The Green Bay Packers won their 4th Super Bowl last night over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and while it is easy to give MVP Aaron Rodgers all the credit I think two units really deserve recognition for the win last night, and that is the Packers offensive line and the Green Bay defense.

While you look at the numbers and you would say that the Packers offensive line gave up more sacks, pressures and hits than the Steelers offensive line, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. The Packers offensive line continuously picked up the Steelers blitzes, and allowed Rodgers to throw the ball down field. If Rodgers checked down every time there was an overload blitz he might have never gotten sacked or hit in this game, but the Packers also might not have won. The Packers offensive line held the point of attack long enough for Rodgers to wait for his receivers to get open down the field, he might have paid a physical price, but it was worth it. Had the Packers offensive line not held up for as much as it did, my guess is you’d have seen the Packers have three turnovers and Steelers would be holding up the Lombardi trophy.

The other unit that isn’t getting near enough credit today is Dom Capers 3-4 defense. The Packers defense might have gotten on one sack, but they owned the offensive line of the Steelers (usually with even less blitzers). All you have to look at is the three turnovers and you will see just how great of a job the Packers coming up when it mattered most.

Late in the first quarter the Steelers were in the shadow of their end zone after a block in the back penalty on the kick-off. On the very next play Ben Roethlisberger went back to pass, and despite it being just a normal rush the pocket collapsed in front of him. Backup NT Howard Green just got under the pads of starting guard Chris Kemoeatu. Green drove him back into Roethlisberger and hooked the quarterbacks throwing arm. That meant the deep sideline pass to Mike Wallace was severely under-thrown and it fell into the waiting arms of safety Nick Collins. Collins made an impressive return and put up 7 more points for the Packers.

A couple drives later the Steelers had cut the lead to 14-3, and just stopped the Packers on a 3 and out. Despite an early penalty the Steelers were driving and had just entered Green Bay territory when their defense came up with another big play. Roethlisberger tried to hit Wallace again for a short pass over the middle when backup corner back Jarrett Bush read the play and stepped up and made the interception. Four plays later the Packers were in the end zone once again making it 21-3.

In the 2nd half the Steelers had cut the lead to 21-17, and seemed to have momentum on their side. Their defense had shut the Packers down the entire 3rd quarter, and the offense finally seemed to be in rhythm (not to mention the Packers had multiple injuries on defense). Then as the 4th quarter began, the defense stepped up once again. On a 2nd and 2 from the GB 33 yard line, the Packers got great penetration and had two tacklers in the backfield wrapping up running back Rashard Mendenhall, including All-Pro Clay Matthews Jr. who his helmet right on the ball popping it out. Linebacker Desmond Bishop recovered the fumble and returned it to the Green Bay 45. Three minutes and eight plays later the Packers were once again up 11, and that proved to be insurmountable for Pittsburgh.

While I’m not trying to take away Aaron Rodgers accomplishments, and I believe he made the most of his opportunities against an elite defense, I don’t think he is the main reason there will be a parade in Green Bay this week. The Packers got 21 points off turnovers, including the pick 6. And the other two touchdowns, the Packers only had to go half the field. Twice the Steelers looked poised to score, and the big play ability of the Packers defense, set up the offense to put up points. Without the Packers dominating defensive performance the Packers don’t come close to winning this game, and without the protection of the offensive line, the Steelers defense would have easily ruled the day.

Discuss the Super Bowl from start to finish in the comments portion of this blog! I’ll weigh in with thoughts through out the game in both the comments and in the actual post. Enjoy the game!

Prediction: I’ll go into some more detail later, but I like the Steelers in this game, it should be a close one but give me Pittsburgh 31-27!. What are your predictions? Answer below!

It’s game time who do you have ?

I think it will be a close one, but I like the Steelers balance and experience in this one. Their offensive line is a little weak, but Roethlisberger is the one quarterback, that can handle the blitz. Roethlisberger doesn’t win style points for his quarterback play, but this is football not figure staking. Roethlisberger gets the job done and that is all that matters. I think the Packers will keep this game close, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they have some butterflies and start off slow. I don’t expect a blowout, so this should be a fun game to watch.

Steelers:

1. Get Pressure Early And Often:

Aaron Rodgers might be one of the better quarterbacks running away from pressure, but he is still human, and more susceptible to mistakes when under pressure. Also, it doesn’t matter how many guy you have in coverage, a receiver will always find a way to get open. Pittsburgh needs to do what it does best and blitz Rodgers non-stop.

