The matchup is set for Super Bowl XLV and the Green Bay Packers are the favorite according to the Las Vegas odds and most people’s NFL Super Bowl picks.
Although there is plenty of time to prepare, discuss, analyze and evaluate before the actual kickoff on Sunday, February 6th, the main storyline right now is the matchup of the two quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers.
Without a doubt, Roethlisberger is, has and will be elite in the NFL for many years to come. At age 28, he’s already a two-time Super Bowl champion and is playing in his third next Sunday. On the other team, the Aaron Rodgers is quickly making his ascent up the ladder of elite.
But the real underlying storyline for Super Bowl XLV will be the defenses.
The Steelers are synonymous with the topic and their star safety, Troy Polamalu, may be the face of defense in the NFL. Their unit ranked second overall in total defense, second in third down defense, first in scoring defense and led the league with 48 sacks.
But the Packers unit isn’t to be overlooked in this battle.
The Packers were actually right behind the Steelers in sacks, ranking second and notching 47 on the season. In scoring defense, they are also second behind the Steelers, allowing 15 points per game to the Steelers 14.5. As for total defense, the Packers are three slots behind, ranking fifth overall.
There’s no question that there will be two excellent quarterbacks leading two very capable offenses onto the field at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday, February 6th. But it will be the two defenses that will make the difference as the one that plays best and gets the stops will earn the right to be NFL champions in 2010-11.
