A recent report indicated that the Steelers’ beloved “Terrible Towel,” a symbol of the unity of the Steelers fan base, is produced in Wisconsin, a mere two hours southwest of Green Bay. McArthur Towel and Sports Company has been making the prideful symbol for the black and yellow fan base since 1997. In 1996, that same company made the Packers a towel, solely for that season, called the “Title Towel,” and they are going to begin producing that again for the upcoming Super Bowl game. But you can’t replace the original.
Super Bowl 45 is a Super Bowl of firsts. The Packers will be playing in February for the first time since 1997, Aaron Rodgers will be stepping foot on a Super Bowl field for the first time in his career, The Black Eyed Peas will be performing at halftime for the first time and word has it that Troy Polamalu is switching shampoo brands.
There’s no denying that the Packers are on a high right now. They have the hottest quarterback in the league in Aaron Rodgers, rookie James Starks has sparked their running game and they have NFL Defensive Player of the Year runner-up in Clay Matthews.
But the Steelers boast something that can’t be measured in statistics or awards: experience. Tied with the Dallas Cowboys, the black and yellow have won the most Super Bowls in NFL history, their most recent in 2009, with many of the same players who will suit up Sunday.
The Steelers’ menacing defense, known as the “Steel Curtain,” has been wreaking havoc on opposing offenses all year, ranking first in points allowed (14.5), rush yards per carry (3.1) and turnover ratio. Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu will be roaming the secondary and will make a big play sometime in the game, guaranteed.
The Steelers’ defense also boasts All-Pro linebackers James Farrior, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, as well as seasoned defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, all of which will make life on the pass-happy Packers offense a bear.
The Steelers’ offense has become more balanced lately behind the legs of running back Rashard Mendenhall and the arm of Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger has a 10-2 postseason record and is 2-2 in Super Bowls when at the helm.
Rodgers and company will become big-eyed when stepping into Jerry World for the first time in front of 100,000 plus fans and millions of others watching on T.V, while the Steelers go about their business as if playing in just another game. The Steelers defense will force Rodgers to become one dimensional in aerial attacks, leaving Polamalu with plenty of opportunities to make a game-changing play.
You can’t replace the original. Â Steelers prevail 24-14.
