Super Bowl 2011: 10 Reasons This Will Be the End of Pittsburgh Steelers' Reign
Steelers fans: enjoy the journey, but fear the future. The Steelers have made things interesting by getting to the Super Bowl, but if they don't win on Sunday it could be a sadder day for the Steelers than you think.
The Steelers have had an impressive run of things and no one can doubt they have been arguably the best team of the last decade, however, just because you were good, doesn't mean you'll be good forever.
So here is why the Steelers won't win on Sunday or for a while after.
10. They Aren't Getting Any Younger
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It would be nice if they were, but the Steelers aren't getting younger. Casey Hampton? 33. James Farrior? 36 James Harrison? 32 Flozell Adams? 35 Hines Ward? 34 Brett Keisel? 32.
In factory worker years these man are young, but in the NFL these guys are in their twilight. There is only so much abuse they can take. And the Steelers may draft well, but it's hard to replace so many important guys. This group of winners doesn't come around all the time.
9. Offensive Line Is Suspect
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Sure the Steelers have shown amazing resiliency within their offensive line, but this is a patchwork line at best. And while it's nice to think that it's just injury related the truth is the Steelers offensive line was an issue last season and it's an issue again.
Without a pick in the upper first round the Steelers continue to have to find a diamond in the rough or patchwork it together. Eventually that is going to catch up with them, and defenses are going to catch up to Ben.
8. New England Will Get Better
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The Steelers are thanking their lucky stars that they didn't have to face the one team, and the one quarterback, who eats them alive. The Patriots got bounced from the playoffs because there defense couldn't hold up in the end. However, you can be sure that will six picks in the first three rounds that the smartest coach in the NFL will be addressing those needs.
When New England gets better the Steelers will have to go through them to get anywhere and as long as Tom Brady is playing, that going to be a tall order.
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7. So Will Baltimore
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Beating New England is one thing, but getting to them might be another. The Ravens don't show signs of slowing down. While their strength has always been their defense, and it's aging too, the Ravens have done a great job of building their offense.
And you can discredit it, but don't forget that the Ravens had the Steelers on the ropes for most of their playoff game until the Ravens beat themselves. They know how to beat the Steelers and it will be no fluke when it happens next time.
6. No Pouncey
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If the Steelers are going to go out with a bang then they are going to have to do it without Maurkice Pouncey. He's the best part of the offensive line and ESPN's Adam Schefter is saying he's not playing.
Sure Legursky is a fine backup, but if they are going to beat an aggressive Packers defense then Pouncey needs to be there. He won't be and the Steelers are going to suffer for it.
5. No Surprises
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Pittsburgh is great a bringing the best blitz package in the AFC. It's confusing and most teams aren't ready for it even when they think they are. However, the Green Bay Packers will be ready for it and then some.
Dom Capers is from the Dick LeBeau tree and is up on all the great coordinators tricks. Plus Aaron Rodgers sees this defense everyday so he won't be surprised. Taking away the element of surprise will matter more than you think.
4. Too Many Wideouts
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The Cardinals found the blueprint to the hurting the Steelers defense. In the fourth quarter they spread the Steelers out by going in three, four and wide sets. This cause key players like James Harrison and Troy Polamalu to have to drop back into coverage.
The Packers have just as many viable targets they can use to spread the Steelers out. Pittsburgh has some talented cover corners, but they are particularly deep at that position. The Packers open up their passing game and there are just too many dangerous guys to cover.
3. A Better Offensive Line
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Let's not forget that the Packers best asset may be in their offensive line. They have managed to hold up well against some very potent defenses. Now, there is no doubt that the Steelers are going to give them all they can handle, but the Packers can feel comfortable spreading out the defense and allowing the offensive line to protect Rodgers from the Pittsburgh pass rush.
If they can protect Rodgers, things could get ugly for the Steelers.
2. A Better Secondary
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Sure, the Steelers have some play-makers on the defense for them, but the Packers get the edge when it comes to cover corners. Not only do you have the former defensive player of the year in Charles Woodson, but you have Tramon Williams and Sam Shields to make up one of the best secondaries in football.
And while they don't have the Steelers safeties, Peprah and Collins are both well experienced and smart corners. The Steelers may try and spread out the Packers, but they won't have nearly the same success.
1. Rodgers Is Better
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You have to give Ben his respect for two rings and being arguably the best big game quarterback in the business. But there is more to quarterbacking than just making a big pass. Ben faced a big time quarterback in a big game when he took on Kurt Warner. However, Kurt wasn't in his prime like Rodgers is and Kurt was playing for a 9-7 Cardinals team.
This game will come down to who plays the position better for four quarters. For that you have to give the nod to Aaron. He's just better and Sunday he waves goodbye to the Steelers dynasty.
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