the3-4.com Super Bowl Predictions

Winner -

Alex: Steelers. They are strong in every aspect the game. They have the ability to run the ball, throw the ball and stop the run and the pass.

AB: "As much as I would like the Packers to win, and have placed them as the Super Bowl victor in my latest mock draft, I have to go with the Steelers. I will root and cheer for the Packers all the way, but my gut feeling is that the Steelers will somehow find a way to win. "

Jimmy: "Packers. Their defense is almost on the same level of the Steelers, and their offense is superior."

Keith: "I am going with the Packers, I think they are going to pass the ball 50+ times and ultimately burn the Steelers secondary for a couple of big plays. I think we may come out of this

game thinking the Packers defense was actually better."

MVP

Alex: "Rashard Mendenhall - I think the Steelers will come out and establish the run early and often. Mendenhall will consistently run for just a few yards at a time due to the Packers' tough front three, but the Steelers' persistence will lead to a few long Mendenhall runs."

AB: "Ben Roethlisberger - This one would be a no brainer. I almost put Rashard Mendenhall, because if the Steelers win this game, they will most certainly need a big game from him on the ground."

Jimmy: "Aaron Rodgers. He might be the easy pick, buts that because he is the best offensive player that will step on the field today. He's shown his ability playing indoors, and lit up the Steelers last year."

Keith: "Greg Jennings - picking Rodgers would be too easy, I think Jennings or Driver could make a couple big plays and steal it from him."

Defensive Standout

Alex: "James Harrison - He was a Super Bowl standout once, I predict two sacks from him and a forced fumble"

AB: "Lamar Woodley- Look for Woodley to get Rodgers on the ground for some key sacks."

Jimmy: "Charles Woodson. The veteran might want this Super Bowl ring more than any other player on the field. He is the heart and soul of this Packers' defense, and I believe he will take his game to a whole other level tonight."

Keith: "Clay Matthews - this just solidify's it"

Surprise standout

Alex: "Andrew Quarless - With so much talk about the Packers' receivers, expect Rodgers to look to Quarless a bunch."

AB: "WR Emmanuel Sanders- He and Antonio Brown will be counted upon heavily once again, and will surprise

some folks with great plays downfield."

Jimmy: "Donald Driver. The Packers just have too good many receivers for the Steelers defense to cover. Driver hasn't been himself this year, bothered by a hamstring injury. With Jennings, Jones, and Nelson likely getting most of Pittsburgh's attention, I think Driver might be in for a big day receiving."

Keith: "TE Heath Miller - I think the big tight end could be Big Ben's security blanket."

Good Prop Bet

Alex: These are pretty funny, particularly the past v. present of Brett Favre in the Super Bowl vs. Aaron Rodgers today. Obviously these are first. And I am absolutely going over on Brett Favre 2.5 mentions during the game.

AB: Over/under on how many times Troy Aikman says, "There's no question..." O/U set at 5. I am saying over, because he will probably say this over 10 times. If you have never noticed this before, then you will really get a laugh listening for it this Super Bowl.

Jimmy: Over/under on how many times FOX mentions Troy Polamalu, Clay Matthews, and AJ Hawk's hair: 3.5

Keith: Over/under on how many times FOX will mention Brett Favre on tv during the game.

O/U set at 2.5. I am saying over even though I hope I lose this one.

Final score

Alex: Steelers 27 Packers 24

AB: Steelers 31 Packers 28

Jimmy: Packers 31 Steelers 27

Keith: Packers 27 Steelers 21

Packers: The Team to Root For

With only four teams left in the playoff picture there is a pretty good chance that your team is not in the running. The question for most NFL fans become 'who should I root for?' I think the obvious answer to this question and the team that most people are pulling for is the Green Bay Packers.

Why the Packers?

1. Aaron Rodgers - You have to like the way Rodgers goes about his business. Rodgers was snubbed in the draft and was passed up by his home town team the 49ers (who picked QB Alex Smith who is considered a bust at this point). He had to wait as 23 more teams passed on him only to be drafted by the Packers and sit behind QB Brett Favre. Instead of complaining, Rodgers sat quietly and waited his turn even though he was probably the better quarterback. When he finally got a chance to start in 2008 he played really well (28 TDs -13 INT) in essentially his rookie year. Since then he has quietly become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. You don't see Rodgers in lots of commercials or constantly in the media like the quarterbacks that lead some of the other playoff teams. Rodgers just goes to work and does his job and leaves the media focus for others, you have to respect a guy like that.

