Super Bowl 2011: Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

Green Bay Packers. Pittsburgh Steelers. Super Bowl XLV.

By now, we all know the details of what will take place on Sunday, Feb. 6 in Dallas, Texas. 

Before you read another word of the preview, however, please treat yourself to an amazing video by Michael Neelen.

It's the same video Packers coach Mike McCarthy will show the team before the Super Bowl. If it doesn't stir up some kind of emotion in you—chills, excitement, etc.—you probably shouldn't even be reading this preview.

Now that we have your blood flowing, let's get into what the Packers have to do to beat the Steelers on Super Bowl Sunday. 

Neutralize the Pass Rush with Short Passing Game

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after he scores a one-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illi

It's well-documented that the Steelers had the NFL's No. 1 pass rush this season and totaled 48 sacks. 

Pittsburgh's outside linebacker duo—James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley—is unmatched by any in the NFL, and they combined for 20.5 sacks during the regular season.

James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons, the Steelers' remaining two linebackers in their 3-4, combined for an additional nine sacks. 

Stats or no stats, it goes without saying that the Steelers are very successful in their blitz packages.

For the Packers, that will undoubtedly cause their offense problems. While Aaron Rodgers has only been sacked five times in three postseason games, it's very possible the Steelers could match that total on Sunday.

Green Bay can counter the pass rush in an assortment of ways.

First, they could mass protect, keeping extra blockers (tight ends, running backs) in an effort to give Rodgers more time. 

Seond, they could bring in extra receivers to spread out the Steelers, which schematically takes some of the blitzing linebackers off the field.

Finally, they could stick to their normal sets—a combination of the two above—but run shorter more efficient pass routes that would minimize the time Rodgers holds the ball and gives him quick options against the blitz. 

It's safe to say the third option sounds the most appealing, and there's a precedent for that style working against the Steelers defense—including two games this season.

The first was Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. While completing 34-of-44 passes for 305 yards, that only equates to 8.9 yards per completion and 6.9 per pass. 

Those low averages are indicative of Brees' effectiveness in short-to-intermediate passes against the Steelers' blitzing schemes, and New Orleans went on to beat Pittsburgh 20-10.

Tom Brady was the next to do it, this time in a 39-26 win for the Patriots. Brady threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns, but that wasn't because he was airing it out deep. 

Once again, Brady hit short, efficient passes that the receivers could run with after the catch to hurt the blitzing Steelers. 

By attacking Pittsburgh's defense horizontally rather than vertically, which the Steelers cover as well as anyone, Rodgers and the Packers offense can repeat the successes of Brady and Brees. 

Goal: 25 or more completions for Rodgers.

Make the Steelers One Dimensional

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs down field against Bart Scott #57 of the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers

Rashard Mendenhall really is one of the NFL's more underrated backs.

Running behind a patchwork offensive line all season, Mendenhall compiled 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

His success on the ground has also been a solid predictor of how the Steelers will perform. When Mendenhall runs for over 80 yards, Pittsburgh is 6-1, and they are 4-0 when he breaks 100. 

With center Maurkice Pouncey almost certainly sidelined due to injury, running the football may prove more difficult for Mendenhall and the Steelers, but that doesn't mean they should abandon this approach altogether.

Pittsburgh has battled injuries with their front five since the opening game of the year, and backup center Doug Legursky has experience on the offensive line.

However, if the Packers can turn the Steelers into a one dimensional offense and put the onus solely on the shoulders of Ben Roethlisberger, Green Bay's defense—most notably the Packers' secondary—will have the upper hand. 

The Packers have been solid against the run during their five-game stretch, but if Mendenhall and the running game gains some traction, the Packers defense could have a long day. 

Goal: Less than 80 yards rushing for Mendenhall.

Don't Let Mike Wallace Beat You

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mike Wallace #17 celebrates after Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scored a second quarter touchdown against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsbu

Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace is one of the NFL's fastest players, and he's been the fastest way to big points for the Steelers offense. 