2. Replace Maukice Pouncey:

While Doug Legursky will be the man replacing the Steelers Pro Bowl center, the entire offense will need to help replace his presence on the team. Both guards will need to see how much help they can give Legursky on each play, and running backs will need to be prepared to chip or block up the middle. Tight ends and receivers will need to come out of their breaks quicker, to quicken up the passing game. And finally Ben Roethlisberger will need recognize that the middle will collapse and get out of there before he gets into trouble.

3. Stop Clay Matthews Jr. and B.J. Raji:

While part of this is in the replacing Pouncey entry, since he would have gone up against Raji, they would have needed a special game plan for him even if Pouncey was playing. Raji and Matthews are the heart and soul of this Packers defense. Yes the Packers have a number of other good defenders, but none as important as those two. If the Steelers can neutralize those two, (at least to an extent) they should have no problem implementing their offense.

Packers:

1. Find some Running Room:

Yes the Steelers have the best run defense in the league (actually one of the best in league history), but the Packers can’t abandon the run. A big part of their postseason success has been the emergence of James Starks, and what he as meant to this team. While he might not be a star, he has consistently picked up the tough yards when they need him to the most. He has helped keep the opposing offense off the field, and the clock running when the Packers have a lead. And most importantly he has shown that he at least needs to be respected by the opposing defenses. For as great as Aaron Rodgers is, he needs to have some semblance of a running game if he wants to win.

2. Be Aware of Troy Polamalu:

Troy Polamalu has had an uneventful postseason yet, and hasn’t made too many big plays, but if the Packers think they don’t have to be aware of him they will be sadly mistaken. While the Steelers have kept him deep for most of the postseason he has benefited them, but basically shutting down his zone on the field. Neither Joe Flacco or Mark Sanchez has come close to challenging him, and that has led to other players stepping up and making big plays. My guess is that Aaron Rodgers and company won’t have a choice and they won’t just be able to ignore Polamalu. I think the Steelers will blitz Polamalu more and let him play closer to the line. The Packers have to make sure that Polamalu gets blocked, otherwise he will make the big play.

3. Get Aaron Rodgers Going:

While the Packers have some very good offensive players, Aaron Rodgers is the key to this game. Regardless of how good the Steelers run defense is, the Packers don’t have the personnel to win this game on the ground. They need Rodgers to come up big, and pick up big chunks of yards through the air. They also need Rodgers to be smart with the football, you know the Steelers are going to be coming and that is what they are counting on. They want Rodgers to throw the ball before he has a chance to see the whole field so a defender can jump the route. Rodgers has to always be aware of the blitz, and if he doesn’t have a check down option throw it away as opposed to throwing an interception or taking a sack. And if you are going to take the sack, make sure you have your hands on the ball, as the Steelers might be the best team at the strip-sack. The best thing Rodgers can do, is make the Steelers pay for blitzing, while you know there will be some guys in zone coverage, there will also be some guys matched up one-on-one. Rodgers has to recognize the coverage and exploit it with big plays. If the Packers can get some early scores, you will help somewhat eliminate the Steelers rushing attack.

By Guest Blogger Brandon Parro (“Superfan”):

I’ve hit my breaking point. The hate, born of regret and jealousy, are now too much to ignore — especially during this week, this moment. Please read carefully, because there are no words being minced here: Ben Roethlisberger is one of the all-time greats at quarterback in NFL history.

It amuses me how many dismiss Roethlisberger’s impact at quarterback due to the fact that he plays with a dominant defense and a solid run game. They say he manages the game and isn’t required to do too much. That the defense covers for his mistakes. That anybody behind center could win with that defense and run game.

I pose this question: Did the Steelers suddenly change their identity to defense and running the ball when Paul Tagliabue announced Roethlisberger’s name as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft? Did Pittsburgh miraculously acquire Troy Polamalu, James Farrior, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Ike Taylor, Joey Porter, etc. the same year it drafted Big Ben? Did Bill Cowher/Mike Tomlin awake from a dream one night and proclaim to use Jerome Bettis/Willie Parker/Rashard Mendenhall more in the offense? I don’t think so. The personnel and the philosophy were already in place before Roethlisberger joined the Black & Gold. Pittsburgh’s ferocious defense and snow-plow run game have been staples of the Steelers for decades and, after a tumultuous 1980’s, were fiercely reborn in the early 90’s with Cowher’s hire.

