SideLion Report Writers Put In Their Super Bowl Predictions
By Zac Snyder
Zac: Check out my Super Bowl XLV predictions on SeatGeek. SeatGeek is the leading ticket search engine that enables fans to discover the best deals for sports and concerts — Check out SeatGeek next season when you’re looking for NFL tickets.
Brian: This Sunday marks yet another successful season brought to the fans by the NFL. Our neighbors to the west, the Green Bay Packers look go in to Dallas against the experienced Pittsburgh Steelers who have won 2 Super Bowls in the last 5 years. If Pittsburgh wins on Sunday, this will put the recently frowned upon QB Ben Roethlisberger in the 3 Super Bowls won QB elite club. This group includes greats like Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Troy Aikman, along with the recent addition of Tom Brady. As much as many people across the country may not want to see Roethlisberger join these elites, it would definitely solidify his case for the hall of fame.
The Green Bay Packers are certainly coming in to Sunday with three impressive wins in post season play (not to mention all on the road) against great teams. With this being said, I feel as if the Packers candle is finally going to burn out Sunday. With all other remaining constant on both teams, I see the Steelers Rashard Mendenhall putting on a big time performance. When it’s all said and done, the Steelers will capitalize off their post season experience and be the 2010 Super Bowl Champions. Steelers 31, Pack 21 (MVP: Rashard Mendenhall)
Ross: It’s the game we have all been waiting for. I’ve been thinking a lot about this game for the past couple days and I can’t decide who is going to win this game. Aaron Rodgers and the Pack are so talented in the passing game. James Starks has become the answer to Green Bay’s running troubles they had for the majority of the season. Starks allows them to open up the pass especially on the play action. Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are some of the best defensive players in the NFL today.
The Steelers have been in this position before. As you know, Big Ben and the Steelers have already won two Super Bowls this decade. Ben Roethlisberger is one of the best when it comes to extending plays. He is so tough to bring down. Hines Ward and Mike Wallace are both big threats outside for them. It’s going to be so tough for the Packers to establish a running game against the Steeler defense, who ranks high on defense against the run.
Obviously I think it will be a close game. Just a minute before, I was set that the Packers were going to win this game. The Steelers have one big thing that the Packers don’t: experience. Steelers win on a last second field goal. Steelers 28, Packers 25.
Scott: Super Bowl XLV showcases a very exciting matchup on both sides of the ball. Both teams have very good offenses, defenses and special teams. Everyone likes to talk about the Pittsburgh defense but it seems to me that the Green Bay defense is getting somewhat lost in the conversation.
Yes, the Steeler defense is great and they finished the season No. 2 in total defense. The Packers finished No. 5 in total defense though, and it seems like everyone is giving the Steelers a major advantage on the defensive side of the ball. I am not willing to go that far. I like the Packers ability to pressure the quarterback from multiple positions. A big factor in this game will be how the Packers handle Ben Roethlisberger’s ability tom keep plays alive. The Packers will need to get Ben to the ground at every opportunity.
On offense, it looks pretty even also. I like the big play ability for both teams. Aaron Rodgers comes into this game hot and conventional thinking is that he will need to throw the ball very well, and very often for the Packers to win this game. Most do not think the Packers can run the ball on the Steeler defense. The Steelers will pound the ball with Rashard Mendenhall and that may represent the only advantage that either side has in this game.
I like Aaron Rodgers to throw the ball all over the place in this game. I think that the speed of the Packers wide receiver corps will make plays on the Steeler defense and I like Aaron Rodgers to play very well in this game. I like the Packer offense on that fast track in Dallas.
This will be a high scoring game and a game that is dominated by big plays, both on offense and defense. Look for turnovers to play a big role in this game.
Final Score: Green Bay Packers 34, Pittsburgh Steelers 30
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
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