Sunday, February 6, 2011

Packers Win Superbowl XLV 31-25

The Vince Lombardi Trophy goes back to its rightful place: Green Bay.  The Packers jumped out early and held on late to win Superbowl XLV, their fourth championship in the Superbowl Era.  Aaron Rodgers won the MVP award, completing 24-39 of his passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns.  The numbers even lie a bit, as James Jones and Jordy Nelson had a few drops that could've put this game out of reach early.

I know most people watched this game, so I won't get too detailed about a recap, but the huge turning point in the game was a Rashard Mendenhall fumble.  Pittsburgh had a ton of momentum, down 21-17 and were driving down field, but with the help of Clay Matthews and Ryan Pickett, the ball was popped onto the ground.  The Packers controlled this game, as they never trailed; however, even when it was 21-3 late in the second quarter, Pittsburgh never seemed out of the game.  The Packers were never comfortable with the lead and for much of the second half, the game was within one possession.  A 52 yard missed field goal by Shaun Suisham killed a Pittsburgh drive in the third quarter that could've made it a 1 point game, but he missed terribly pulling it left about ten yards.

This game was defined a lot about Pittsburgh miscues, but Aaron Rodgers took care of business.  Three touchdowns off of three Pittsburgh turnovers, making the most out of the Steelers' mistakes.  This season was a roller coaster ride for the Packers, sneaking into the playoffs with a win vs. the Bears in Week 17.  Rodgers had two concussions and even in the Superbowl, Charles Woodson and Donald Driver missed more than half the game with injuries.  The team overcame the injuries and problems all season long and truly deserve to be champions.  Aaron Rodgers kept his poise all season long and when Head Coach Mike McCarthy handed him the Lombardi Trophy on the podium, Rodgers pointed out his new friend: The Championship Belt.

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