The point is that through Cowher’s first 13 years on the Pittsburgh sideline, the Steelers were the same gritty bunch as they are today with the same philosophy. However, the Steelers only started collecting post-1970’s Lombardi Trophies when No. 7 arrived on the scene. Why couldn’t Neil O’Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham or Tommy Maddox capture Lombardi with that world-class defense and rush attack? It just might be the biggest coincidence in NFL history that the Steelers started winning championships upon Roethlisberger’s employment.

There was a reason that Pittsburgh held the No. 11 pick in that ‘04 Draft to select Roethlisberger: it was a bad team with a 6-10 record in 2003. A year later, Pittsburgh becomes the first AFC team ever to win 15 games and earns a berth in the AFC Championship Game. The biggest personnel adjustment that season: a first-year quarterback out of Miami (Ohio) who set rookie records in completion percentage and passer rating…along with becoming the first QB in league history to go 13-0 during the regular season. It must be a coincidence…

“But he didn’t have to do anything but hand off to the Bus his rookie year.” Morons. Roethlisberger won every kind of game his rookie year when the pressure was on his shoulders. Won in monsoon conditions his first start at Miami. Engineered a fourth-quarter comeback at Dallas, down 10 points in the fourth quarter. Upended previously unbeaten New England and Philadelphia in back-to-back weeks at midseason. Worked the two-minute drill to perfection in setting up late, go-ahead field goal at Jacksonville. Passed for 300-plus in a shootout at Giants Stadium.

Roethlisberger, like most rookies, was finally exposed in his first postseason, bowing out to the Patriots in the conference title game en route to their third title in four years (see SpyGate).

So with a season of experience under his belt, Roethlisberger ranked third in passer rating in 2005 and the Steelers made NFL history as the first No. 6 seed to appear in the conference championship game, let alone winning the Super Bowl. Their fifth Lombardi Trophy did not come easy, having to knock off the AFC’s top three seeds away from Heinz Field.

“Ben sucked in the Super Bowl…they won despite Roethlisberger.” Yes it’s true, Roethlisberger struggled in Super Bowl XL versus Seattle, but there is no way the Steelers would have even been in that game without him. Nobody outside of Pittsburgh seems to remember the three AFC playoff games that preceded the Super Bowl, on the road at Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver. The second-year signal caller averaged 227 yards/game with a 68.1 completion percentage, a 7-1 TD-INT ratio and a QB rating of 123.

If the NFL handed out an AFC Playoff MVP award, much like baseball’s LCS MVP honors, Roethlisberger would have easily garnered that accolade. Had Hines Ward’s game-sealing TD reception come from Roethlisberger’s hand rather than Antwaan Randle El’s, Ben’s legacy may be different. But because many “fans” only pay attention to the Super Bowl and not the whole body of work, the credit isn’t given.

Not a bad way to start a career, becoming the first QB in league annals to appear in the conference championship in his first two seasons and the youngest at the position to win the Super Bowl.

The motorcycle accident, emergency appendectomy and general “Super Bowl Hangover” by the entire team kept Pittsburgh out of the playoffs in 2006. The team rebounded in ‘07 as Roethlisberger threw for a club-record 32 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions to reclaim the AFC North title, laying the foundation for another championship run in 2008.

Roethlisberger became just the 10th quarterback ever to win multiple Super Bowl titles. This time there were no naysayers as Big Ben made the greatest pass in Super Bowl history, finding Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone for a come-from-behind win with :35 on the clock, cementing perhaps the most exciting Super Bowl ever. The 78-yard drive leading up to the game-winning TD pass was perhaps even more impressive and lends credence to the notion that he is the most clutch quarterback of this generation.

And that running game that carries Roethlisberger? Ranked only 23rd during the ‘08 championship season.

The Steelers failed once again to qualify for the postseason in 2009 to defend their title, but Roethlisberger posted a career-high 4,328 yards with a 100.5 passer rating. This time, the defense had questions to answer as it blew several fourth-quarter leads. Obviously by now everybody knows about the 37-36 win versus Green Bay that season. Roethlisberger threw for over 500 yards with a TD strike to Mike Wallace as time expired for the win. Defense? Run Game?

