PIT O-Line vs. GB D-Line
By Kevin Rogers
With all the focus on the big names and potential firepower for Super Bowl XLV in Dallas, the game within the trenches shouldn't be overlooked. There are plenty of storylines involving each offensive and defensive line as the Packers and Steelers prepare for this contest on February 6. Our comprehensive breakdown begins with Green Bay's defensive line trying to bust through and rattle the Pittsburgh front.
Steelers' offensive line
When you think of Pittsburgh, the first things that come to mind are Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, and a vicious defense. The offensive line isn't what sticks out to may football fans, but this unit has done their best with several injuries to help get the Steelers to this round.
The big story heading into the Super Bowl in regards to the offensive line is the status of Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey. The former Florida Gator standout suffered a high ankle sprain in the first half of the AFC Championship victory over the Jets. The injury opened the door for Doug Legursky, who started the first four games of the season at right guard on this makeshift line. Legurksy's only flaw in the AFC Title Game was his manhandled snap to Roethlisberger on the goal line, resulting in a safety for the Jets. If Pouncey (who is listed as questionable) can't go, Legursky will be the anchor of the offensive line.
This unit allowed 43 sacks in the regular season, the eighth-most in the NFL. Past Pouncey, left tackle Jonathan Scott is another key on this line after getting moved to the left side in November. The season-ending neck injury to Max Starks at Cincinnati forced Scott, a Dallas native, to start the final eight games of the season. Left guard Chris Kemoeatu has been a consistent part of this offensive line for each of the last three seasons, while veteran Flozell Adams started all 16 games in the regular season at right tackle.
The Ravens were able to sack Roethlisberger six times in the Divisional Playoffs, but the Jets' defense only broke through for two sacks of Big Ben in the AFC Championship. The Steelers ranked 11th in the regular season in rushing offense with 120 yards/game, while the running game churned out 166 yards to beat the Jets last Sunday.
Packers' defensive line
The 3-4 defense employed by coordinator Dom Capers has produced fantastic results this season by allowing 309 yards/game (5th in league) and 15 ppg (2nd in league). Green Bay limited 11 of its last 13 opponents to 17 points or less to trail only Pittsburgh in the points allowed department. The key for Super Bowl XLV is if the Packers' front three can slow down a mobile quarterback in Roethlisberger, while trying to exploit a makeshift offensive line.
B.J. Raji had the game-winning touchdown for the Packers in the 21-14 victory over the Bears with his interception return to clinch the NFC Title. The former Boston College standout recorded 39 tackles and 6 ½ sacks at nose tackle in his second season to help anchor the Packers' defensive front. Cullen Jenkins finished second on the team in sacks with seven (behind Clay Matthews' 13 ½), even though the ex-Central Michigan defensive end missed the final four regular season games with a calf injury.
The third member of the Packers' defensive line is Ryan Pickett, who made seven tackles in the three playoff victories from the other defensive end position. Green Bay's 47 sacks in the regular season were tied for second with Oakland and San Diego, while finishing behind their Super Bowl opponent by one for tops in the league in that category. The rushing defense saw a drastic improvement in the playoffs by holding all three teams to 83 yards or less (Chicago - 83, Atlanta - 45, Philadelphia - 81) after allowing 115 yards/game in the regular season.
Who has the edge?
With Pouncey likely to miss the game due to the high ankle sprain, the different pieces that have been interchanged in the Steelers' offense line won't be a positive. The Packers' defense has been strong all season long and with Jenkins healthy once again, Green Bay should step up in this matchup and rough up Roethlisberger.
Edge: Packers
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GB O-Line vs. PIT D-Line
By Kevin Rogers
The Steelers' offensive line has dealt with injuries all season, capped off by center Maurkice Pouncey's high ankle sprain. On the flip side, the Packers as a team have been hit the injury bug with 16 players placed on injured reserve. The only unit that's stayed fairly healthy is the offensive line, with veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher as the only starter to be lost to a shoulder injury back in October.
The loss of running back Ryan Grant in Week 1 at Philadelphia nearly ruined the ground game, but the Packers have stayed afloat and maintained a nice balance offensively through the playoffs. After three straight road victories, the Packers need one more solid performance against a Steelers' defensive line that leads the league in stopping the run.
