go 4 wide with a back in for pass pro. You mention watching your defense play on the field for long stretches, that is exactly what happened to Atlanta. Green Bay marched it all the way down on them twice after the Jennings fumble. It really flattened them.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

Just posting current events.

You're still trying to win that battle against Sheriff I see

Who?

You know exactly who he is.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Here's another question :

Have the Steelers won the toss and taken the ball at all this season? Or at least since Ben has been back? If they have, I don't remember it. It's gotten to the point where other teams win the toss and automatically defer because they know the Steelers like to put the defense out first and get the ball to open the second half.

So, if the Steelers win the toss, do they continue to do that and risk putting Rodgers and the GB offense on the fast track right away? Would they prefer that, hoping that having the ball right away may lead to some big game jitters from Rodgers?

On the other hand, if the Packers win the toss, do they defer and risk what happened to the Jets (a loooooong TD drive on the opening possession, taking all the starch out of their offense?)

 

[CrossEyed]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

It wouldn't surprise me if GB plays the entire game in a spread formation and runs the ball 10 times or less. So I would expect them to come out throwing. Probably quick, safe routes on the first series to let Rodgers get his feet under him.I think the Steelers come out and try to establish the run early. Run right, run right, and run right some more. As long as the game is close or they have the lead I expect them to try to eat clock and keep Rodgers & Co. on the sideline.Then again, it's BA, so they'll probably come out in a 5 receiver set and sling the ball all over the place.

 

[Sabertooth]

Before this thread, I thought Packer fans were among the coolest in the nation.I don't understand why Sabertooth seems determined to singlehandedly change my mind.Cheer for your team, be bold, be brash, have fun. But there is no need to continually attempt to belittle your opponent.

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

I would have to agree with this.

Seriously? I have a problem with Roethlisberger. He's a scumbag. And that makes ME an #######? It is especially peculiar to see you, Crosseyed of all people, coming out in support of a guy like him. I realize he's the face of your franchise but is it seriously anything goes with you? With all of the religious threads you participate in, it seems very hypocritical.

No, anything doesn't go with me. I criticized his actions at the time. I made my feelings about what he did well known.But since you bring up my beliefs and accuse me of being hypocritical, allow me to point out that Christianity is about grace, forgiveness, and second chances. I look at how a person conducts himself now, not what he has done in the past. I know a pastor who has interacted with Ben quite a bit since the Milledgeville event. I won't go into details, but I'm satisfied that Ben is turning his life back around and has learned from his mistakes. Only time will tell, but I'm willing to let the past be the past. Maybe you should try that sometime.

Ok, I won't bring it up again. I shouldn't have gone there. Please forgive me.

 

[bcr8f]

It's going to get all the way up to 46 on sunday.

 

[Sabertooth]

Here's another question :Have the Steelers won the toss and taken the ball at all this season? Or at least since Ben has been back? If they have, I don't remember it. It's gotten to the point where other teams win the toss and automatically defer because they know the Steelers like to put the defense out first and get the ball to open the second half.So, if the Steelers win the toss, do they continue to do that and risk putting Rodgers and the GB offense on the fast track right away? Would they prefer that, hoping that having the ball right away may lead to some big game jitters from Rodgers?On the other hand, if the Packers win the toss, do they defer and risk what happened to the Jets (a loooooong TD drive on the opening possession, taking all the starch out of their offense?)

Interesting. Or Green Bay could win the toss, defer, and then onside it to open the game like they did against New England. It worked too. Well, the onside kick worked anyway.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think these teams are very evenly matched and the game could certainly go either way. If they played 10 times I would expect a 5-5 or 6-4 split. Could the game be a blowout? Yeah, I could actually see that happening in either direction. If the Steelers get to Rodgers early and often I can see him getting rattled in his first SB and throwing a couple pick sixes. But if the Steelers are unable to get the running game established at all and the Steeler D ends up on the field too much I can see the Packers passing game making life miserable and blowing the game open.I don't expect either scenario to play out on Sunday. I expect a close game that comes down to the 4th qtr.Should be fun!!