So, as No. 7 leads the Steelers toward Vince Lombardi Trophy No. 7 on Sunday, how this man does not get the credit he deserves is beyond me. Maybe I’ll have to wait until Monday morning or perhaps until he brings title No. 8 to the Steel City. All I do know is that Roethlisberger makes plays. He is the modern day John Elway: the fourth quarter is his. He continues to make clutch play after clutch play. He makes season-saving tackles in the playoffs. He doesn’t lose to his biggest rival, Baltimore, winning his last seven games versus the Ravens while his backups have gone 0-3. He set an NFL record for most wins through five seasons to start a career and is 69-27 (.719) in the regular season and 10-2 (.833) in the postseason.

What more does the guy have to do??? HE JUST WINS GAMES.

There are 10 teams who passed on Roethlisberger in the ‘04 Draft. Ten teams who forever altered their futures and that of the Steelers, and I would like to thank them for overlooking the small-school quarterback. NYG, OAK, ARZ, SD, WSH, CLE, DET, ATL, JAX and HOU. Thank you for not having the vision and skill that the Steelers front office has.

Obviously, football is not a one-man game and every unit on this team contributes to the numerous division, conference and league titles this franchise collects. But it’s not just coincidence that the Steelers are playing in their third Super Bowl in the seven years Roethlisberger has been the quarterback. His addition put an already formidable football team over the top – and it’s time that he received his due.

By Guest Blogger John Manuel (AKA Stinger):

Its Super Bowl week at Jerryland!  The match-up is solid and a good game is expected.  Who will win?  I think the Packers will.  Actually I think the Packers could take the next three Super Bowls.  Packers’ management has done an extraordinary job lining up their team for the next five years.  They have talent at all positions and especially where it matters, quarterback and on defense.  The Steelers are in good shape also, but just slightly older at some positions.  Would it shock me if the Steelers won?  Absolutely not.

It’s funny I have a friend who looks like Hines Ward and is currently vacationing in Puerto Rico this week.  I wonder if people are looking at him and thinking he is pulling a Tony Romo before the game.  As for the game, I am still not sold on the Packers running game of Starks, Jackson and Kuhn.  But does this really matter?  I expect the Pack to spread out the Steelers D and air it out.  By the end of the game, I wouldn’t be shocked if Aaron Rodgers was their leading rusher. Is there prop bet on that somewhere?  James Jones is a key if he can catch the ball.  The guy seems to always be a factor, mostly positive but sometimes negative.  I said in my last blog that I thought John Kuhn would score the first touchdown.  I am actually rooting for Donald Driver to get the honor.  This guy (Gruden talk) has had a great career, which has mostly been overlooked with all the solid Packers’ receivers of the Brett Favre years.  On the Steelers side I like Randle- El to be a major factor.  Just joking.  If they win, he should Ron Artest his ring for charity.  But I do like Emmanuel Sanders to make a couple big plays.

Which movie will have more commercials?  That Adam Sandler/ Jennifer Aniston movie or Green Lantern?  Don’t be afraid to bet on the next commercial this Sunday.  Cars are always a good way to go.  Or try picking the top hit during the Black Eyed Peas set list exactly for something like 10-1 odds.   Calling it – “Let’s Get It Started”, “Imma Bee”, “Boom Boom Pow” and close with “I Gotta Feeling.”  I wouldn’t go with this, I am not a Black Eyed Peas fan.  Waiting for the Geto Boys or 2 Live Crew to get the Super Bowl halftime gig.  As for the 2011 Lingerie Bowl, I got the Los Angeles Temptation at 2-1.  If I win a couple commercial bets during the first half, might order the game.  See ya BEPs.

One thing I don’t understand is when I listen to radio hosts like Mike Greenberg they always mention that Mike Tomlin is a fiery coach.  I don’t see it.  His best attribute I feel is that he seems calm.  Whatever he is, it has worked.  Both coaches have worked and more importantly their assistants have been major parts of success.

Stable coaching combined with solid drafting and player development?  Sounds like the Snyder and Cerrato years?  Wonder if Vinny is at the Super Bowl?  He should have a reunion with all the players we got from bad moves – Jeff George, Jason Taylor, TJ Duckett, Adam Archuleta, and Albert Haynesworth.  Those guys should rent a party bus and spend some of the extra benjamins they got on a Dallas strip club tour.  Vinny can chauffer.

