Super Bowl 2011: 5 Keys to a Green Bay Packers Victory

It's been 14 years since one of the NFL's most storied franchises made an appearance in the Super Bowl. This Sunday, the Green Bay Packers will try to reclaim the trophy named after the greatest coach in Packer history, Vince Lombardi.

Standing between the Packers and their quest for NFL glory is another storied NFL franchise, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a matchup of two of the NFL's rising stars at the quarterback position and two of the NFL's top-ranked defenses.

If the Packers plan to succeed in Arlington, they'll need to do the following.

No. 5: Strike First on Offense

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass in the second half against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Ge

Green Bay's aerial attack has proven that it's capable of coming to a screeching halt at the most inopportune time—the second half.

In their three matchups in the postseason the Packers have averaged 11.33 points in the second half. That number, while grim, does not tell the entire story.

Against Philadelphia, the Packers managed only one touchdown in the second half, and in their game against Chicago they managed only a defensive touchdown by B.J. Raji in the second half. The only positive second half performance was 20 points versus the Falcons.

The Packers will have to shake off any pre-game jitters early and try to get an early lead.

No. 4: Win the Third Down Battle

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after he made a first down reception in the final minute of the fourth quarter against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23,

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a living this offseason out of converting crucial third downs. The Packers will need to continue their aggressive style of play and expect play-calling that defies convention and a group of skill players who come up with big plays when they're most needed.

No. 3: Stop the Run with B.J. Raji and Co.

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: B.J. Raji #90 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a defensive play against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Get

It seems like a no-brainer. The Steelers have been on a tear in the postseason, and running back Rashard Mendenhall has been at his best, rushing for 167 yards on 47 carries while adding three rushing touchdowns.

He'll be backed up by Mewelde Moore, and together they'll try to bring balance to the Steelers offense.

It will be up to the Freezer, Clay Matthews and the other members of the defensive front seven to win the battle up front.

No. 2: Get James Starks Going Early

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Running back James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/G

He's the feel-good story of the 2011 postseason. James Starks went from being a lowly sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Buffalo who missed his entire senior year due to injury to leading the Green Bay Packers in rushing this postseason with 263 yards on 70 carries.

Starks and his backfield mates Brandon Jackson, John Kuhn and Dimitri Nance will need to have the game of their lives against the Steelers if they hope to achieve their goal of maintaining a balanced offensive attack.

No. 1: Protect Aaron Rodgers

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Chad Clifton #76 of the Green Bay Packers awaits the start of a play against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge

The offensive tackles for the Green Bay Packers will need to pretend Aaron Rodgers is Sandra Bullock from the movie The Blind Side in the scene where she urges the kid playing Michael Oher to protect his quarterback like he was his mother.

Chad Clifton and Bryan Bulaga are going to have their hands full with James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley and will need to match their strength and speed if they hope to give Rodgers a chance to deliver the ball to his receivers while using his mobility to feel and avoid the rush.