Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who, in just his seventh season, is already looking for a third championship. A win would put him in the esteemed company of Troy Aikman and Tom Brady, and just one behind the quarterback record of four, set by Bradshaw and Joe Montana.
But this one would be a little different, of course, as he overcame a disruptive year impaired by sexual assault allegations, trade speculation and a season-opening four-game suspension. Through it all, he seemed to change his ways off the field while still maintaining his stellar record of consistent winning between the sidelines.
His opponent, Arron Rodgers, has no such image problems – and no Super Bowl rings. Yet, for the first time in his pro career, he was able to step outside the long shadow cast by Brett Favre, build upon the individual successes of seasons past and translate his stupendous talent into big-game victories.
But the biggest test still remains for Arron Rodgers. And it will be against a league-best defense that has done more than its part in carrying on the legacy of the Steel Curtain – with some stellar secondary play, to boot.
The unit held opponents to an NFL-low 14.5 points per game in the regular season and allowed just 62.8 yards per game on the ground – an amazing 27.3 yards less than the next-best team. Despite those numbers, it was a player from its backfield that walked away with defensive player of the year honors.
Though he missed two games to injury, Troy Polamalu tied for second in the league with seven interceptions – and rattled off countless other bone-jarring hits – which played a huge role in turning a number of close games Pittsburgh’s way.
Luckily for the Packers (13-6), they have their own defensive play maker in Clay Matthews, who was nipped by Polamalu for the player of the year award. Despite all the press Rodgers and his fleet of receivers get for lighting up the scoreboard, Green Bay’s defense finished second in the league in points and fifth in yards allowed.
Raji will go up against a Steelers front five that will be without rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey suffered a high ankle sprain early in the AFC title game against the Jets, and, despite his best efforts at rehab, has been ruled out.
Doug Legursky will again fill in for Pouncey after doing a respectable job opening holes for Rashard Mendenhall against a formidable New York line. In some ways, stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight is a theme that runs through this game, from players to coaches.
For more information and free sports picks, check out www.victoriouspicks.com
But this one would be a little different, of course, as he overcame a disruptive year impaired by sexual assault allegations, trade speculation and a season-opening four-game suspension. Through it all, he seemed to change his ways off the field while still maintaining his stellar record of consistent winning between the sidelines.
His opponent, Arron Rodgers, has no such image problems – and no Super Bowl rings. Yet, for the first time in his pro career, he was able to step outside the long shadow cast by Brett Favre, build upon the individual successes of seasons past and translate his stupendous talent into big-game victories.
But the biggest test still remains for Arron Rodgers. And it will be against a league-best defense that has done more than its part in carrying on the legacy of the Steel Curtain – with some stellar secondary play, to boot.
The unit held opponents to an NFL-low 14.5 points per game in the regular season and allowed just 62.8 yards per game on the ground – an amazing 27.3 yards less than the next-best team. Despite those numbers, it was a player from its backfield that walked away with defensive player of the year honors.
Though he missed two games to injury, Troy Polamalu tied for second in the league with seven interceptions – and rattled off countless other bone-jarring hits – which played a huge role in turning a number of close games Pittsburgh’s way.
Luckily for the Packers (13-6), they have their own defensive play maker in Clay Matthews, who was nipped by Polamalu for the player of the year award. Despite all the press Rodgers and his fleet of receivers get for lighting up the scoreboard, Green Bay’s defense finished second in the league in points and fifth in yards allowed.
Raji will go up against a Steelers front five that will be without rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey suffered a high ankle sprain early in the AFC title game against the Jets, and, despite his best efforts at rehab, has been ruled out.
Doug Legursky will again fill in for Pouncey after doing a respectable job opening holes for Rashard Mendenhall against a formidable New York line. In some ways, stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight is a theme that runs through this game, from players to coaches.
For more information and free sports picks, check out www.victoriouspicks.com