The game looks to be promising from the standpoint of two solid franchises with great quarterbacks and defenses.  I like both teams moving the ball and scoring.  Big, big, big change if Maurkice Pouncey can go at close to 100%.  BJ Raji has started to dominate opposing interior offensive lines and if Pouncey is out, Raji could be looked at as a MVP candidate possibility.

The real question is will Fox replace Pam Oliver or Chris Myers on the sidelines with Ines Sainz?  Let’s hope so.  Calling it — Packers 30-24.  Green Lantern.  And Geto Boys halftime performance by 2018.

The Packers Head To Their 5th Super Bowl: The Packers drove down and scored on their first drive, on the arm of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay continued to keep the pressure up with another touchdown drive, and they looked firmly in control through three quarters. In the 4th quarter though they needed their defense to come up with big plays to win the game.

It was the most unlikely of scenarios, as the Bears were down to their 3rd string emergency quarterback, Caleb Hanie. Starter Jay Cutler got injured in a first half, where he was constantly under pressure. He did try to play the 2nd half, but it was apparent that he didn’t look or feel alright. Veteran backup Todd Collins replaced him, but he was no more effective and he too got banged up against the Packers defense. That meant that everything rested on the shoulders of a 3rd year undrafted rookie free agent out of Colorado State. And due to the rules of inactive players, by putting Hanie in the Bears ensured they couldn’t turn back to Cutler or Collins no matter what happened.

While he was the unlikeliest of heroes Hanie answered the call for the Bears. Completing a crucial 2nd and 13 pass from the 33 yard line, that went 32 yards and set up a one yard touchdown run. Despite the Packers having everything go right up until that point, the Bears were just one score away from tying the game. You could see the momentum switch at that point, as the Bears defense allowed just 17 offensive yards in three 4th quarter drives (not counting the kneel down at the end of the game), the Bears did have 30 yards in penalties, but even with two free first downs the Packers couldn’t move the ball. Hanie wasn’t perfect though, as he threw a costly pick 6 with six minutes to go. The young quarterback rebounded though, as on the Bears ensuing drive he completed four straight passes to go 60 yards in a 1:20, and put the Bears back within one score.

Hanie would lead one more drive for the Bears, and he got them down deep into Packers territory, but threw a decisive interception on a 4th and 5 play from the 29 yard line. While some people may question Hanie on that last drive, the real questions should be directed at HC Lovie Smith and OC Mike Martz. Facing a 3rd and 3, they called a timeout, switching away from a run that looked like it was going to work, for an end around play that lost two yards. That put Hanie in a bad situation and further away from the first down. Not to take away from the Packers defense, but that timeout just didn’t make sense as it allowed Green Bay some time to think and come up with the big play. The result could have been the same regardless, but there is no doubt that it didn’t help Hanie’s odds of converting the 4th down.

The Packers will now head to Dallas to take on the Steelers, and while they’ve been impressive for the majority of the postseason, they will need to answer why they were so bad in the 4th quarter yesterday.

Pittsburgh Survives A New York Comeback Attempt: It really was the tale of two halves, as the Steelers jumped out to a 24-0 lead, and the Jets answered with 19 straight points, 16 of which came in the 2nd half. In the first half the Steelers were able to run and throw at will, and their defense completely had the Jets number.

The 2nd half belonged to the Jets as they moved the ball pretty effectively against the Steelers defense. Mark Sanchez looked very poised and in control in the 2nd half and hit on the throws that he was throwing incomplete in the first half. Although the Steelers still stopped the run, Shonn Greene had some nice gains on crucial plays for the Jets, setting up 3rd and short situations, and making things easier for the offense. On defense the Jets finally had an answer for the Steelers running game, and came up with some big sacks against Roethlisberger as well. A crucial interception on a broken play, kept the Steelers from scoring and putting the game out of reach. After being stopped on a 4th and goal at the one yard line, the Jets defense showed blitz and a bad snap led to a safety.

