NFL Picks: The Super Bowl
Published 8:42 am Friday, February 4, 2011
Coming into the Super Bowl, much has been said about the Steelers’ experience in the big game, which does give them an advantage in handling themselves, but it also takes away a little of their motivation.
They’re legacy is somewhat established, they’ve got two Super Bowls under their belts and they’ve been in the spotlight.
This Packer team is looking to make its mark on the national scene for the first time in awhile. You have players who had to work hard to get to the NFL like Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews III – neither of who were recruited big time out of high school.
You have solid veterans who have never felt the glory of a championship like Donald Driver, Charles Woodson and Chad Clifton.
But most importantly you have a team that has won five straight elimination games, has not trailed by more than seven and has not lost by more than four all season.
Green Bay struggled in close games at times this season, but it seems to have solved that problem after it edged out the Eagles and Bears down the stretch.
The defense has stepped it up to top-notch levels and the secondary is limiting big plays.
The Steelers’ best bet is to get the power running game going and keep Dom Capers guessing on the play-fake. If the Packers stop the run, they should waltz to a title, even if they don’t, they could still come through.
The Pick: Packers 24, Steelers 13