What do you see happening on both team's first offensive drive? Will they play conservative and feel each other out or will one team (or both) come out guns ablazing?

Think the Packers will come out guns a blazing!

Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised to see them open with an empty backfield and 5 wide even, trying to see if they can run their timing offense down the field for a quick score. Conversely, I think the Steelers will try to establish the run early, especially if they get the ball first (Packers win the toss and defer) and attempt to impose their will on the Packer defense early. Nothing takes the sizzle out of an explosive offense like Green Bay's quite like sitting on the sideline watching the opposition march down field on a 14 play, 75 yard drive that ends in a TD and takes 8-9 minutes off the clock.

Actually I've read that for protection purposes Green Bay likes to go 4 wide with a back in for pass pro. You mention watching your defense play on the field for long stretches, that is exactly what happened to Atlanta. Green Bay marched it all the way down on them twice after the Jennings fumble. It really flattened them.

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.

 

[CrossEyed]

It's going to get all the way up to 46 on sunday.

The roof will be closed. The weather is only important to the media.

 

[Sabertooth]

It's going to get all the way up to 46 on sunday.

The roof will be closed. The weather is only important to the media.

As if these two teams give a rip about 46 degrees anyway. That's October type weather.

 

[The Jerk]

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.

The Packers averaged just less than 14 offensive points in their three games against Chicago this season. I realize the Steelers have a different scheme and personnel than the Bears, and trying to change too much could easily end up in a disaster. The Steelers aren't built to play defense like the Bears. Still, I'm curious about why the Bears could do what few other teams could not.Was it familiarity, scheme or personnel that was mostly responsible for the Bears keeping the Packers offense from finding its rhythm? I know the first game in Chicago featured 500 penalties and several turnovers, and the NFCC was cold with sloppy footing, but is there anything specific that Chicago does to contain Green Bay?

 

[Godsbrother]

Here's another question :Have the Steelers won the toss and taken the ball at all this season? Or at least since Ben has been back? If they have, I don't remember it. It's gotten to the point where other teams win the toss and automatically defer because they know the Steelers like to put the defense out first and get the ball to open the second half.So, if the Steelers win the toss, do they continue to do that and risk putting Rodgers and the GB offense on the fast track right away? Would they prefer that, hoping that having the ball right away may lead to some big game jitters from Rodgers?On the other hand, if the Packers win the toss, do they defer and risk what happened to the Jets (a loooooong TD drive on the opening possession, taking all the starch out of their offense?)

I think the Steelers will defer the kickoff if they win the toss. I am not sure what the Pack has been doing but I am guessing they would choose to receive if they win the toss. So maybe there is no need for the coin-toss!

 

[jurrassic]

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.

The Packers averaged just less than 14 offensive points in their three games against Chicago this season. I realize the Steelers have a different scheme and personnel than the Bears, and trying to change too much could easily end up in a disaster. The Steelers aren't built to play defense like the Bears. Still, I'm curious about why the Bears could do what few other teams could not.Was it familiarity, scheme or personnel that was mostly responsible for the Bears keeping the Packers offense from finding its rhythm? I know the first game in Chicago featured 500 penalties and several turnovers, and the NFCC was cold with sloppy footing, but is there anything specific that Chicago does to contain Green Bay?

McCarthy really let his defense win the last 2 Bears games for them. In the playoff game, the Packers coaching staff realized that they were much better off playing it safe on offense and not giving up the big turnover (especially after the Urlacher int). Hanne did some good things but he still threw 2 ints, one for a td. They went into preserve the lead mode. They had 4 or 5, 20 yard passing plays in that game and in the second half consistently were comfortable running the ball 2 out of every 3 downs for 2 yards. I don't think they will do that against the Steelers in this game.

 

[CrossEyed]

Ok, I won't bring it up again. I shouldn't have gone there. Please forgive me.

 

[CrossEyed]

SB XLV Officials: Ref Walt Anderson, U Chad Brown, HL Kent Payne, LJ John Hussey, FJ Doug Rosenbaum, SJ Mike Weatherford, BJ Scott Helverson.