While the Jets dominated the majority of the 2nd half a few little victories were the difference in this game for the Steelers. While the 4th and goal stop was wasted with safety, and ensuing drive in which the Jets scored, the Steelers defense made them fight for every yard each drive. Combined the two drives for the Jets took over twelve and a half minutes, which resulted in 9 points (2 of which weren’t the fault of the defense). That 4th and goal stop was crucial as it forced the Jets to ‘regain’ the yards they already had and waste more time off the clock. And while the Pittsburgh offense was ineffective for much of the 2nd half, Roethlisberger came up big when it mattered. He completed two big first down passes, that ensured that the Jets would never get the ball back, and sent the Steelers to their 8th Super Bowl.

New York Jets:

1. Run The Ball: It’s not going to be easy as the Steelers have the best run defense in the league, but the Jets bread and butter is running the ball. If the Jets have any shot of winning this game, they have to be able to move the ball on the ground. If they can get 100+ yards they have a good chance of winning this game.

2. Mark Sanchez Needs To Play Like A Franchise QB: The Jets are a great football team despite having average (at best) quarterback play. For the Jets to win this championship game they need Sanchez to live up to the hype and have a great game. He stepped up in the second half of the Patriots game and he will need to do the same today. If Sanchez has a big game, then New York could upset the Steelers.

3. Attack The Offense: The Jets need their defense to come up with some big plays. New York doesn’t have the offense to win this game on their own, so this defense will need to step up to slow down the Steelers offense. Not only will the Jets have to slow down the Steelers offense, but I think they will need a couple big turnovers to win this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

1. Blitzburgh: Mark Sanchez really has been pretty average thus far in his career, and when you put pressure on him he will make big time mistakes. The Steelers need to do what they do best and blitz him nonstop. Pittsburgh needs to keep the pressure on the young quarterback, and they should expect a couple of turnovers.

2. Attack the Safeties: The Jets have the best corners in the league, but their safeties can be beaten. The Steelers need to attack the center of the field and get some big plays against those safeties.

3. Stop The Run Cold: The Steelers have the best run defense in the league, and they have to ensure they get the job done today. If the Jets find a way to run tonight, it could be a long day in Pittsburgh, but if the run defense comes though then Mark Sanchez has to win this game, which he probably isn’t capable of doing.

Prediction: Steelers 27-17

Ravens:

1. Know where Troy Polumalu Is: If you want to have an effective offense against the Steelers defense first and foremost you have to account for number 43. Polumalu is the heart and soul of the Steelers defense, and while you can’t stop him entirely, you try to minimize the impact he has. Joe Flacco can’t get cute and try to challenge Polumalu, or he is likely to watch the ball go the other way. Also, if there is a running back staying into block, he needs to first make sure Polumalu isn’t coming on the blitz.

2. Get Suggs Free: The Steelers only weakness is their offensive line, so the Ravens need to attack it with a vengeance. They need to run multiple blitz formations and looks, as well as overloading certain areas. Basically the Ravens need to do anything to help disguise/free up Terrell Suggs to rush the quarterback. For the Ravens to win they will need to come up with some big stops and turnovers, and the best chance of that is if Suggs is getting constant pressure.

3.Challenge the Pittsburgh Corners: The Steelers biggest defensive weakness is their corner backs. While overall they are solid, they rely more on having a great pass rush, than actual talent. The Ravens have a favorable match up here and they need to exploit it. You don’t run against Pittsburgh, so you have to find a way to pass against them. If the Ravens can give Flacco enough time he can some big chucks of yards against the Steelers corners (though beware of what side of the field Polumalu is on).

Steelers:

1. Stop Suggs and Ngata: Ed Reed is a constant threat to pick one off, and Ray Lewis still gets it done as an inside linebacker, but Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata are the true stars of this defense. They account for 2/3 of the teams sacks, and Ngata is one of the best run stoppers in the league. If you key in too much on them, the Ravens do have other talent that will make the big play. Pittsburgh will need a big game from their offensive line, as well as using tight ends and fullbacks to chip Suggs coming out of the backfield. If Pittsburgh can minimize their impact, Roethlisberger should be able to handle the rest.

2. Don’t Abandon The Run: The Ravens might not be the easiest team to run against, but as Jamaal Charles showed last weak you can get some big gains against them. Pittsburgh can’t afford to be one dimensional in this game, so they have to at least show signs of a rushing attack. Pittsburgh won’t be able to win this game on the ground alone, but they need to have something. An effective running game will be key to controlling the clock some and giving their defense a rest. At the same time it could help some up a few play action passes.