Packers' offensive line
The line is anchored by Pro Bowler Chad Clifton, as the left tackle is the primary blind side blocker for Aaron Rodgers. Past Clifton, left guard Daryn Colledge and center Scott Wells are two veterans that have helped stabilize this offensive line. Bryan Bulaga took over for the injured Tauscher in Week 5 as he was thrust into the fold at right tackle after getting selected 23rd overall out of Iowa in last April's draft.
The running game ranked 24th in the regular season at a shade over 100 yards/game, but the emergence of rookie James Starks in the playoffs has boosted this unit. We know about the effectiveness of Rodgers and the passing game, but the play of Starks over the last three games has given this offensive line confidence. Starks rushed for 123 yards in the Wild Card round against Philadelphia, followed by a combined 140 yards in the victories over Atlanta and Chicago.
The Green Bay offensive line allowed 38 sacks this season, which was tied for 11th in the league. Rodgers ranked third in the league in rushing for quarterbacks with 356 yards, behind Philadelphia's Michael Vick and Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman. The Packers' signal-caller rushed for a pair of touchdowns in the last two playoff victories, which will be another weapon in the arsenal of this Green Bay offense in Super Bowl XLV.
Steelers' defensive line
The Packers will no doubt have their hands full trying to rush on this Steelers' defense, which finished tops in the league stopping the run at 62 yards/game. Pittsburgh employs the same 3-4 defense as Green Bay does, with coordinator Dick LeBeau consistently being able to plug in the right pieces to be successful year in and year out.
Defensive end Brett Keisel was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his nine-year career, while making 33 tackles, including 11 in the playoffs. Casey Hampton clogs the middle for the Steelers, as the standout nose tackle recorded 20 tackles and one sack. Both Keisel and Hampton are each looking for their third Super Bowl title with Pittsburgh after being key parts of the previous championship teams in 2005 and 2008.
The third member of the defensive line is Ziggy Hood, who made several key tackles in the playoff wins over the Jets and Ravens. Pittsburgh held Baltimore to just 35 yards rushing on 18 carries, while holding Ray Rice to 32 yards for the second time this season. In fact, Rice's three lowest rushing totals this season came against the Steelers, including 20 yards back in Week 4.
The Jets ran for 70 yards on 22 carries in the AFC Championship, as Pittsburgh has allowed one 100-yard rusher in the last 50 games (coincidentally, Rice last season). To further prove how impressive this rush defense is, the 62.8 yards/game allowed by Pittsburgh is the third-lowest since the merger back in 1970.
Who has the edge?
The Packers have done a valiant job plugging in Starks over the last few weeks since not having a semblance of a running game with Grant out. Green Bay's offensive line has protected Rodgers, while the former Cal standout is nimble enough to scramble for first downs. However, it's incredibly tough to deny what the Steelers' defense, especially the defensive line has accomplished this season in stopping the run.
Edge: Steelers
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GB LBs vs. PIT RBs
By Judd Hall
For those of you that are faithfully following our Super Bowl XLV coverage, you’ll know that we have broken down the battles in the trenches. Now it’s time to shift our focus to the men in the backfield and the guys that make up the second-tier of the defensive unit. So who will have the edge between the Steelers’ running backs or Green Bay’s vaunted young set of linebackers.
Packers’ Linebackers
Linebackers are one of the most important groups of players that you’ll find on the defensive side of the ball. It just so happens that they have one of the most impressive groups of stoppers in the game right now.
Nobody should be surprised by the fact that the Packers are in the Super Bowl when you have a defense that was in the Top 5 in total yards allowed (309.1 yards per game). Yet they were ranked in the middle of the NFL when it comes to stopping the run (114.9 YPG) during the regular season. That (and a boatload of injuries) no doubt helped put the Pack behind the eight-ball to make the playoffs.
Once Green Bay got into the postseason, its run defense improved greatly. This is a unit that is second only to the Steelers in stopping the run in the playoffs, giving up 69.7 YPG on the ground. They were also able to force teams into punting the ball back by letting the opposition to convert 36 percent of their third downs. And the main reason for that comes from one of the youngest quartet of linebackers in the league thanks to using a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Clay Matthews Jr., A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop and Erik Walden all start for the Packers and all of them were drafted no earlier than 2006. This group was ready to make a push to come to North Texas after dealing with six games against playoff teams during the regular season (Philadelphia, two against Chicago, New York Jets, Atlanta and New England). In those six games, this unit accounted for 118 tackles, 8 ½ sacks, six tipped passes and one forced fumble.
