Super Bowl XVL Packers Vs. Steelers: The Running Backs

Even though the quarterback is the most important player on the field, other positions also greatly contribute to a team's performance.  Running backs may not be as central to the NFL game as they once were, these teams are both famous for being hard-nosed running teams so expect the running game to be key to their success.

Running Backs:
Packers:  The Packers have been using a running back committee ever since Ryan Grant was injured in the pre-season.  Brandon Jackson led the team in rushing yards during the regular season with 703 yards on 190 carries and 3 rushing touchdowns.  But rookie James Starks had burst onto the scene in the post-season with 263 yards on 70 carries and is beginning to become a reliable member of the prolific Packers offense using his combination of speed and power.

Steelers:  Rashard Mendenhall fits the Steelers ideal of a tough downhill runner perfectly.  He has proven time and time again that his stocky, solid frame can gain critical yards even behind a mediocre offensive line.  With 1273 yards on 324 carries and 13 rushing touchdowns, Mendenhall is certainly one of the most consistent runner in the NFL right now.  His special combination of skills of battering ram strength and quick feet make him very difficult to stop.

Edge:  This isn't even close.  The Steelers have a monster in Mendenhall.  He is physical and can run over defenders yet possesses that second gear to blow through the secondary on huge runs.  Mendenhall is one of the impact players of the Steelers offense and if he fails to have a good day running the football, you can expect the Steelers to struggle without his ability to convert in short to middle yardage situations.  The Packers running backs have struggled all year and though Starks shows promise, he still has a lot to learn.  Starks is still a rookie and will be affected by the big stage of the Super Bowl.  Look for Mendenhall to put on consistently gain tough yards between the tackles wearing down the Packers defense.