To have a truly balanced offense, every team need quick receivers with excellent hands to keep the opposing defense off balance. Both the Packers and Steelers feature great receiving corps that will be key to both teams success.
Receivers:
Packers: Because of Ryan Grant's season-ending injury at early on, the Packers receivers have to had to step up in order to take pressure off the meager running game. Greg Jennings has led the team with 1265 yards on 76 receptions and has accounted for 12 touchdowns. Supporting him are Donald Driver with 51 receptions for 565 yards, James Jones with 50 receptions for 679 yards, and Jordy Nelson 45 receptions for 582 yards. Their consistency from game to game has allowed Aaron Rodgers to pass for incredible numbers and these connections have been integral to the Packers path to the Super Bowl.
Steelers: Unlike the Packers West Coast passing philosophy, the Steelers employ a vertical passing game to stretches the opposing secondary north to south. Speedster Mike Wallace has accounted for 60 receptions for 1257 yards and 10 touchdowns. In combination with precise route runner Hines Wards who has 59 receptions for 755 yards and durable tight end Heath Miller who has 42 receptions for 512 yards, the Steelers passing attack has grown in leaps and bounds and will be a force to reckon with in tonight's Super Bowl.
Edge: A close contest because of the productivity of each team. However, the Packers receiving corps can be considered the best in the league because of what they've managed to do without any real rushing attack. In conjunction with Rodgers accurate arm, the Packers receivers can reel in pass after pass and pick up solid, consistent yardage all game long. The Steelers philosophy is different as Roethlisberger's cannon manages to target Wallace on deep routes for touchdowns. But in the end, the Packers variety of options allows them to attack a defense through the air in multiple ways.
After watching the game, I felt like that the winning factor for the Packers were their wide receivers and without them, Aaron Rodgers would have had a a difficult time beating the Steelers. Great game from both teams but I have to say I was shocked at the first half lead by the Packers, controlling the pace and keeping it until the end.
ReplyDeleteNice post! Really exciting time for a football blog! Although I'm really disappointed with the outcome of Sunday's game, I liked reading your coverage. I like how you included the video too...crazy catch! Look forward to seeing what you have to say about the game!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had read this post prior to watching the game! Your stats really would've helped put everything into perspective! After watching the game, I feel like the Packers really blew the Steelers away. What do you think? Do you think the Packers deserved to win based on not only the game, but their past season?
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