So what do we know about this crew?

 

[sho nuff]

Here's another question :Have the Steelers won the toss and taken the ball at all this season? Or at least since Ben has been back? If they have, I don't remember it. It's gotten to the point where other teams win the toss and automatically defer because they know the Steelers like to put the defense out first and get the ball to open the second half.So, if the Steelers win the toss, do they continue to do that and risk putting Rodgers and the GB offense on the fast track right away? Would they prefer that, hoping that having the ball right away may lead to some big game jitters from Rodgers?On the other hand, if the Packers win the toss, do they defer and risk what happened to the Jets (a loooooong TD drive on the opening possession, taking all the starch out of their offense?)

I think the Steelers will defer the kickoff if they win the toss. I am not sure what the Pack has been doing but I am guessing they would choose to receive if they win the toss. So maybe there is no need for the coin-toss! :(

This year the Packers have been deferring a lot and putting the defense on the field first. As well as the D has been playing, they feel they can do so and get the ball back early on. Not sure if McC goes that way in this game...previous years he always put the offense out first to try and set the tone right away. This year has been the opposite.

 

[The Jerk]

SB XLV Officials: Ref Walt Anderson, U Chad Brown, HL Kent Payne, LJ John Hussey, FJ Doug Rosenbaum, SJ Mike Weatherford, BJ Scott Helverson.So what do we know about this crew?

Other than the fact that they're on the Steelers payroll, right?

 

[bcr8f]

Here's another question :

Have the Steelers won the toss and taken the ball at all this season? Or at least since Ben has been back? If they have, I don't remember it. It's gotten to the point where other teams win the toss and automatically defer because they know the Steelers like to put the defense out first and get the ball to open the second half.

So, if the Steelers win the toss, do they continue to do that and risk putting Rodgers and the GB offense on the fast track right away? Would they prefer that, hoping that having the ball right away may lead to some big game jitters from Rodgers?

On the other hand, if the Packers win the toss, do they defer and risk what happened to the Jets (a loooooong TD drive on the opening possession, taking all the starch out of their offense?)

I think the Steelers will defer the kickoff if they win the toss. I am not sure what the Pack has been doing but I am guessing they would choose to receive if they win the toss. So maybe there is no need for the coin-toss!

This year the Packers have been deferring a lot and putting the defense on the field first. As well as the D has been playing, they feel they can do so and get the ball back early on. Not sure if McC goes that way in this game...previous years he always put the offense out first to try and set the tone right away. This year has been the opposite.

I like it when they do that. If the Steelers do they may be down from the start and could be down 14 points quickly(like the Bears). This could take the run game out of their game plan.

SB XLV Officials: Ref Walt Anderson, U Chad Brown, HL Kent Payne, LJ John Hussey, FJ Doug Rosenbaum, SJ Mike Weatherford, BJ Scott Helverson.

So what do we know about this crew?

Other than the fact that they're on the Steelers payroll, right?

Chad Brown?

 

[The Jerk]

SB XLV Officials: Ref Walt Anderson, U Chad Brown, HL Kent Payne, LJ John Hussey, FJ Doug Rosenbaum, SJ Mike Weatherford, BJ Scott Helverson.

So what do we know about this crew?

Other than the fact that they're on the Steelers payroll, right?

On a more serious note, a brief ESPN blog article on SB XLV officials:Walt Anderson is your referee

 

[CletiusMaximus]

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.

The Packers averaged just less than 14 offensive points in their three games against Chicago this season. I realize the Steelers have a different scheme and personnel than the Bears, and trying to change too much could easily end up in a disaster. The Steelers aren't built to play defense like the Bears. Still, I'm curious about why the Bears could do what few other teams could not.Was it familiarity, scheme or personnel that was mostly responsible for the Bears keeping the Packers offense from finding its rhythm? I know the first game in Chicago featured 500 penalties and several turnovers, and the NFCC was cold with sloppy footing, but is there anything specific that Chicago does to contain Green Bay?