Hawk and Bishop have been the top guys for the Pack to stop offenses this year with 111 and 103 total tackles during the regular season, respectively. Plus, Matthews found his way to the quarterback 14 times this year to lead the team. It’s no wonder why the second year man out of Southern California is making his second straight Pro Bowl.
During the postseason, this quartet of ‘backers were responsible for 52 tackles, 5 ½ sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. 22 of those tackles came in the 21-14 win over the Bears to clinch the NFC championship.
All is not happiness for the Packers though as Walden is listed as “questionable” for the Super Bowl after injuring his ankle against Chicago. That means we’re going to most likely see a lot of Rob Francois in his place. The Boston College product put in three tackles against the Bears in the NFC title game.
Steelers’ Running Backs
When you hear about an offensive line that has allowed 43 quarterback sacks, you’d think they’re just fat and lazy. But that thinking is null and void when you realize Pittsburgh’s rolling with Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers’ running game is alive and well, picking up 120.2 YPG on the ground to rank 11th in the NFL.
That strong running game has continued into the playoffs as Pittsburgh ranks second with 118.5 rushing YPG through two games. And in just the AFC championship game alone, they outrushed the Jets 135-1 at halftime.
The Steelers are pulling in those numbers with Rashard Mendenhall in the backfield. Mendenhall ran for 1,241 yards this season. And he has only gotten better in the postseason, rushing for 167 yards in two games, with 121 yards coming against the Jets. Mendenhall hasn’t been a real factor for the passing game, averaging only just 7.3 receiving yards per game.
While Mendenhall is the only running back worth his weight for Pittsburgh, he isn’t its only rushing threat. Roethlisberger is well known for his ability to run out of danger. That’s also one of the reasons he gets sacked so many times. Big Ben ran for 21 yards and a touchdown in the AFC title game, converting some big third downs with his legs. He is going to be a very tough man to tackle for the Packers’ collection of linebackers.
Who has the edge?
Mendenhall has shown himself to be a great running back this season, but he’s going to be running through an offensive line that will be without center Maurkice Pouncey. That means he’s going to have to do more work to gain positive yardage. And that will be a very tough job with a young and agile group of linebackers. Roethlisberger is an X-factor in this game (always is), but more than manageable. I believe that Green Bay holds a very, very slight edge.
Edge: Packers
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GB RBs vs. PIT LBs
By Brian Edwards
When Green Bay running back Ryan Grant went down with a season-ending injury in a Week 1 win at Philadelphia, the Packers basically abandoned all desire to have a balanced offensive attack. That’s usually not a successful formula, one that can often get a quarterback hurt in time.
But Mike McCarthy went to the ground game just enough to keep Aaron Rodgers upright during the regular season. Without Grant, Brandon Jackson became the featured back.
To give you an idea of just how little the Packers ran the ball, Jackson had 14 carries or less in 12 of 16 games. His season-high in attempts was 22 in the game Rodgers didn’t play, a loss at New England. When Rodgers was in the lineup, Jackson had more than 15 carries just twice (18 at Philly and 18 vs. the Giants).
Furthermore, Jackson had just one game in which he ran for more than 100 yards. He went for 115 thanks to a 71-yard scamper in a Week 5 loss at Washington. Nevertheless, the Pack’s offense thrived thanks to the stellar play of Rodgers and his two favorite targets, Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.
In the postseason, second-year RB James Starks has emerged from out of nowhere. Now for us bettors that wager on the Wednesday night MAC games on ESPN, the Buffalo product didn’t fall from out of the sky. Starks was actually the catalyst for Buffalo and Turner Gill winning the MAC a few seasons ago.
But he was a no-name to the casual fan until exploding for 123 rushing yards on 22 carries in a 21-16 win at Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs. Starks, who has a nice burst through the hole, has rushed 70 times for 263 yards and one touchdown in the postseason.
Jackson has only six carries for 28 yards since Starks became the starter, but he did have a touchdown catch in the win over the Eagles. Fullback John Kuhn has one touchdown run and one TD catch in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh has the NFL’s premier run defense, giving up just 62.8 yards rushing per game. The Steelers allowed just 35 rushing yards by Baltimore in their home victory in the AFC semifinals. Then in the AFC Championship Game, they held the Jets’ LaDainian Tomlinson to just 16 rushing yards on nine carries.
The key to Pittsburgh’s rush-stopping unit is its two inside linebackers in Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 scheme. Lawrence Timmons, a fourth-year veteran out of FSU, had a career-high 135 tackles during the regular season and 19 more in the playoffs. Timmons also had two forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in the regular season.
