Super Bowl 2011: Aaron Rodgers' Sore Shoulder Deciding Factor in the Super Bowl?

For the Green Bay Packers to have any chance at winning the Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers' sore shoulder needs to be as close to 100 percent as possible.

Rodgers injured his shoulder on a hit from defensive back Danieal Manning during the Bears-Packers game on Sunday. The Packers went on to win that game, but was evident that Rodgers was not the same.  

Rodgers only managed 274 yards against the Chicago Bears. He did not throw another touchdown pass the remainder of the game.

Against Atlanta, Rodgers appeared unstoppable. He had 366 yards and three touchdowns.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy admitted that Rodgers' shoulder was sore, but that Aaron will be fine. 

There is no doubt that Aaron Rodgers will play in the game, he won’t even admit that it is a concern nor will he come out of the game no matter how sore the shoulder is. He saw the effects of what Jay Cutler went through, and he won’t go through the same ordeal.

The concern over Aaron Rodgers' shoulder is a legitimate one. The Packers' success revolves around the throwing arm of of their Pro Bowl QB. They are not as effective when they are running the football.

Rodgers has an extra week to rest his sore shoulder and get ready for the biggest game of his career.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an elite defense. Troy Polamalu, who returned to the game after an Achilles tendon injury, is a key player in the Steelers' aggressive and dominant defense, which will put pressure on Aaron Rodgers, especially if his shoulder is not fine. 

You can bet that Pittsburgh will put heavy pressure on Rodgers early to test his shoulder.

As good of a season as the Packers have had, without the excellent play of their star quarterback their chances of beating the Steelers and winning their first Super Bowl in the post-Brett Favre era relies heavily, if not solely, on the shoulder of Aaron Rodgers.