By Odeisel

And then there were two. A year which featured a ton of parity-driven football comes down to two bone-weary, bloodied but unbowed combatants for all the marbles. Tom Brady, broken foot and all put up a quarterback season for the ages, including the first unanimous MVP designation. All it got him was a seat on the couch (albeit next to his hot ass honey) for the Super Bowl. Michael Vick’s amazing journey from pooch pariah to Pennsylvania Prince likewise ended up on the hoagie express.

In their places stand two quarterbacks that languish in between the pocket excellence of Brady and Vick’s fleet feet, Ben Roethelisberger and Aaron Rodgers. Both quarter backs suffered physical setbacks with their out of pocket forays ending in broken noses, concussions and shoulder and foot injuries.

Big Ben, flaunting two rings finds his way to the big game on a path similar to Ray Lewis those many years ago. His personal life and poor decision making landed him on the wrong side of the gavel and a slim escape from iron bars. He had to earn his teammates respect, and did so with gritty play and tough gutsy performances. Big Ben is oatmeal, it may not be as sexy as a Belgian Waffle, but he gets it done.

Mr. Rodgers neighborhood used to belong to some old guy who likes to send pics of his wee wee. Aaron has done a stellar job making his own mark and dealing with the pressures of following such a legacy. He’s got every tool, he can make every throw and he’s got mobility to boot. Think the old guy with common sense and better legs.

Both franchises have endured long periods feast and famine, but the Steelers are looking for their 7^th title in the Super Bowl era. Both teams feature punishing defenses with big play ability, whether it’s All World safety Polamalu and his menacing presence or Charles Woodson and his blitz package assaults. Clay Matthews will look to make life hard on Big Ben and the Steelers’ defensive line while the Steel Curtain will make it all but impossible for the Green Bay ground game to get in gear. Only problem is, that puts the ball back in the hands or Aaron Rodgers.

Both teams have rabid fan bases and represent the the working man aesthetic, which is so key in these tough times. The Packers even go as far as being owned by the fans in a rare marriage of sports and municipality. Enough background. You got your chips, you got your brats, you got your people. You got your beer (drink responsibly). Now all you need is how the game is going to go. Deisey the (not so) Greek will give you the run down.

Quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers has more skill than Big Ben, he can make more throws and he’s faster. Big Ben has a cannon and will throw the long bomb to those athletic big play receivers. He won’t be pretty, he will take hits. But it’s not easy to bring him down and that escapability often comes whenever the Steelers look vulnerable. In a close game, you don’t pick against a 2 time champion.

Advantage Aaron Rodgers. Big Ben in the clutch.

Running Game: Rashard Mendenhall is a punishing runner with a proven record throughout a season of getting it done. He can keep the game on the ground and Rodgers on the sideline. James Starks has given Green Bay some balance in their game and taken some heat off Aaron Rodgers. He didn’t play much during the regular season and his legs are probably fresher than anyone’s right now. Main issue? He’s playing the #1 rushing defense in football.

Advantage: Steelers

Defense: While the Packers feature various blitzes, beastly pass rushers and Woodson, Pittsburgh is the best defense in the league. You can’t run on them, and Troy is waiting for one play where he can pounce.

Advantage: Steelers

Coaching: Mike Tomlin has hardware. He’s calm and rationale and his players reflect his penchant for responsibility and preparedness. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy took a lot of heat for getting rid of Old Man Wee Wee. He’s arrived at his first Super Bowl and possibly a big monkey to get off his back. In tight moments, experience is key.

X Factor: The Super Bowl is a circus a spectacle and a bunch of other shit all rolled into one. Will the first time Packers be able to maintain focus in that atmosphere? This is the ultimate redemption opportunity for Big Ben. Will he rise to the occasion?

Advantage: Push

It says here that the game will be close and Aaron Rodgers will try his best to extinguish the ghosts of QB past. His comfort zone (Starks) will be less effective than he has been in recent weeks. Two weeks of rest will have Polamalu in as good shape as he has been during this year’s playoffs. A play will be made in the secondary that will change the game.

Sorry Shelz,

Steelers 24 Packers 20