Superbowl XLV was expected to be a battle royal between two blue collar teams known for smashmouth football and gritty play , and it certainly delivered on Sunday. The Packers came out swinging, with MVP QB Aaron Rodgers throwing laser-like darts and the defense scoring early as the Packers looked like they were going to blow out the Steelers, in building a 21 – 3 lead right out of the gate. Pittsburgh hung tough behind Big Ben Roethlisberger and their never say die defense, and closed out the first half with a quick touchdown to make it 21 – 10 at the half.
The game heated up to a fever pitch in the second half, with Pittsburgh’s smothering defense confusing Rodgers at times, forcing them to four straight punts in a row, while closing to within 21 – 17 by the end of the 3rd quarter. This became so exciting that fans seemed to root for Green Bay in the beginning, and then turned to rooting for a Pittsburgh comeback in the second half. The momentum swings has everyone on the edge of their seats for the entire second half. Pittsburgh seemed to have solved Green Bays offensive gameplan, while their offense hammered away with the running game, moving the ball at will. This was truly a heavyweight battle for the ages, with neither team giving an inch in the second half.
Pittsburgh scored in the fourth quarter to pull within 28 – 25 by topping off the touchdown with a two-point conversion. This set up a finish that had fans across the country and around the world mesmerized. Pittsburgh had the ball on the 13 yard line with 1;59 left in the game and trailing 31`-25. They had to drive 87 yards to go for a winning touchdown, with only one timeout left. Pittsburgh had been here before, and usually found the way to pull out the win. Just 3 weeks ago, Pittsburgh was down 21-7 in the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens and pulled out that win, so many fans considered this Pittsburgh’s game to win. The Packer’s defense had let the Steelers back in the game not once but twice with Pittsburgh scoring seemingly at will, with star Packer’s defensive back Ron Woodson sitting on the sidelines with a broken collar bone. Pittsburgh drove to near mid-field with short passes over the middle with under a minute remaining. On fourth down with a Championship hanging in the balance, Big Ben’s pass was swatted out of the hands of Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace and the Packers had sealed what many fans thought was an improbable victory. A valiant, furious comeback Pittsburgh victory was denied by the gritty, never-say die Packers. A truly blue-collar win for all NFL fans.
Packer’s QB Aaron Rodgers, whose trademark celebration after throwing touchdowns is a wrapping his arms around his waste as a statement of wanting a title belt, was named Superbowl XLV MVP. In what has to be considered one of the greatest heavyweight battles in Superbowl history, Rodgers strapped on his Title belt, while also taking home MVP honors to boot. How fitting is that ?
Notable stats:
Rodgers completed 24 0f 39 passes for 304 yards, 3 TD’s and no interceptions. Big Ben had a heroic effort in going 25/40 for 263 yards with 2 TD’s and 2 ints.
The Steelers had 126 yards rushing while holding the Packers to only 50. Pittsburgh led in time of possession with 33:25 to the Packers 26:35.
Pittsburgh was penalized 6 times for 55 yards, Packers had 7 penalties for 67 yards.
Receiving stars : Pittsburgh: Wallace caught 9 passes for 89 yards anda 1 TD, and Ward had 7 catches for 78 yards and 1 TD. Packers Receiving stars: Jordy Nelson had 9 catches for 140 yards and 1 TD and G. Jennings had 4 catches for 64 yards and 2 TD’s.
So there we have it, Superbowl XLV will see the Lombardi trophy coming back home to Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the Packers and Lombardi Stadium. The 2010 Packers have put the “Title” back in Titletown, and the NFL Gods and Coach Lombardi surely have to be smiling today. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers, Superbowl XLV Champions!!
Aaron Rodgers completed 24-of-39 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions
