Super Bowl 2011: 10 Predictions Everyone Got Wrong
Once again, both teams involved in the Super Bowl had a legitimate shot to win in the final minutes of the game. Aaron Rodgers dominated, Pittsburgh's run defense was dominant, and Greg Jennings had a huge game.
There were many predictions that held up in Super Bowl XLV, but there were others that certainly did not hit. Let's take a look at the top ten predictions that everyone got wrong.
10. Pittsburgh's Experience Will Come Into Play
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What most people thought would happen:
The Packers don't have many players on roster with Super Bowl experience. The Steelers feature a team that has a number of players who have played on multiple winning Super Bowl teams. The Super Bowl will not seem like too big of a stage for Pittsburgh, and Ben Roethlisberger could put together another dominant performance to win the game in the end.
What actually happened:
The Steelers were down early and ended up playing catch up the entire game. The Packers looked like the experienced team, especially early on. In a reversal of roles, the Steelers appeared to be out of sorts and caught up in the hoopla early on. Seemingly unprepared, Pittsburgh's experience did nothing for them when it mattered most.
9. Heath Miller Could Be the X-Factor
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What most people thought would happen:
Heath Miller is instrumental to the success the Steelers see in moving the chains. Ben Roethlisberger could seek out his sure handed tight end in third down and red zone situations. Given the success the Green Bay secondary usually has, Miller is a player who can create mismatches and might find a hole in the Dom Capers' defense.
What actually happened:
Miller was only targeted four times the entire game. He did have one big catch for 15 yards, but was relatively quiet throughout the entire game. It almost seemed as though the Steelers found him more valuable as a glorified tackle than as a pass catching tight end. Miller has been a staple in the Pittsburgh offense since he arrived, but was managed fairly easily by Green Bay.
8. It's Going To Be a Defensive Struggle
3 of 10
What most people thought would happen:
Dom Capers and Dick Lebeau are two of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL. They are the minds behind two of the most dominant and talented defenses in the league. While neither offense is inept, both teams got to where they are now through great defensive play. They may feature two great quarterbacks, but they could struggle to get anything going against these defenses.
What actually happened:
Green Bay and Pittsburgh both struggled on their opening drive, but the Packers turned up the heat in a hurry. The onslaught of scoring they unleashed early on forced the Steelers to get offensive. Either this game could turn into a shoot out, or the Steelers would find themselves in a three score deficit before the start of the second half. Pittsburgh came within one score in the late minutes and both offenses saw more success than expected.
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7. BJ Raji Will Take Advantage of Doug Legursky
4 of 10
What most people thought would happen:
BJ Raji is one of the premiere nose tackles in the NFL today. He has had a big season and his game has caught fire in the playoffs. What would have been a great matchup between BJ Raji and rookie sensation Maurkice Pouncey has become a heavily one sided matchup between Raji and Doug Legursky. Pouncey has a broken bone in his ankle, forcing the anchor of the Pittsburgh o-line to be left on the sidelines.
What actually happened:
Legursky held his own. Raji still made a few big plays, but didn't dominate the line of scrimmage like everyone thought he would. A relatively quiet game for Raji gives the check mark to Legursky in this matchup. Pouncey went down, but Legursky stepped up when it mattered. The outcome of the game didn't swing in the Steelers' favor, but Legursky was not a liability despite the heavy pressure applied on Roethlisberger throughout the game.
6. Halftime Is Going To Be Awesome
5 of 10
What most people thought would happen:
Halftime of the Super Bowl has featured artists that appeal to the older generation. Tom Petty and The Who may not be the biggest names in music today, but they put together a solid half time performance. The Black Eyed Peas are at the height of their game and should put together an entertaining performance of today's music.
What actually happened:
The Peas put out a series of overplayed songs and botched them. The music was borderline hard to listen to and they appeared to be characters in the movie Tron. The performance was anti-climactic and far too long. In a surprise appearance, Usher came out and actually put together a decent performance. It didn't save halftime, but it helped.
5. Clay Matthews Is Going To Be a Force
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What most people thought would happen:
Clay Matthews could have made a legitimate case for being the best defensive player in the NFL. While he fell short of gaining the D.P.O.Y. award, he is still one of the best sack masters in the league. His relentless and dominant play should peak, as this is the Super Bowl and the Steelers have had offensive line issues, especially at tackle.
What actually happened:
Roethlisberger got pressured throughout the game, but not by Matthews. Matthews never touched Big Ben in the backfield and the Steelers did a solid job of keeping him in check. While they may have overcompensated to shut down Matthews, they effectively took him off of his game. He had three tackles and one pass break up. Not very impressive.
4. Mike Wallace Is Going To Be Limited To a Few Big Catches
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What most people thought would happen:
Mike Wallace is one of the best deep threats in the NFL. He faces one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL, so expecting him to break loose more than a few times might be asking a bit much. That being said, he should go up and make a big play a few times in the game. He can make a big impact in the game without having a big amount of catches.
What actually happened:
Wallace ended up having nine catches for 89 yards. Wallace ended up having a stat line that would leave some to believe he was a possession receiver. With less than ten yards per catch and 14 targets, this deep threat served more as a weapon to help move the chains. Charles Woodson was sidelined, which shook up the schematics of the Green Bay secondary. Even so, Wallace's game certainly was not conducive with his style of play.
3. Clutch Kicking Could Come Into Play
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What most people thought would happen:
This game will likely turn into a defensive struggle and game of field position. Ball security and clock management are extremely important to this style of play, as is the kicking game. Three points becomes more valuable in a low scoring game. This game could come down to a last second field goal, in which case Shaun Suisham and Mason Crosby could be the hero or goat of the Super Bowl.
What actually happened:
The kicking game was virtually a non-factor. There were two field goals, but neither really impacted the flow of this game. The game didn't come down to a big kick. The Super Bowl was high scoring and aside from extra points, the kickers saw the sideline. It turns out kickers weren't part of the storyline of this Super Bowl, which actually isn't that big of a letdown.
2. Troy Polamalu Will Show Why He Was Named the Defensive Player of the Year
9 of 10
What most people thought would happen:
Troy Polamalu is the most dynamic defender in the league. He earned D.P.O.Y. honors this season, and deservedly so. Polamalu is impactful in the run game and dominant in coverage. Not only is he likely to have a big game, he could end up forcing a turnover.
What actually happened:
Polamalu was not only quiet, he had a poor performance. One Greg Jennings' touchdown in particular stands out as evidence that Polamalu was not on his game. After suffering multiple breakdowns in coverage, Polamalu was limited to three tackles. He didn't get any sort of pressure on Aaron Rodgers and did not make his presence felt anywhere on the field. Very uncharacteristic for the future Hall of Famer.
1. Dick LeBeau's Defense Will Be Problematic For Aaron Rodgers
10 of 10
What most people thought would happen:
Aaron Rodgers has been unshakable this post season, but has not faced a defense like the one the Pittsburgh Steelers present. The Packers' run game is unlikely to see any sort of success, putting the offensive production squarely on the shoulders of Rodgers. Dick LeBeau puts forth confusing sets, so while the Steelers' are not great in pass coverage, they should be able to pressure Rodgers.
What actually happened:
The Steelers got to Rodgers fairly consistently. They tallied eight hits and even dropped Rodgers three times for a sack. It wasn't enough to force a turnover or make Rodgers uncomfortable in the pocket.
Rodgers dissected the Steelers' secondary, completing 24 of 39 passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions. It is tough to win a football game when the opposing quarterback has a 111.5 QB rating. Imagine what the Super Bowl MVP could have accomplished if his receivers could have held onto the ball throughout the game.
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