Championships never come easily, especially when playing on the grandest stage to ever hold a championship event: Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The shining silver and blue that lines the very walls perfectly represents this technologically-advanced millennium, as state-of-the-art technology defines the scenery of Super Bowl XLV. 111,000 people will be in attendance come Sunday evening in anticipation of another memorable game. Steelers vs. Packers: which team has the edge?
>> Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers looks to crawl out behind the masking 1997 Super Bowl victory and the legendary Gunslinger, who recently retired, I think. Rodgers has had a terrific postseason thus far, posting a quarterback rating over 120 in two games. But he’s never won a Super Bowl. Big Ben, on the other hand, has won twice. He is the best at extending plays and leads critical drives like none other. Edge: Steelers
>> Running Backs and Receivers: The Packers have the best receiving core in football with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver leading the way. The team was third in yards per game this season so they certainly provide explosion on offense. The Steelers, a team known for pounding the football up the gut, don’t score nearly as often and struggle to find fluidity in their offensive drives. Edge: Packers
>> Defense: Both teams have extremely talented defenses, with numerous Pro Bowl selections on both sides. The Steelers give up the fewest total yards and rushing yards per game and lead the league in total sacks. With guys like Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, it’s tough to bet against them. However, watch out for Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. He will turn “Big Ben” Roethlisberger into a fallen tower if unblocked. Edge: Steelers
>> Coaching: Both Mikes are equally capable of preparing their teams and leading them on Super Bowl Sunday. But their coordinators will make the difference. Both Dom Capers and Dick LeBeau have disciplined defenses. Well, almost. Dick still has some work to do with Mr. Fines Harrison. Edge: Equal
>> Who Wins: This should be an extremely competitive game, with defense ruling in the end. I think it will come down to the final seconds, with Aaron Rodgers winning Battle of the Beards. Packers 20, Steelers 17
