Super Bowl 2011: 10 Biggest Storylines for the Big Game
Super Bowl XLV is only two days away, and the anticipation for the game couldn't be any greater.
For the past two weeks we have heard every angle of every storyline that every journalist in America can come up with.
Some were funny, others much more serious.
Here is a list of the 10 best storylines heading into Super Bowl XLV.
Best Hair: Troy Polamalu vs. Clay Matthews
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Despite the fact that it's absolutely ridiculous, this may have been the biggest storyline all week.
Who has the better locks?
Clay Matthews rocks the long golden locks that get all the ladies going. I can't begin to explain the amount of footage I've seen on television this week where Matthews was pouring water through his hair. He has a saloon look, and that alone puts him as one of the best hairstyles in the NFL.
Troy Polamalu has the long curly black hair, which has become a trademark for awesome hair in the league. In fact, Polamalu's hair is worth $1 million. Head & Shoulders, whom Polamalu has done advertising for, has a $1 million insurance policy on the trademark of Polamalu's hair. There is literally a price on Polamalu's head.
$1 million hair. That alone gets you the win, Mr. Polamalu. Not to mention, when push comes to shove on Sunday, you're the player most would rather have on their team.
Brett Keisel's Beard
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The hair may not be on the top of his head, but Brett Keisel's beard has gotten much publicity this week as well.
Fear the beard.
Keisel is not the least bit shy about his beard either.
"I think it is bar none the best beard in sports. I'm not trying to brag, that's just my opinion," Keisel said.
He may be right.
$200 Tickets
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In case you can't afford ticket prices ranging in the thousands, the NFL has decided to offer fans the opportunity to still enjoy the Super Bowl in Arlington.
Fans can now pay only $200 to go to the game, and enjoy it from the parking lot!
Don't worry, there will be televisions that fans will be able to watch the game on.
Finally, the opportunity to go to the game without the hassle of actually having to watch the game! Plus fans still get to enjoy the fun activity of spending hours trying to get out of the parking lot when the game is over.
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Is Maurkice Pouncey Going To Play?
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Finally, on to some serious storylines.
It's no secret that Maurkice Pouncey has been phenomenal as a rookie. In fact, he may have been the best player on the Steelers offensive line this season.
Pouncey is nursing a high ankle sprain, but seems determined to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Although coach Mike Tomlin has not ruled Pouncey out for the game, the chances of him playing are pretty slim.
We will only know for sure on Sunday.
Impact Linebackers on Both Sides
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Clay Matthews may have some amazing hair, but he can also play football. This season he has emerged as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
This season Matthews has racked up 13.5 sacks and one interception. He can make a difference on any play.
On the other side of the ball is a man who needs no introduction, James Harrison.
Harrison became the poster boy for the NFL this season, when it came to the crackdown on illegal hits. The fines haven't slowed him down one bit.
Harrison will play his style of game Sunday. You can call it dirty, or you can call it aggressive. Either way, it can turn a game around in one play.
Big Game Experience
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The Green Bay Packers have two players who have Super Bowl experience, Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett. Neither earned victories with their teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have 16 players who already have two rings.
Usually, the whole experience issue should have little stock on the outcome, but this is a different case. The Super Bowl is not a one-day thing, the entire week is filled with nonsense and distractions for the players.
The Steelers know how to deal with this, the Packers don't.
This one will be on Mike McCarthy's ability to keep his team in check and prepared.
Hines Wards Final Game?
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“Whenever the time comes, trust me, I’ll let you guys know,” Ward said. "I don't foresee this being my last game."
That doesn't mean it won't be, and that doesn't mean it won't be a topic of discussion for people.
Ward is getting old, and the Steelers have Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace waiting to take over. As much as Ward brings to the team in terms of attitude and passion, his playing ability is slowly declining.
If the Steelers win on Sunday, Ward will get his third ring. He said before the season started that he wanted three before he retired.
Aaron Rodgers in Brett Favre's Shadow
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Since the first time Rodgers stepped onto the field in a Packers uniform, he was in Brett Favre's shadow. This is finally his opportunity to step out of it.
Brett Favre is a legend to most Packers fans. With this being said, during his time in Green Bay, Favre won only one Super Bowl.
Rodgers has already won over the majority of the Green Bay fans, but that doesn't mean he isn't in Favre's shadow. The fact that this is a storyline is proof of it. When people mention Rodgers, they immediately want to compare him to Favre.
The two have two very different playing styles on the field, so the comparison really doesn't even make sense.
A Super Bowl victory for Rodgers would help him step out of that shadow, and begin to build his own legacy in Green Bay.
Ben Roethlisberger's Road to Redemption
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Ben Roethlisberger was suspended the first four games of the season. Now he has a chance at his third Super Bowl ring.
Roethlisberger isn't the same player as he was in those first two Super Bowls. He isn't the same teammate. He isn't the same person.
It is impossible to say whether he is truly a changed man, but he has shown all signs of being a different person.
He has stayed out of trouble. He has been more helpful to teammates. He has worked harder than ever before. He has been easier to work with for the media.
Roethlisberger's transformation is one of the biggest storylines heading into the Super Bowl. With a victory and a changed personality, Roethlisberger can place himself right next to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the poster boy for the NFL.
Two Winningest Teams in NFL History
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The Green Bay Packers have 12 championships in the franchise's history. This is more than any team in the league.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have six Super Bowl victories in the franchise's history. This is more than any team in the league.
The Super Bowl XLV matchup is one with the most historic franchises in the NFL. A victory will only add to impressive resumes for either team.
The Green Bay Packers, the most legendary team in the NFL. The Super Bowl trophy is named after the Packers own Vince Lombardi.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, the best team in the modern era. Debate continues about the term "America's Team" and if it should belong to the Steelers.
The teams are evenly matched. Each franchise has storylines built up around the game. Super Bowl XLV should be one for the ages.
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