Super Bowl XLV: 10 Interesting Subplots

To say that this year's Super Bowl is interesting would be an understatement. There are so many sub-plots to Super Bowl XLV, such as whether Roethlisberger will finally be seen as an elite quarterback to whether Rodgers will finally become a good quarterback without a certain guy named Brett looming in everyone's minds. There are enough "stories behind the story" to make one's head spin. With that, here are 10 sub-plots to Super Bowl XLV. 

Will Aaron Rodgers Finally Get Out of Brett Favre's Shadow?

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 11: Fans of Aaron Rogers along with a Brett Favre fan wear their respective jerseys as the enter Lambeau Field prior to the game between the Green Bay Packers against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Lambeau Field on August 11, 2008 i

I remember when I lived in Milwaukee for a time back in 2008, and I took a 20-block bus ride. For the whole entire bus ride, all the bus driver would talk about was how much better than Brett Favre Aaron Rodgers was as a quarterback. Apparently that man was convinced, but a lot of people in the Green Bay area are still not convinced. If Rodgers can win this game, he will begin to make a legacy of his own. 

Will Ben Roethlisberger Finally Get Some Respect?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers uses his phone as he is up on the pdium during Super Bowl XLV Media Day ahead of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 1, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Pitt

Again, a lot of this depends on the type of performance that Big Ben has. If he has a great performance, a lot of people will finally begin to take notice and will finally begin to view him as an elite quarterback like Brady and Brees. The difference between him and Rodgers, however, is that not only do the Steelers have to win the game, but Roethlisberger has to have a good performance in the win. 

Will There Be a Defensive MVP?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers wears a Troy Polamalu #43 wig during Super Bowl XLV Media Day ahead of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 1, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Pittsburgh Steelers will play the

This is a question that many people may have wondered, simply because the Steelers are such an incredibly good defensive team. However, the odds are better that the MVP will be on the offense because there have only been eight defensive MVP's in all Super Bowls (the last one was free safety Dexter Jackson of Tampa Bay in Super Bowl XXXVI). But as long as Troy Polamalu is roaming the sidelines, you've got to believe it's possible. 

Will There Be an Offensive MVP?

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

An offensive MVP is more likely. Of all the Super Bowl MVP's, only eight have not been from the offense. The quarterback has been the MVP 21 times. 

What About Troy Polamalu and Brett Keisel?

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FORT WORTH, TX - FEBRUARY 02: Defensive end Brett Keisel #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with the media on February 2, 2011 in Fort Worth, Texas. The Pittsburgh Steelers will play the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011 at Cowboy

***HUMOR*** 
This is the HAIR battle. 'Nuff said! 

Will Dick LeBeau Edge Out Dom Capers In the Coordinator Battle?

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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their game at Raymond James Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Dick LeBeau has literally TONS of experience, and his game plans are usually unpredictable. He also has one of the stingiest run defenses EVER, and that would force Rodgers to throw the ball more often than he might like. On the other hand, Dom Capers' defense is good in its own right and has ranked first in the lowest opposing QB rating, which could be difficult for Big Ben. 

Will James Starks or Rashard Mendenhall Have a Better Day?

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

Once again, because of Pittsburgh's run defense, Starks may have some difficulty. But then again, so might Mendenhall against the Packers. 

What of Tim Masthay (the Punter)?

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Tim Masthay #8 of the Green Bay Packers punts the ball against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

In his short time in the NFL, many consider Masthay to be one of the best punters. If the special teams of the Packers can be stingy with the Steelers field position and couple that with good defense against Roethlisberger, this could be a long day for the Steelers offensively. 

What About the Stadium?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 04: Workers use shovels and machinery to clear ice and snow on February 3, 2011 outside of Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Cowboys Stadium will host Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the G

How will the fact that this is the first time that the Dallas Cowboys stadium has been used for a Super Bowl play a role in the game? Or will it at all? 

What About the Final Score?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: The Lombardi Trophy is displayed during Super Bowl XLV Media Day ahead of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 1, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Pittsburgh Steelers will play the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV on