Submitted by Admin on January 29, 2011 - 10:04
Past Super Bowls have been known for their high scoring games between some of the best offenses to ever play in the game. This Super Bowl has the chance to be much different. When the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers face off in Super Bowl XLV, defenses may steal the show.
Offenses get the headlines but defenses win ballgames. That saying rings true as both of these teams boast stellar defensive units.
The Steelers football team has a history of bringing a tough defensive unit to the field for every game. In the last nine games the Steelers have allowed more than 20 points only twice. Pittsburgh allowed 14.5 points per game in the regular season, ranking as one of the best in the NFL. They can also produce the big play.
The can get turnovers and stop the run, which is key to any defense. The Steelers have accounted for seven sacks in just two games in the playoffs, and they have forced four turnovers. The run unit is one of the best as Pittsburgh allowed less than 65 yards per game in the regular season this year to opponents on the ground.
The Steelers can score with their defense as well. This was evident in the AFC Championship game when cornerback William Gay returned a Mark Sanchez fumble for a touchdown in what many considered the play of the game for the Steelers. Now they hope to play just as well on the big stage.
While the Steelers are one of the best defenses, the Packers have an impressive defense as well.
Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers is in line for a head coaching job with the way he has changed the Packers defense into one of the most feared in the game today.
The Packers have turned it up a notch in the playoffs. Green Bay has been dominant in the post-season with a defense that has forced six picks and has 10 sacks in the playoffs. The defense is loaded with talent and every week it seems like a new player is stepping up to make the big play.
Here is a list of the Packer players that have stepped up in the post season. Cornerback Tramon Williams has three interceptions and one score; Sam Shields has two interceptions and one sack, and fiery linebacker Clay Matthews as 3.5 sacks in the post-season. The Packers defense allowed 15.0 points per game in the regular season and also can score with the defense.
They scored in more than one game but in the NFC Championship it was nose tackle B.J. Raji who intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown to seal the victory, dancing all the way to a Super Bowl appearance. His dance has become legendary but it will be interesting to see if he will do it in the Super Bowl.
Both defenses have the ability to change the game and make big plays. It will be interesting to see if defenses rule the day in Super Bowl XLV.