I have massive respect for the Steelers' organization. Perhaps because in many ways they remind me of the Packers: A classic, proud, old school club that does things the right way, with a fan base that tapes their ankles before games. It's hard to hate PIT as that would be like hating GB.
Oh, yeah: The Steelers also have a very good football team this year. They are a tough, hard-nosed unit with a QB who (off-field exploits aside) is a proven winner, a guy who more times than not finds a way to lead his team to victory even when he is not on top of his game. They have a smart, no-nonsense head coach and a group of experienced, veteran play-makers on defense.
While PIT has "been there before" the Packers, almost to a man, have not. Perhaps that will make GB hungry, but given the circus that is the Super Bowl, I think that prior "Big Game" experience will help the Steelers. Moreover, in addition to the distraction brought on by the side show elements associated with the game, I wonder if there isn't a bit of the edge worn off the Packers after successfully facing down five straight games of back-to-the-wall, elimination football--particularly after a season spent regrouping in compensation for an injury list of Biblical proportions. In light of all of that, I suppose in some ways it would be understandable if the Packers had a little "just happy to be here" attitude. Will the urgency be there when guys like Bob McGinn are writing that this could be the first of multiple Super Bowls for the team?
I would not be surprised to see GB fall behind by 10 causing cracks to form in the dam, and then the whole thing giving way under the stress of all of the above: Talk about a lousy way to end a terrific season. But while a boatrace is not out of the question, I just can't see the Packers doing anything but giving PIT a run for its money. It might be wishful thinking, but I see a close, hard fought game. How else could that end but with GB losing by four freakin' points? Final PIT over Pack, 24-20.
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