3. Bring the Heat: Blitzburgh needs to be out in full force today for the Steelers to win. The Ravens might have a pretty good offensive line, but Pittsburgh’s defense is still good enough to get to Joe Flacco. If the Steelers can’t get to Flacco, he will be able to pick apart the Steelers corners, but if they do Pittsburgh should be in the drivers seat for this game. Flacco is developing into a top notch quarterback, but he still struggles mightily against the blitz, in particular the Steelers blitz that will come from anywhere.

By Guest Blogger John Manuel:

I am happy with my Alma mater Maryland’s selection of Randy Edsall as its head coach. Edsall had success at UConn with developing decent talent, in College Park he will be able to work a better recruiting base. Coach Friedgen left him with good talent to start with and the return of defensive coordinator Don Brown is a big bonus. As for Mike Leach, I am now not shocked he wasn’t the choice. Nobody else has really looked at him and with violations just imposed on Texas tech and with his pending lawsuits, he was a risk. Plus if he won quickly at Maryland, would he have stayed long term? I am doubting that, and would guess he would have jumped to the next big time program offer he got. Best of luck to Ralph Friedgen, and thank you for bringing the program back. We sucked when I was there under Mark Duffner, as I can remember bailing at halftime every Saturday to go back to the tailgate in the parking lot.
It was great to see the caps win the 2011 winter classic at Heinz Field. Although I had to rewatch the game on NHL network since I was particularly out commission by New Year’s night. Sid the kid getting crushed was solid also. Only to top it were the Pens failing to shake hands afterwards. I do hope we get them again come playoff time.

I watched the ESPN documentary on Tim Tebow’s prep for the draft and I hope he becomes a solid NFL qb. I promise I won’t do a Thom Brennaman BCS title game speech about meeting Tim Tebow’s makes you a better man though. It was funny to see Todd Mcshay wrong throughout the show on Tebow. Mcshay blows and I hope Mike Shanahan doesn’t read any of his reports on prospects. That one was for you Kingston.
For all 8 of you who read my past blogs, I talked about my fantasy football arch rival, the Matzie. To no surprise we met in the finals.  I took a 33 point lead into Monday night, but he had Ron Mexico, Lesean McCoy and David Akers. Figured I was cooked, but my dream season culminated with a 1.8 point victory and being crowned champion of the Joe Kelly league once again. Matzie was pissed and since has disappeared on Canton.

Huge playoff battles this weekend. All four are rematches highlighted by the AFC rivalry games. Pittsburgh and Baltimore is always close as I expect a big play from a future hall of famer like Lewis, Polamalu, Reed or Ward to be the difference. I am going with Ray Ray to make it in a 17-14 ravens win helped by a big Suisham miss at some point.

I think the pats handle the jets again. I can’t see Rex Ryan winning a super bowl because I think he is a fool. It won’t be 45-3 but something like 27-13 pats. Brady is playing too well. I think he ended the MVP debate in weeks 16 and 17.

Auburn and Oregon Meet For the National Championship Game: While everyone knew this would be the case on Saturday when both of these teams won, it is nice to see it official. While no one can call these teams true underdogs, it is interesting that neither team was ranked in the Top 10 to start the season (another reason why preseason should have no bearing on perceptions). We will get into the details of the game later, but it will be a fun game to watch. With Cam Newton on one side and a LOADED Ducks offense on the other, it should offer plenty of entertainment. The only downside is that the game is more than a month away, giving us plenty to time to lose our excitement for the Championship.

Biltzburgh Comes Up Big: The Steelers were trailing by 4 with 3:20 left in the game and Baltimore was moving the ball. Things did not look good in Pittsburgh for stealing a win in Baltimore and taking the division lead, that is of course until Troy Polamalu took over. The Ravens had 2nd and 5 at their own 43, with momentum firmly on their side. As Joe Flacco went back to pass, every fan (at the game or on TV) could see what he couldn’t, Polamalu storming in from his blind side. Not only did Polamalu get the sack, but he knocked the ball out which was recovered by the Steelers. When the play was over the Steelers had it 1st and goal from the Ravens 9 yard line. One play, and one player changed the entire course of the game (though major credit goes to Redman and Roethlisberger on offense as well), and with it potentially the season. When you hear statements like “Defense wins Championships” that play is exactly what they are talking about.