James Farrior is the other ILB, tallying 109 tackles in the first 16 games and 12 more since then. Even though Farrior has been in the league a long time, he hasn't lost a step at the age of 36. He and Timmons both attack the gaps and rarely miss tackles.
The three d-lineman up front include NT Casey Hampton, DE Brett Keisel and DE Ziggy Hood. Hampton is a 325-pound space eater that occupies multiple blockers in the middle. He doesn’t produce many sacks or tackles, but his role is as instrumental as any other on this unit.
Keisel has recovered from a mid-season hamstring injury and has been productive with 11 tackles in the playoffs. Hood has also played well in recent weeks.
There won’t be many situations when the Steelers need to load the box but in those short-yardage scenarios, look for Troy Polamalu to try to make plays as he often does. He has a fabulous knack for being at the right place at the right time.
Edge: Steelers
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GB Passing vs. PIT Secondary
By Kevin Rogers
The quarterbacks and defenses will be the two major focal points of Super Bowl XLV as Aaron Rodgers makes his debut in this round when the Packers battle the Steelers. Green Bay has been boosted by the play of its young quarterback, considering Rodgers dealt with basically a non-existent running game the whole season following the foot injury suffered by Ryan Grant in the season opener. Rodgers faces the league's second-best defense from a yardage standpoint and the top defense in the points allowed category.
Packers' passing game
Green Bay finished the regular season ranked fifth in the league (4,124 yards) in passing, while Rodgers threw for 3,922 yards. In his third full season running the Packers' offense, the ex-Cal standout didn't throw for 4,000 yards for the first time, while missing one game due to a concussion at New England. The key for Rodgers is to maintain the consistency from the first two playoff victories at Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Rodgers tossed six touchdowns and no interceptions with an average quarterback rating of 129 in the wins over the Eagles and Falcons. He failed to throw a touchdown pass while tossing a pair of interceptions in the NFC Title victory at Chicago. Rodgers' legs were able to get two scores at Atlanta and Chicago, including the opening touchdown against the Bears.
Through a 4-3 start the first seven weeks of the season, Rodgers tossed 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In the final eight regular season games Rodgers played (excluding the Week 15 loss at New England), the Packers won six times, while racking up a touchdown to interception ratio of 16/2.
Several of the Rodgers props to keep an eye on are his passing yardage, rushing yardage, and completions. Sportsbook.com has listed the total of his passing yards at 275½, as you will have to lay $1.15 to win $1.00 regardless of your bet. Rodgers threw for more than 276 in 10 of 18 games this season, including five instances away from Lambeau Field. Completions is listed at 22½, as it's shaded to the 'over' at $1.20 to win $1.00. This was a bit more infrequent than the passing yards, as Rodgers completed at least 23 passes in a game only six times, with three of them coming in defeats.
One prop that may hit due to his nimble feet is the 20 ½ rushing yards for Rodgers. The Steelers do own the league's best rushing defense by limiting opponents to 62 yards/game, but Rodgers was the third-best running quarterback with 356 yards (23.7/game). Rodgers rushed for at least 20 yards in 12 different games this season and has a knack for scrambling when the play breaks down.
Steelers' secondary
When talking about the Pittsburgh defensive backs, Troy Polamalu's name usually comes up first. With the former USC star playing in each of the last three games following an ankle injury that kept him out the previous two weeks, Polamalu tried to sure up this secondary. The Steelers are ranked 12th in the league in passing defense (214.1 yards/game), but breaking it down, Pittsburgh did this against inferior competition.
Over the final nine games of the season (including the playoffs), the Steelers faced one passing offense that ranked higher than 15th. Oakland (23rd), Buffalo (24th), Baltimore (20th), Cincinnati (13th), N.Y. Jets (22nd), Carolina (32nd) and Cleveland (29th) all were held below 17 points in their regular season matchups, while the Ravens and Jets combined to score 43 points in the playoff games.
Polamalu led the team in interceptions with seven, while fellow safety Ryan Clark and cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden each picked off two passes this season. Clark was fourth on the team in tackles with 90, as all four starters in the secondary ranked in the top seven on the defense in tackles.
