Super Bowl XLV: Steelers on Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is not touted as much as its defense.  However, they have one the best quarterbacks in the league and several veteran players who have played in and won a Super Bowl.  This unit will need to establish a running game to slow the game down and exhaust time on the clock.  Quick drives filled with passes give the Packers more time to get back on the field and score.  Maurkice Pouncey will be key to the Steelers accomplishing this.  If he cannot play, his backup, Doug Legursky, and the other linemen will have to step up and block.

Here are the players that will most likely start or play a major role in the game.  You can go back to Offense Controls the Game to review the responsibilities of the players on offense.   
 

Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger (#7) – Led Steelers to 2006 and 2009 Super Bowl Championships.  Missed four games because of suspension and still threw over 3,200 yards.  Not extremely fast, but big and strong so it is tough to sack him.

Center

Maurkice Pouncey (#53) - Rookie. Status is uncertain because he suffered a left ankle sprain in AFC title game.

Guards and Tackles – Need to block and create space for Mendenhall to run.

Chris Kemoeatu (#68, Left Guard) – Strong blocker.  Signed five-year contract last year despite missing almost half of the 2009 season with an injury. 

Ramon Foster (#73, Right Guard) – Replaced Chris Kemoeatu last season and got a starting job this year.

Jonathan Scott (#72, Left Tackle) – Became a starter after Max Starks was injured.

Flozell Adams (#71, Right Tackle) – Former left tackle.  Veteran who is starting because of injuries.

Wide Receivers

Hines Ward (#86) – Veteran receiver who does not mind blocking.  He and Ben know each other well and can adjust when plays break down.

Mike Wallace (#17) – Very fast.  Had over 1,250 yards this season.  Steelers’ deep threat option.

Running Backs

Rashard Mendenhall (#34) – 2^nd year starting. Was a rookie when the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2009.  Had 121 yards against Jets in AFC title game.

David Johnson (#85) – Truly a tight end.  As a full back he can block and catch short passes.  3^rd on the depth chart for the tight end position.

Tight End

Heath Miller (#83) - Strong blocker who catches well.  Pro Bowl in 2009.

Tomorrow we will review the men looking to take down Ben and stop this unit from scoring, the Packers’ Defense.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®