Super Bowl XLV: Top 5 Storylines Heading Into the Packers-Steelers Showdown

Super Bowl XLV kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET, at which time the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers will leave every ounce of energy on the field in their attempt to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

Its fitting that two cities that are known as "Titletown" will be fighting to bring home the trophy.

Between the commercials and the pageantry of the game, there will be plenty to keep even the "casual" football fan entertained.

But what are some of the top stories to watch for the "real" football fans tonight?

Check out Erik Frenz's football curator page at myspace.com/football. Follow Erik on Twitter at  @e_frenz.

Ben Roethlisberger Goes for No. 3

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after they won 27-23 the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Flor

Tom Brady. Troy Aikman. That's some elite company to be in, and in winning his third Super Bowl trophy tonight, Roethlisberger could join that group.

He had one of the worst performances of his career in Super Bowl XL, which the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks, 21-10. Big Ben finished nine-for-21 for 123 yards and two interceptions, rushing seven times for 25 yards and a touchdown.

That performance was the talk of the town leading up to Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals, but Roethlisberger rebounded by going 21-for-30 for 256 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

With an elite defense to back him up, Roethlisberger won't have to have the game of his life out there.

Aaron Rodgers Goes for No. 1

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: (L-R) Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 and Matt Flynn #10 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate the Packers 21-14 victory against the Chicago Bears with the George Halas Trophy after the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on Janua

It's just incredibly ironic that in the same year many feel that Brett Favre tarnished his legacy, Aaron Rodgers will have a chance to start laying the groundwork on his own.

He's already become one of the best postseason quarterbacks in NFL history, completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,213 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding 15 scrambles for 69 yards and another three scores.

With a win on Sunday night, Aaron Rodgers has a chance not to jump out of Favre's shadow, but to at least remind people of why moving on from the old gunslinger wasn't such a bad idea after all.

The League's Top Two Defenses

Karl Walter/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 20: Defensive coordinator Dom Capers of the Green Bay Packers talks with Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau prior to the game on December 20, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/G

Pittsburgh was first in scoring defense this season, Green Bay second.

Pittsburgh was first in sacks, Green Bay second.

Gee, think defense wins championships?

Both groups employ a similar zone blitz scheme, mastered by the teams defensive coordinators—Dom Capers and Dick LeBeau—who both worked under Bill Cowher.

Maurkice Pouncey Out

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Maurkice Pouncey #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is helped off of the field after being injured in the first quarter against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsbu

If you read my article earlier this week, you know my feelings on Maurkice Pouncey being out of the Super Bowl. It doesn't bode well for the black and yellow.

These things have a tendency to play themselves out, though. Doug Legursky could seamlessly replace Pouncey, or B.J. Raji could shred the seams all night long and make for one long night for the Steelers offense.

Only time will tell.

When Dynasties Collide

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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

The Lombardi Trophy is named for the Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Packers in the '60s. Many consider Vince Lombardi to be one of the greatest coaches to ever live. His speeches live on in lore to this day.

The same can be said for Steelers owner Dan Rooney being regarded as one of the greatest owners the sport has ever had. The Steelers had a dynasty of their own, which Rooney helped build. The Steel Curtain reigned supreme over the NFL in the '70s.

More importantly, though, we have him to thank for the Rooney Rule, which affords black head coach prospects an opportunity to land some of the best coaching jobs in the league.

The roots of the league will be on display here tonight, as two of the league's most storied teams go head-to-head.

And with that in mind, why wouldn't even a casual fan watch?