2. They are the best option left - It is really tough to root for the rest of the teams in the playoffs. You have the Jets who love talking almost as much as winning. I loved Hard Knocks and thought Rex Ryan and the players were a really fun team to watch. But now the trash talk and cocky attitude are just getting tiresome, its like hearing a song you like on the radio over and over until you begin to hate it. The Bears are likable except for their whinny quarterback Jay Cutler who is the epitome of a spoiled superstar. Then there is the Steelers, I don't think any fan wants to see them win again, because winning would mean they have become a dynasty. Unless its your team, no one likes seeing a dynasty.

3. Packer Fans - Its hard to imagine what its like being a Packer fan. Brett Favre coming out of retirement only to sign with the Packers rival the Minnesota Vikings was probably the worst day in Packers fans history. They found out a guy they idolized and believed in did not care as much about them. You have to be pulling for the Packers and there fans. If they can win the super bowl, and I think they have the best chance, then Favre and his antics will be long forgotten.

Saturday Night Playoff Preview: Packers Perspective

Players To Watch:

QB Aaron Rodgers– The MVP of the Packers won his first playoff game last Sunday with a solid passing performance and three touchdowns, although he could have had a 4^th touchdown if receiver James Jones had learned to catch back in high school. Rodgers’ performance last time around against the Falcons was pretty good, but not good enough to win. He had 344 passing yards and his best rushing performance of the season, but a costly fumble near the goal line was major difference in the game. Rodgers will have to avoid those types of mistakes if the Packers want to get the best of a talented Falcons team. We know Rodgers can get the best of the Falcons defense, but touchdowns, not field goals, is what the Packers need.

RB James Starks – The 6^th round pick out of Buffalo surprised many with his breakout performance against the Eagles. He is easily the best runner on the Packers with Ryan Grant on the sideline, but it will be interesting to see how much running plays Mike McCarthy will have in his game plan. The Falcons have a better than average rush defense, so it might be better for McCarthy to focus more on the passing game. The Packers only scored 21 points last game against a suspect Eagles defense, and it looked like the Packers were calling for far too many running plays in the 4^th quarter trying to run down the clock when it would have been smarter to go for the jugular. Nonetheless, James Starks will be the featured back on Saturday, and his success early on will likely determine if the Packers go with the balanced or pass heavy attack.

CB Charles Woodson– Matt Ryan had an incredibly efficient game against the Packers in week 12, throwing 24 completions in only 28 attempts. If the Packers want to stop the Falcons offense this time around then they are going to have make life tougher for Ryan. Woodson is a big play specialist, constantly jumping routes, forcing fumbles, and making leaping tackles. His resurgence in Green Bay is due in large part to Dom Capers’ game plans which allow Woodson to use his playmaking abilities instead of solely playing coverage. Look for Woodson to be all over the field trying to deny Ryan’s first playoff win.

Key Matchup – RB Michael Turner v. DT B.J. Raji – The Packers have been a very good tackling team throughout the year, but one man who gave them trouble was Turner. He is a big, bruising back who stays low to the ground, and the Packers will need to step up their tackling if they want to stop the running game. This starts all up-front with Raji, who is a lot more mobile than he appears. Raji has really elevated his game in his 2^nd year, and it will be his duty to wrap up Turner before he can get decent yardage.

Why the Packers Will Win – The Packers easily could have won against the Falcons the first time around, but mistakes will kill you against such a disciplined team. Because of the numerous injuries to many key Packers players, they have a new focus on limiting penalties and turnovers in order to win games. The victory against the Eagles was impressive, and showed that the Packers have one of the best defenses in the league. If the Packers defense can hold the Falcons to 21 points, which I think they will, Rodgers should be able to take care of the rest.

Prediction- Packers 27, Falcons 21

Playoff Preview: Green Bay Packers

Offensive MVP: QB Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers has shown in his 3^rd year starting that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The Packers’ running game is almost non-existent, and there have been a couple games where Rodgers has actually been the leading rusher. He lost one of his favorite targets in Jermichael Finley earlier this year, but he is so good at spreading the ball around that it hasn’t fazed him in the least. He came up a little bit shy of becoming the first quarterback to throw for 4000 yards in his first three seasons, and would have the record if it weren’t for the concussion that knocked him out of one game and kept him out of another. The Packers have persevered through a lot of injuries this year, but one man who is truly indispensible for the Packers is Rodgers.

