Steelers loss expected before the end of the game

The turning point of Super Bowl XLV was Nick Collins' interception in the first quarter, which ultimately led to a touchdown. The Steelers' momentum was affected by this play because the Steelers did not score at all in the first quarter and barely managed to make a touchdown at the end of the second quarter.

One of Pittsburgh’s weaknesses during this game was their turnovers. The Steelers had a fumble and two interceptions which would be the deciding factor of the game.

The Steelers are known to be one of the top defensive teams in the NFL. They were ranked as number two for total defense in the league during the regular season; however, yesterday’s game showed otherwise. The Packers had a huge lead in the first half, but the Steelers managed to make a comeback; however it was a little too late and the Packers ended up with the trophy.

James Starks: Green Bay’s “Not-So” Secret Weapon

James Starks 2010 Topps

James Starks has been plagued by injury dating back to his junior year at the University of Buffalo. He sat on the bench all of his senior year due to a nagging torn shoulder and yet still managed to get signed by the Packers. His injuries did not end there, as Starks tore a hamstring during rookie mini-camp and ended up on the physically unable to perform list.

His lackluster performance off the bench during the regular season tricked many into thinking that he is another average running back in the NFC North. In his first start in two years, Starks ran for 123 yards in the opening round of the playoffs, after having just 29 carries for 101 yards in three games all season. This unpredicted feat surprised the rest of the league.
His performance is crucial for the Packers on Super Bowl Sunday, as their primary running backs have gone down due to injury throughout the season. If he plays like he has been playing as of late, James Starks will take the pressure off quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a knack for running the ball well when none of his receivers are open.

If Starks is able to continue his playoff performance, the Packers will have more options on offense, causing the Steelers defense to guard against both the pass and run. Starks’ ability to run the ball well opens up the Packers passing attack, as Rodgers will have more plays to run, thus becoming more unpredictable. His ability also takes the pressure off wide receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, as they will not have to worry about the ball going to them on every play. Balancing the Packers attack will allow them to thrive better as a team, especially on a stage as big as the Super Bowl.

There is no question that James Starks is an effective addition to the Packers. His skills, which were at one point unbeknownst to most of America, have now been the center of focus for the Steelers defense. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has put an extreme emphasis of not allowing Starks to get started early in the game.

Going into the Super Bowl on Sunday, Starks is ready. "It's an amazing feeling being here right now," Starks said. "You watch the Super Bowl all the time growing up, and you sit there and say, 'Man, I could be there someday.' But to be here, to make that a reality, it's just great to be here." Sunday is going to be a big battle for him, but nowhere near as much battling he has done over the past two years to get healthy again.

Turning Point of Super Bowl XLV: Packers' Last Stand

Tramon Williams / Yunggunn2k3 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Packers came out strong, dominating the first half. Then the Steelers picked up and really threatened the Packers, as they were able to cut the lead to four points. At this point all the momentum rested on the Steelers’ shoulders, leaving Packers fans worried that they might face the ultimate heartbreak. The one play that shifted all the momentum back to the Packers was a fourth down stop. It came with less than two minutes left in the game, Steelers down by six, and Ben Roethlisberger in control.

This situation is very familiar to Roethlisberger, because he was in it two years before. In Super Bowl XLIII, Roethlisberger and the Steelers were down 27-23 with less than one minute left in the game. He was able to complete five passes in eight plays, which led to Holmes catching a six-yard pass for a touchdown. The Steelers won because of Ben’s quarterback vision, and his ability to perform well under pressure.

The Packers needed to force a turnover on fourth down at the Pittsburgh 33 yard line to ensure that history wouldn’t repeat itself, and they did. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers called to run a zone-blitz. "We ran fire zones those last two calls and fire zones are actually going to pass the inside receivers [from one underneath defender to another] and hopefully you don't give Ben enough time to sit there and let the routes develop," Capers said. Tramon Williams made the stop on Mike Wallace, securing the win for Green Bay. "My job is to stop the guy from catching the ball and that is pretty much what happened," Williams said.

Can Emmanuel Sanders “Answer the Bell”?

Rookie Emmanuel Sanders' consistency might be the reason why he will be a key factor for the Steelers during the Super Bowl this Sunday. Sanders is not the Steelers first option, but when called upon he answers by always catching the ball.

This season he caught 28 passes for 376 yards and he also returned 25 kickoffs. These attributes will be useful against the Green Bay Packers, whose special teams unit was ranked 31st in the league.

Although he is not Ben Roethlisberger’s first option, he is considered a playmaker. Roethlisberger commented on Sanders’s role in a recent interview. “We are not calling Sanders every single play. It’s when we call him he answers the bell.” His clutch type play will give him lots of opportunities during the Super Bowl.