The Steelers' defense was tied for fifth in the league in interceptions with 21, as you can lay $1.60 to win $1.00 if you believe Rodgers will throw a pick on Sunday. If Rodgers doesn't throw an interception, it's a $1.30 return on a $1.00 investment. Polamalu has a nice payoff if he makes an interception, receiving $2.20 on a $1.00 bet. On the flip side, it's a heavy $3.00 wager to win a $1.00 if Polamalu doesn't make an interception.
Who has the edge?
Green Bay's passing offense has been stellar all season long by ranking fifth in the league, even though the Packers were slowed down by the Bears in the NFC Championship. Pittsburgh has proven it can stop weaker passing games, but the Steelers are due for a huge test with all the weapons Rodgers has at his disposal. The secondary puts up good numbers, but with weather not being a factor, the Packers can have a solid day through the air.
Edge: Packers
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PIT Passing vs. GB Secondary
By Kevin Rogers
The Steelers go for their third Super Bowl victory in Ben Roethlisberger's tenure in Pittsburgh as they face a Packers' defense that finished second overall with 24 interceptions. Big Ben turned in a solid season despite missing the first four regular season games due to a league-induced suspension. Roethlisberger threw for 3,200 yards, while tossing 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions to help lead the Steelers to their second 12-4 season in three years.
Steelers' passing game
Even though Pittsburgh ranked 14th in the regular season in passing yards, that number was skewed thanks to Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch starting the first four games in place of Roethlisberger. After the suspension was up, the former Miami (Ohio) standout threw the fewest interceptions in his seven-year career, while eclipsing the 3,000 yards mark for the fifth straight season.
Roethlisberger was consistent all season long by throwing for at least 250 yards in nine of 11 regular season games, even though he was held under that total in the two playoff wins over the Ravens and Jets. His best game came in a 39-26 blowout home loss to the Patriots in Week 10 as he racked up 387 yards and three touchdown passes, even though most of those numbers came in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach.
The ball was spread out to a multitude of receivers this season with at least four players accumulating at least 20 receptions. Mike Wallace hauled in a career-best 10 touchdowns and 1,257 yards on 60 catches, even though he was limited to just four receptions in the two playoff victories. Hines Ward's numbers took a dip this season after consecutive 1,000 yard seasons with only 755 yards on 59 receptions. The five touchdowns was the lowest total for Ward since 2004 when the former Super Bowl MVP reached the end zone four times.
From a props perspective, Sportsbook.com has listed the total for Roethlisberger's passing yards at 240½, with $1.15 'juice' on either side. As noted earlier, Big Ben can certainly fly over this number, as he didn't throw the ball much in the second half of the AFC Title Game with the Steelers jumping out to a 24-0 lead over the Jets (133 yards). After attempting 29 passes or less in five of his first six games, Roethlisberger threw at least 32 passes in seven of the final nine contests. That is important since there is a prop of how many attempts Big Ben will make with the number set at 31½ ($1.15 'juice' each way).
Wallace and Ward each have several props on the board including total receptions, longest reception, total receiving yards, and whether or not they will score a touchdown. With Wallace's big-play potential, his total of longest catch is set at 24½ ($1.15 'juice' each way), as the ex-Ole Miss receiver made 26 catches of at least 20 yards, which led the NFL. Ward's total receiving yards is 45½, shading towards the 'under' at $1.30 to win $1.00. The 'under' may seem like the play here with Ward finishing below 45 yards in 13 of 18 games, including each of the last five.
Packers' secondary
Green Bay's defense caused 32 turnovers, with 24 of those takeaways coming via the interception. Cornerback Tramon Williams grabbed six picks, the third-most in the league, while recovering two fumbles. Veteran Charles Woodson will be playing in his second Super Bowl after participating as a member of the Raiders in 2003 against the Buccaneers. Woodson recorded only two interceptions, but racked up the third-most tackles on the team with 92.
One player that stepped up in the playoffs was rookie Sam Shields, who made two interceptions to wrap up the NFC Championship at Chicago. The former Miami Hurricane also forced a fumble, giving the Packers plenty of depth at cornerback. The tandem of safeties Nick Collins and Charlie Peprah combined for 133 tackles and six interceptions, while the defense held 11 of their last 12 opponents to 21 points or less.
The Packers finished fifth in the league by allowing 194 passing yards/game, as eight of their 13 opponents were ranked in the top half of the NFL in passing offense. Pittsburgh is in that class, as Green Bay shut down the Eagles (9th), Falcons (15th), and Giants (10th) over the last month, while intercepting Michael Vick, Matt Ryan, and Eli Manning a combined seven times.