Defensive MVP: LB Clay Matthews III

Perhaps the DPOY, Matthews is every bit as indispensible as Rodgers. Matthews never takes a play off, and plays with the level of intensity of Troy Polamalu. He’s a nightmare for opposing QB’s, and defensive coordinator Dom Capers always makes sure that offenses will have no idea where Matthews is coming from. In just his 2^nd year, Clay Matthews looks to be an absolute force in the league for years to come.

Best Win: Week 16 - Against the Giants

While Green Bay’s first official playoff game is against the Eagles on Sunday, the Packers essentially have been playing playoff football the last two weeks as both games were must wins in order to get into the playoffs. The Packers absolutely dominated this game on both sides of the ball, defeating a very talented Giants team. Green Bay was great at creating turnovers on defense, and Aaron Rodgers and company took care of the rest on offense. When Green Bay is clicking on all cylinders they are extremely tough to beat, which they showed in this game.

Rookie Grade: B

With all the injuries to the Packers, it would have been impossible for them to get into the playoffs without significant contributions from their rookies. Their 1^st round pick Bryan Bulaga has not been outstanding, but has done his part to solidify a line that was absolutely terrible at protecting Rodgers last year. He will continue to improve, but the jury is still out on whether he can be the LT of the Packers in the future, or if he is better suited at RT. SS Morgan Burnett showed promise when he won the starting job in preseason, but a midseason injury cut his rookie year short. TE Andrew Quarless has been inconsistent at best, but has stepped up at times as he tries to fill the void left by the injury to Finley. RB James Starks didn’t get off the injury list until midseason, and while he looks like the Packers best running back, injuries continue to keep him from getting carries. Where the Packers did their best work was late in the draft. 7^th rounder defensive end CJ Wilson, and undrafted CB Sam Shields and LB Frank Zombo have all played significant parts in the Packer defense and have played better than could have been expected. Overall this looks like a promising draft for the Packers, but injuries have made it tough to tell just how good this group really is.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Rodgers and Dom Capers

Mike McCarthy tends to outthink himself at times with the offense, but the best game plan is just to lean on Rodgers ability. Completely abandoning the running game is usually not the smartest game plan, but if it’s not working early, it is better to just let Aaron Rodgers do his thing like in the playoffs last year against the Cardinals. Rodgers has enough scrambling ability to make up for a lack of running game. On the defensive side, Dom Capers is the key for the Packers. He is great at designing game plans around the Packers’ defensive stars, Clay Matthews and Sir Charles Woodson. It will be up to him to get creative on defense as he has been doing all year, forcing teams to go away from their original game plans. The Packers have been great against the pass this year, considering how awful they were at times last year. Green Bay is so good at forcing fumbles that they need to make opposing teams try to beat them on the ground, and focus on preventing big plays through the air. With Rodgers and Capers, the Packers have a decent shot at making it to the Super Bowl.

Slide, Aaron, Slide!

This ladies and gentlemen is exactly why all quarterbacks should slide unless we’re talking about a play with the game on the line. I love the attitude of Aaron Rodgers, he is obviously a true competitor, however he really hurt the team with this play. If he slides in this situation, Rodgers probably leads Green Bay to a win versus the lowly Lions and their playoff situation looks pretty good. Instead Rodgers gets a concussion, and the Packers have a tough road ahead of them and have to possibly play the Patriots without Rodgers. No running game + no Aaron Rodgers is pretty much an automatic loss.

Brett Favre ironically is a good example of a player who has stopped taking unnecessary injury risks. Early in Favre’s career he was very hard to take down as a QB, and wouldn’t slide very often. However after playing through many injuries and after his legs slowed down he realized his health was worth more to the team than an extra couple yards. Of course he still sometimes makes boneheaded decisions like trying to block cornerbacks on a direct snap (in a pre-season game no less), but for the most part he has done what he needed in order to stay healthy.

Now that Favre’s streak is over, Peyton Manning holds the current consecutive start streak for a QB. If you watch Peyton play, he almost always slides and is very easy to take down if a player gets his hands on him. Some people may question Manning’s toughness, but if he gets injured the team goes down as well. There is no point for elite QBs to be risking their health if the game is not on the line.

