Vince Lombardi is back at home!

The Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl XLV and are taking the trophy named after their legendary coach, Vince Lombardi, back to Green Bay.  Congratulations to the Packers organization and the game’s MVP Aaron Rodgers!

This game held true to the saying that defense wins championships and offense sells tickets.  In my opinion, the Packers’ underrated defense fueled the team’s victory.  They dominated the first half of the game.  They kept Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ offense off the field and limited them to just a field goal.  As a result, the Packers were up 21 – 3 at half-time.

During the second half of the game, the Steelers fought hard to come back.  By the fourth quarter, they were within a field goal.  With the score, 28 - 25, the Packers offense could not get a touchdown, so they settled for a field goal.  The Steelers had a little over 2 minutes to get a touchdown and extra point to win the game.  The Packers defense stopped them and the game was over.

Green Bay’s defense rocked!  Yet, the MVP honors went to an offensive player.

I am not taking anything away from the brilliant game that Aaron Rodgers had.  He threw for over 300 yards and had 3 touchdown passes.  However, two of those touchdowns were the result of a turnover.  Jarrett Bush’s interception and Clay Matthew’s forced fumble that was recovered by Desmond Bishop led to touchdowns.  This does not include the interception that Nick Collins returned for a touchdown. 

In addition to this, their leader and veteran cornerback, Charles Woodson, was on the sideline for the second half of the game.  Woodson broke his left collarbone in the 2^nd quarter.  Green Bay’s Defensive Coordinator, Dom Capers, had to make adjustments and use a couple of backup players to fill this huge vacancy.  Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee stepped up and covered the position usually handled by a 7-time Pro Bowl player.  Despite the challenges, this defense got it done.  Therefore, because of their tenacity and big stops, the 2^nd Heels & Helmets® Super Bowl REAL GAME CHANGER AWARD goes to the Packers Defense.  Congratulations!

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Super Bowl XLV Champs are…

Well it’s almost game time.  After looking at the teams during the week, I think that that both teams are pretty equal.  Here is why:

1.     Strong traditions – Green Bay has the most NFL Championships, Pittsburgh has the most Super Bowls. 

2.     Coach Mikes - Both coaches overcame major obstacles this season.  Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin got through the first quarter of the season without his starting quarterback.  Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy loss several players to injuries, he is on his fourth starting right outside linebacker of the season.

3.     Quarterbacks – Both Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger can throw and have a few options.

4.     Solid defenses – The top three players in the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year contest is on one of the teams playing in the Super Bowl.

So who am I giving the edge to?  

The Green Bay Packers.

I am giving the Packers the edge because of defense, primarily the secondary.  The Steelers’ defense has Safety, Troy Polamalu, in its secondary, but he is it.  This is the reason that the Jets took over the second half of the AFC title game and almost tied the game.  They could not stop Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes.  They will have difficulty against Greg Jennings.  Meanwhile, the Packers’ secondary has Charles Woodson, Sam Shields and Tramon Williams.  Hines Ward is a skilled, veteran receiver, but he and his teammates will not get past the Packers trio of defensive backs.  Plus, now with Maurkice Pouncey out of the Super Bowl, the Packers should be able to run better. and

I am predicting that the Green Bay Packers will take the trophy named in honor of its legendary coach Vince Lombardi to Green Bay for the first time since 1997.

Enjoy the game!

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®