The Bears cover 2 defense is very effective against the Packers' offensive system (weak running game, deep threat passing game, and Jermichael Finley on IR). In all three games, the Bears were able to generate pressure with their front 4, got effective play from the LB's on the underneath stuff and kept everything in front of their deep safeties. In the first drive of the NFCC game, we saw what happened when they brought a safety up into the box for run support - Rodgers picked them apart seemingly effortlessly. The Lions also had great success against Rodgers (and, later Matt Flynn) by getting pressure and stopping the run with their front 4 while keeping 6-7 back in coverage. The key to stopping the Packers offense is to generate pressure and stop the run, without blitzing.

 

[Lutherman2112]

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

 

[Steeler]

The Lions also had great success against Rodgers (and, later Matt Flynn) by getting pressure and stopping the run with their front 4 while keeping 8 back in coverage. The key to stopping the Packers offense is...

playing with 12 defenders

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The Lions also had great success against Rodgers (and, later Matt Flynn) by getting pressure and stopping the run with their front 4 while keeping 8 back in coverage. The key to stopping the Packers offense is...

playing with 12 defenders

thanks - I just edited that

 

[Godsbrother]

The Bears cover 2 defense is very effective against the Packers' offensive system (weak running game, deep threat passing game, and Jermichael Finley on IR). In all three games, the Bears were able to generate pressure with their front 4, got effective play from the LB's on the underneath stuff and kept everything in front of their deep safeties. In the first drive of the NFCC game, we saw what happened when they brought a safety up into the box for run support - Rodgers picked them apart seemingly effortlessly. The Lions also had great success against Rodgers (and, later Matt Flynn) by getting pressure and stopping the run with their front 4 while keeping 8 back in coverage. The key to stopping the Packers offense is to generate pressure and stop the run, without blitzing.

The Steelers ALWAYS blitz although in a 3-4 technically you are blitzing anytime you bring 4 and with the Steelers you are never sure which 4 are coming. They will blitz from anywhere and on occassion even drop their DEs in coverage.Of course the Packers know this so it will be a matter of how well Rodgers can figure out where the pressure is coming from.

Should be very interesting to watch.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The Bears cover 2 defense is very effective against the Packers' offensive system (weak running game, deep threat passing game, and Jermichael Finley on IR). In all three games, the Bears were able to generate pressure with their front 4, got effective play from the LB's on the underneath stuff and kept everything in front of their deep safeties. In the first drive of the NFCC game, we saw what happened when they brought a safety up into the box for run support - Rodgers picked them apart seemingly effortlessly. The Lions also had great success against Rodgers (and, later Matt Flynn) by getting pressure and stopping the run with their front 4 while keeping 8 back in coverage. The key to stopping the Packers offense is to generate pressure and stop the run, without blitzing.

The Steelers ALWAYS blitz although in a 3-4 technically you are blitzing anytime you bring 4 and with the Steelers you are never sure which 4 are coming. They will blitz from anywhere and on occassion even drop their DEs in coverage.Of course the Packers know this so it will be a matter of how well Rodgers can figure out where the pressure is coming from.

Should be very interesting to watch.

I agree - this is one of the great "match-up" issues in this game. Rodgers has the benefit of working against a 3-4 in practice, and I expect Rodgers and his offensive coaches have worked with Capers and Kevin Greene from time to time the past week to prepare for the Steelers. Rodgers has gotten really good at using confusing snap counts and play fakes and has great trust in his WR's (all of whom have been with him for years) to adjust, and be where he needs them to be. He audibles frequently, and they often use eye/hand signals at the line. All of this gives him the ability to beat cheating safeties and burn blitzers. This doesn't mean that Harrison and Troy P aren't a concern - of course they are. If they can get to him early, it will be a long day for the Packers. If Rodgers can effectively read the blitzes pre-snap, he'll win the MVP and deliver another Lombardi to Titletown.

 

[Sabertooth]

Just a reminder. Set your DVR to record NFL Matchup this weekend. Should be a very interesting show.