In the seven games that Wallace had over 100 yards receiving this season, the Steelers averaged over 30 points a game, and in the nine he didn't, they averaged just 18. 

One-hundred yards is an arbitrary number, but it shows the impact that Wallace has on the Steelers offense.

The Packers passing defense, which ranked fifth in the NFL, has their work cut out for them on Sunday. 

Green Bay cornerback Sam Shields may be just as fast as Wallace, but it's safe to say he hasn't faced a receiver with Wallace's caliber of speed. It remains uncertain whether the Packers' plan to match Shields against Wallace. 

Either way, the plan is simple—don't let Wallace provide the big plays for the Steelers offense. 

Goal: under 100 yards receiving for Wallace.

Attack the Interior of the Steelers' Offensive Line

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: B.J. Raji #90 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after scoring on a 18-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Ch

As it's almost certain that Maurkice Pouncey will not be playing or will be limited if he does, the Packers should be capable of attacking the Steelers offense through the middle of their offensive line. 

B.J. Raji, the Packers emerging star at defensive tackle, should have the biggest say in whether Green Bay accomplishes that or not. 

While defensive linemen in a 3-4 defense are supposed to be more block-eaters than disruptive forces, Raji has become the exception to that rule. 

With 6.5 sacks during the regular season and an entertaining interception return for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game, Raji has burst onto the national scene. 

Behind Raji, the Packers linebacking corps must also mount a consistent attack against the Steelers linemen.

Desmond Bishop has proven to be an effective blitzer, and Clay Matthews has demonstrated his ability to force his way through the middle of offensive lines on numerous occasions season.

This trio—Raji, Bishop and Matthews—need to exploit the Steelers through the heart of their offensive line.

Goal: three or more sacks.

Weather the Early Storm

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after he threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes #10 in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond

There's no debating it: The Steelers will have the advantage of experience on their side.

And while many will disagree about just how important that is for the Super Bowl, it will have an impact on the opening moments of the game. The Steelers have been there before, and this game won't be too big for them. 

The inexperienced Packers, on the other hand, will have some nerves at the beginning—it's only human nature. 

This means the first drive for the Packers offense, and possibly the first defensive drive, could be shaky for Green Bay. 

The Packers need to get through their nerves and weather the early wave of Super Bowl emotions, because Sunday will be just another football game once they settle in.

Goal: no disastrous offensive or defensive mistakes in the first quarter.

Conclusion

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 04: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is displayed between a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet and a Green Bay Packers helmet during a press conference with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the Super Bowl XLV media center on February 4, 2011 in D

Two of the NFL's most storied franchises will meet for the first time in the Super Bowl on Sunday. 

The Packers, owners of three Super Bowl titles, have the most championships in NFL history—13.

The Steelers, who will play in their eighth Super Bowl and are winners of six Lombardi Trophies, have been the winningest franchise during the Super Bowl era. 

So which team adds to its overflowing trophy case come Sunday?

The Steelers have some irrefutable advantages heading into the Super Bowl. 

With the NFL's best defense, a contributing running game and a championship-tested quarterback, Pittsburgh has every reason to think they will be winning a seventh Super Bowl. 

However, because there are questions about the effectiveness of the Steelers injured-plagued offensive line, the advantage tips towards Green Bay. 

The Packers will keep Mendenhall from giving the Steelers offensive balance, and Green Bay's talented secondary will make plays against Roethlisberger in the passing game. 

However, the Steelers defense won't be a slouch either, and the Packers won't be finding much success on the ground.

Pittsburgh will take a late lead, but Rodgers and the Packers offense will have their iconic, history altering drive to win the game.

Rodgers hits Donald Driver in the end zone with under 30 seconds left, and the Packers beat the Steelers 24-23 for their fourth Super Bowl title and 14th NFL championship.