Players like Rodgers, and to a greater extent, Michael Vick, use their legs as weapons, which is large part of their success. I would encourage both players to continue to scramble and get yards when they can, but always to slide instead of taking a hit. Aaron Rodgers is a smart player and I believe he will learn from this situation, and hopefully other young competitive QB’s will learn from this as well.

MNF: Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears

Packers Key Players:

QB Aaron Rodgers - The Packers are looking like super bowl contenders so far and the main reason is because of the play of Aaron Rodgers. I’m looking forward to watching him in a big Monday night game.

OLB Clay Matthews – Matthews leads the NFL with 6 sacks in only 2 games. He quietly put up 10 sacks last year as a rookie. I’ll be looking to see if Matthews is real deal and can continue to put pressure on the QB in this game.

TE Jermichael Finley – He is becoming one of Aaron Rodgers favorite weapons averaging 18.8 yards per reception so far. It will be a good matchup between him and the Bears talented linebackers

Bears Key Players:

QB Jay Cutler – Off to a great start so far, will he crack under the pressure of Monday night?

DE Julius Peppers – Just a fun player to watch, he is going against a poor Packers offensive line so he could have a field day.

WR Devin Hester- He has really become a very good receiver. He is so fast that he draws a lot of double teams and he forces a lot of pass interference calls, I think he could become a Steve Smith (Panthers) type player.

The Pick: Green Bay -3, I like the Packers a lot, I think the only way they end up losing this one is if the Bears defensive line gets to QB Aaron Rodgers early and often.

Green Bay Packers Team Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record 11-5

Wins: Chicago Bears (x2), St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions (x2), Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals,

Losses: Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings (x2), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest Playmaker Aaron Rodgers

QB, California, Drafted #24, 6^th Year

After spending two years behind Brett Favre, Rodgers has certainly made a name for himself. Last season evidenced the remarkable strides Rodgers has made in becoming a better, smarter, and more efficient passer. With Jermichael Finley firmly entrenched for a full year as the team’s starting TE, Rodgers now has an extra receiving weapon that can stretch the field vertically. Rodgers not only can make every throw, but his ability to run has been a major factor in why the offense does not bog down. Although the Packers had awful O-Line play in 2009, Rodgers ability to scramble and make plays kept the Packers in many games. Expect much of the same, if not better from Rodgers, as he heads into the 2010 with a lot of momentum and confidence, stemming from a solid 2009 campaign.

Impact Player Charles Woodson

CB, Michigan, Drafted #4, 13^th Year

Woodson in 2009 tied for the league lead with 9 interceptions and also tied for most touchdowns scored by a defensive back with 3 touchdowns. Woodson is a veteran leader who has helped turn the Packer defense into one of the best in the league. A tough physical corner, Woodson is very skilled at jamming receivers at the LOS and breaking up routes. The mid play reactions to balls thrown his way are unbelievable, and Woodson is excellent at breaking up passes. From what I saw last season, it does not seem like he will be done anytime soon. Look for Woodson to once again be a solid leader for this young, athletic defense.

Biggest Offseason Addition & Draft Steal Bryan Bulaga

OT, Iowa, Drafted #23, Rookie

The Packers in the 2010 offseason did not make a splash at all in the free agency surprisingly enough; however they did make a splash with Bryan Bulaga late in the first round of the 2010 April Draft. Adding to the depth of the team’s O-Line. Bulaga is an excellent prospect from the University of Iowa, who is a talented run blocker, a gifted pass blocker, has long arms and solid potential. He won’t make an immediate impact in 2010, but is a surefire insurance policy to often injured, Chad Clifton.

Biggest Offseason Loss Aaron Kampman

DE, Iowa, Drafted #156, 9^th Year

A year following a scheme change and positional change, the Packers released Kampman who didn’t transition well as a 3-4 OLB. Although Kampman was a fabulous pass rusher, he did not fit in well with the team’s scheme due to his inability as a LB and lack of size as a 3-4 DE. He was a good character in the locker-room and brought intensity to this D-Line, nevertheless it was a necessary loss. The direction of the Packers is towards a Super Bowl, and they look poised for a deep playoff run in 2010.

