More Superbowl Coverage!

Today was Media Day for both the Packers and Steelers. Every hour they grow closer and closer to the game they have both been waiting for. It’s only Tuesday so let’s not get ahead of ourselves because I have a lot more matchups to break down! The running backs and tight ends are the points up for grabs today!

Running Backs

This is one of the key aspects to this game. We know that both teams are tremendously good at the passing game, but both teams are a little shaky in the running department. The Packers had an early loss when Ryan Grant was plagued by injury. Brandon Jackson would try to take his place, but the running game was never the same. During this season the lack of a running game was the Achilles heel of the Packers. This was still the trend heading into the playoffs until they found their diamond in the rough. James Starks, a sixth round pick from the University of Buffalo, emerged as the Packers major threat. Throughout the playoffs, Starks ran for 263 yards and one Touchdown. If you crunch the numbers he is averaging 87.7 yards per game. For the Steelers running hasn’t been that big of an issue in the regular season. Rashard Mendenhall spearheaded the Steeler ground game. He would have a 1,000 year season and lead his team to the playoffs.  Once in the playoffs, he slowed a bit. Only 167 years in two games (83.5). Starks has a slight edge in my book. He is warming up at the right time and I feel that he is primed for a big game. You have to realize that in a game with defenses like these, a big game could be 50-70 yards with a touchdown.

Advantage: Packers

Packers (2) Steelers (1)

Tight Ends

With both team’s arsenals of wide receivers, the tight ends are easily overlooked. Just like the running backs with the Packers, early injuries would hinder them. Their star TE, Jermichael Finley was having a great year until he was knocked out of season. Since then Andrew Quarress, Donald Lee, and Tom Crabtree have all filled in. They have done a very good job for the situation that they were in, but they still created a weakness for the Packers. The Steelers also have a star tight end. Unlike the Packers, theirs stayed healthy all year. Heath Miller had the stellar season that Steeler fans have come to know (He was third in receiving yards).  It is very clear to me who has the edge. With Finley out, I have to give the edge to the Steelers.

Advantage: Steelers

Packers(2) Steelers(2)

Well thank for reading! Tune in tomorrow for more Super Bowl XLV stories!