Super Bowl XLV: When the Packers are on Offense

Super Bowl XLV is going to feature two of the most storied franchises in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Their passion, tradition and success make them icons in the world of football.  Their city nicknames tell it all.  Pittsburgh is the “City of Champions” and Green Bay is “Titletown, USA.”  The Steelers have won the most Super Bowls with six.  While, the Packers only have half as many Super Bowl wins, they have the most NFL championships with 12.  The trophy given to the winner of the Super Bowl is named in honor of Green Bay’s greatest coach.  It is the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  See, the history of greatness runs deep in both franchises. 

To start our preview, we will examine the offense of the NFC Champion, the Green Bay Packers.  Green Bay’s offense is led by quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.  He has not been included in discussions about the league’s current top-tier quarterbacks like Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.  After leading Green Bay to become the first 6^th seed playoff team in the NFC to reach the Super Bowl, he is showing why his name should be included in that conversation.  During the playoffs he had 790 passing yards and 6 touchdowns. 

The key to the Packers’ offense is Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and James Starks.  They will need to balance their passing and running game and avoid turnovers.

Here is a look at all of the players that will most likely start on the Packers Offense next Sunday.  (Go back to our post on Offense Controls the Game to review the roles of each player.) 

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers (#12) – Had a great playoff performance.  Known for his accuracy.  Led the league in passing yards and had the most rushing yards for a QB during the playoffs.

Center

Scott Wells (#63) – Strong and versatile.  Will need to be ready for Steelers defense blitzing.

Guards and Tackles – Block against a very tough, experienced Steelers defense.

 Daryn Colledge (#73, Left Guard) – Needs to hold off the Steelers to help the running game.

 Josh Sitton (#71, Right Guard) – Strength and speed make him the best offensive lineman on the team.

Chad Clifton (#76, Left Tackle) –  Must protect Aaron’s blindside.

Bryan Bulaga (#75, Right Tackle) – Rookie going against a top defense.

Wide Receivers

Donald Driver (#80) – Veteran option for Aaron.  Known as Mr. Reliable because of his consistency and number of starts in 12 seasons with one team.  This was his first season in six seasons accumulating less than 1,000 receiving yards.

Greg Jennings (#85) – Had his third straight season with more than 1,000 receiving yards and tied for the most touchdown catches at 12.  Led the league in passing yards during the playoffs.

Running Backs

James Starks (#44) – Rookie who led the league in rushing yards during the playoffs after getting his first start in the Wild-Card game against Philadelphia.

Quinn Johnson (#45) – Tough runner who can also block.  Not much experience, but he has not fumbled.

Tight End

 Andrew Quarless (#81) – Rookie who did not play in the first three games of the regular season.  Started because of injuries and proved that he could use his size to block.

Tomorrow we will look at the men planning to stop these guys – Pittsburgh Steelers Defense.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®