Biggest Draft Mistake None

In April’s 2010 NFL Draft the Packers addressed their lack of depth on the offensive line, while also compiling talent at multiple positions. Mike Neal, DE from Purdue, as well as Morgan Burnett, SS from Ga. Tech, are solid prospects that provide depth to their respective positions. Also Marshall Newhouse is a big body that brings depth to a constantly injured O-Line. All in all the Packers executed a balanced draft, in which they addressed numerous needs involving the team’s depth at many positions.

Offseason Grade B

Other than the Draft, no real acquisitions were made by the Packers in the 2010 offseason and nor should there have been. The organization has kept a strong nucleus of players they believe can ultimately win them a Super Bowl. I completely agree with this plan of action which involves the development of young players inside of the team currently; guys like, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, Clay Matthews, and others too numerous to mention.

X-Factor Greg Jennings

WR, Western Michigan, Drafted #52, 5^th Year

Jennings is one of the smoothest route runners you will ever watch in the NFL, has elite level speed, and adjusts very well on downfield passes. Jennings has set himself apart over the course of the last two seasons as the Packers #1 WR. His 21 catches of 40 yards or more over the past 3 seasons are the most by any receiver in that same time period. Jennings is not only a downfield weapon, but can also consistently move the chains. He runs an impressive slant route, and an even better slant-and-go. Look for another solid season from the young receiver.

Name You Should Know B.J. Raji/ Clay Matthews

DT, Boston College, Drafted #9, 2^nd Year

OLB, USC, Drafted #26, 2^nd Year

Both drafted in the 2009 NFL draft, Raji and Matthews turned in solid rookie seasons in which both instantly contributed to the Packers Defense. Although B.J. Raji only started one game, he recorded a sack, as well as 19 tackles. Matthews on the other hand started 13 of 16 in 2009, while recording 36 tackles, forcing three fumbles, and returning one fumble recovery for a touchdown. These two young prospects are the future of the Packers defense and look for both to have major impacts in 2010.

Rising Star Jermichael Finley

TE, Texas, Drafted #91, 3rd Year

Essentially playing only half of a full season in 2009, Finley posted monster numbers to close out the year; from week 15 into the teams only playoff game, Finley caught 31 passes for 496 yards and 4 touchdowns. If you were to stretch the production in limited action in 2009 for Finley over the course of an entire season, he could have caught anywhere from 80-100 catches, for over 1100 yards, and at least 8 touchdowns. At times, the Packers even split Finley out as a WR on the goal line, utilizing his size against smaller cornerbacks in one-on-one situations. If he can stay involved in 2010, look for a breakout year for the third year player in Finley.

Offensive Outlook A+

The Packers offense in 2010 could post top 3 numbers in 2010 as seemingly all the pieces needed for success are in place; franchise QB, solid receiving core, one-cut RB, red-zone production, and offensive line depth. All it comes down to now is execution, and with the progress Aaron Rodgers has made over the last few seasons, I feel this is Green Bay’s best chance at a Super Bowl to date. The talent on this team is there, and the leadership is definitely there. This offense will rip into defenses this season; look for another stellar year from all aspects.

Defensive Outlook B+

In a methodical fashion, the Packers over the decade have assembled a very strong defense that was atop the league in turnovers forced last season in 2009. With a years experience for both B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews, as afore mentioned, the Packers look to get even better. They have top 5 defensive backs in the league, and an ever improving inside box. Look for another stellar season, as this unit will prove in 2010 that they are here to stay.

Special Teams Outlook B-

Last season did not turn out to be the best year for first time coordinator Shawn Slocum, as Mason Crosby and Jeremy Kapinos struggled in the punting and kicking department. Also return man Will Blackmon was lost for the season in October due to a knee injury, another hamper to the unit’s effectiveness. Nevertheless with new Australian punter, Chris Bryan battling Tim Masthay for the punting duties, Slocum looks to improve from his failures in 2010. Will Blackmon needs to return to his electrifying form and make big plays for the Packers, and Crosby needs to return to his former consistency as a kicker.

Projected 2010 Record 12-4

Overall I feel very optimistic for a similar season in 2010, the pieces of last years remarkable team are in place, leading me to believe that this experienced team can make a deep playoff run. A carbon copy regular season of 2009 should be expected from this team, however the difference this year is that the team has gained valuable experience from the awful loss handed down by the Arizona Cardinals. Hopefully this will have furthered the intensity of offseason season workouts, and provided the passion with which the Packers look to improve upon. Look for the Pack to be dominant in 2010.