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®

Super Bowl XLV: Steelers on Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their defense.  They are gladiators who hit hard and stop offenses with big tackles.  Out of the 32 teams in the NFL, they ranked #2 in total defense.  During the playoffs they led the league in defense.  They are particularly good at stopping offenses that run.  On average, teams got less than 63 rushing yards against them this season.

Pittsburgh’s defense is filled with superstars.  Many of them would go to other teams and be the leader on defense.  The #1 (Troy Polamalu) and #3 (James Harrison) players in the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year contest are on this unit. 

Here are all of the players that will potentially start when the Steelers' Defense comes out on Sunday. (Go back to the article Defense Wins Championships! to review the roles.)

Tackles and Ends - These guys are going after Aaron Rodgers and his Running Backs.

Ziggy Hood (#96, Left End) - Became a starter in the middle of the season.  Last season as a rookie, he mainly played on special teams.

Casey Hampton (#98, Nose Tackle) – Powerful guy in the middle.  He is the reason teams have difficulty running against the Steelers.

Brett Keisel (#99, Right End) – Really improved this year.  Ended the season with 3 sacks, 2 fumbles and an interception.

Linebackers

LaMarr Woodley (#56, Left Outside Linebacker) – Owns NFL record with a sack in six straight playoff games.  Good at defending passes.

James Farrior (#51, Left Inside Linebacker) – In his 14th season and still had 109 tackles and six sacks. 

Lawrence Timmons (#94, Right Inside Linebacker) – Had his best season this year with 135 tackles.

James Harrison (#92, Right Outside Linebacker) – Pro-Bowl linebacker.  Fearless and aggressive.  Led the NFL in fines for illegal hits.  Had 10.5 sacks this season.  Third in 2010 Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Cornerbacks

Ike Taylor (#24) – Forced a huge fumble in the AFC Championship Game.  Does not have a lot of interceptions, but does stay with receivers.  He will have to defend Greg Jennings.

Bryant McFadden (#20) - Fighting abdomen problem, but should be fine.

Safeties

Troy Polamalu (#43) - Pro-Bowl safety.  2010 Defensive Player of the Year.  Considered the best safety in the league.  Fast, strong and observant, so he takes down receivers and runners.

Ryan Clark (#25) - Hits and tackles well.

This group is going to use speed and strength to handle the Packers’ offense and keep Aaron Rodgers off the field.  Then it will be Big Ben’s turn to lead.  Tomorrow we will take a look at him and the rest of the Steelers' Offense.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®