Sportsbook.com has listed a handful of props for members of the Packers' secondary. Williams is plus-money if he records 'over' three tackles (solo and assisted), while 'under' pays off a $1.00 for every $1.40 wagered. If Williams intercepts a pass, it's a healthy $2.30 return, while you would have to bet $3.20 to win $1.00 if the ex-Louisiana Tech defensive back does not make a pick. Woodson is listed at 5½ tackles (solo and assisted) with $1.15 wagered to win a $1.00 either way, as the former Heisman Trophy winner recorded at least six tackles nine times in 19 games.
Who has the edge?
Roethlisberger has been careful with the ball all season by throwing only five interceptions, but he faces a defense that has proven its worth all season long. With the emergence of Shields, the nickel package for the Packers can slow down this Steelers' passing game that has one legit deep threat in Wallace.
Edge: Packers
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Special Teams Matchups
By Kevin Rogers
The offensive and defensive units of both the Packers and Steelers are pretty prevalent, but the one unit that can make a play or two to alter the outcome of Super Bowl XLV is the special teams. Each club doesn't rank high in the return game, but there several players to keep an eye in regards to special teams on Sunday evening.
Packers' special teams
Green Bay is fairly average in the kickoff return game with Jordy Nelson and Sam Shields each taking back kicks this season. Nelson (22.5 yards/return) and Shields (21.5 yards/return) have actually shined in different areas than special teams with Nelson picking up some keys grabs as a receiver, while Shields made two interceptions in the NFC Title Game at Chicago.
The Packers rank 26th in the league with a return of average of 20.5 on kickoffs, while not taking any kicks back for touchdowns. The punt return game is significantly better with cornerback Tramon Williams racking up 326 yards on returns, which ranked ninth in the NFL. Overall, Green Bay was 22nd in punt return average at 7.9 yards a return.
Mason Crosby converted 22 of 28 field goals, while finishing the season with 112 points. Sportsbook.com has listed several props for Crosby, including total field goals made and total points. The field goals made total is set at 1½, shading toward the 'under' at -120. Crosby converted multiple field goals in eight of 19 games this season, while having two playoff games in which he didn't even try a field goal. The total points number is set at 7½, once again shading toward the 'under' at -130. Crosby finished with seven points or less 10 times this season, including seven times away from Lambeau Field.
Punter Tim Masthay booted 71 punts, which ranked 24th in the league, while finishing 14th with a 43.9 average. Masthay accumulated five touchbacks, as there is a prop on whether or not he will send a punt into the end zone (Yes +165, No -210). The Pittsburgh native has a prop on longest punt of 55½ (-115 each way), as nine of his 71 punts sailed at least 56 yards.
Steelers' special teams
Pittsburgh's third unit falls in the middle of the pack in several categories, while the kickoff and punt return units didn't radically change field position. Rookies Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown did plenty of work on kickoff returns, including Brown's 89-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff at Tennessee. Sanders averaged 25.1 yards on kickoff returns this season, which ranked 11th in the league.
The Steelers were 13th in the NFL in kickoff returns at 23.5 yards/return, despite making only 49 returns, which was last in the league. The punt return game was non-existent, finishing 29th with just 226 yards, while Brown picked up 110 of those yards.
Jeff Reed was cut halfway through the season, opening the door for Shaun Suisham to take over the kicking duties. The former Cowboy made his presence felt two weeks in with four field goals, including the game-winner in a 19-16 overtime victory at Buffalo. Suisham was 14 of 15 in the regular season, while converting two of three field goals in the postseason. There are two props for Suisham, similar to the ones listed for Crosby. Made field goals is 1½, with the 'under' set at -140, while the 'over' for Suisham is a profitable +110. The total points for Suisham is set at 6½, shaded to the 'over' at -130. In his nine games kicking for the Steelers, Suisham put up at least seven points five times.
After Daniel Sepulveda tore his ACL, former Packer Jeremy Kapinos was signed to take over the punting duties in Pittsburgh. The ex-Penn State punter booted just 19 punts for an average of 41.9 yards, which ranked 28th in the league. Kapinos has three props listed, including longest punt of 53½ (-115 each way).
Who has the edge?
There are no significant advantages when comparing these two units, mainly because each offense and defense takes care of a majority of business. Suisham has kicked well for the Steelers since his arrival in November, and with the potential for a big kickoff return, Pittsburgh owns a slight edge in this category.
Edge: Steelers
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