Comparing the defensive backs: Super Bowl preview

written by Alex Muchnok

Earlier this week, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was selected as the AP Defensive player of the year. Last season, Packers cornerback, Charles Woodson won the award.

Tomorrow, the two will meet in Super Bowl 45. So, I’ve taken the time to break down these two teams defensive backfields, in attempt to predict whose will have the bigger impact against two of the leagues best quarterbacks.



The Steelers


The field captain, All-Pro, and Defensive POTY, Troy Polamalu stands at the Steelers strong safety position. Having 7 interceptions this season, 63 tackles and a sack, Polamalu could quite possibly be the best player on the field tomorrow. Capable of making the big play as well as an excellent guy for run support. At the free safety position is the hard-hitting Ryan Clark. Clark recorded 90 tackles, and had 2 interceptions on the season. Almost every time there is a big hit from the Steelers secondary, it’s more than likely from Ryan Clark.



Cornerbacks include Ike Taylor, Brant McFadden, and William Gay. Taylor has been excellent all throughout the playoffs. He completely shut down Derrick Mason of the Ravens during the divisional round, and held the Jets’ Braylon Edwards to just three catches in the AFC Championship game. McFadden has been a little “shaky”. He left the game against the Ravens due to an injury, and gave up a few big plays to Santonio Holmes two weeks ago. William Gay stepped in for the injured McFadden during the divisional round, and played quite well. He broke up a pass intended for TJ Houshmandzadeh at the end of the game, which sealed it for the Steelers.



All in all, the Steelers secondary is one of the most underrated in the league. They can make interceptions, force sacks, shut down big-name receivers, and contribute great run support.


The Packers
Charlie Peprah occupies the strong safety position. Peprah is in his first season as a starter. He recorded 63 tackles, and grabbed 2 picks this season. He’s often used as the deep guy, or “centerfielder”, so I’m guessing Dom Capers will put him back there for most of the game in attempt to eliminate the Steelers deep ball.

Nick Collins stands at the free safety position. Now obviously, this guy is one of the many impact players in the Packers defense. He had 70 tackles this season, and grabbed 4 picks. Collins is also capable of delivering the big hit, however his speed is nothing special. If he’s the deep man for the game tomorrow, Mike Wallace could be a huge threat.

The corners include of course, Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, and rookie, Sam Shields. Woodson is possibly the best player on the Packers defense, although he hasn’t been the standout this post-season. The attention has been more on Williams and Shields, who have both combined for 5 interceptions during the playoffs. Williams has proven himself to be an up and coming player. Over the past three seasons, he’s had 15 interceptions. Shields was acquired during the 2010 off-season as an undrafted free agent. He’s developed into a solid defender throughout the year, and will only improve.

Now the question is, which secondary will have the edge tomorrow?


It’s hard to say. For one, you have to remember that both teams are facing two different quarterbacks. The Packers have Aaron Rogers, a prolific passer who can even tuck it and run when necessary. The Steelers have Ben Roethlisberger, who just wins. Either way, it’s a question that will probably be left unanswered until tomorrow. Of course the Packers secondary is widely known to be one of the best in the league, however the Steelers do have Troy Polamalu.



Sometimes, it just depends on who shows up to play…