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While the lazy journalist takes the easy way out by huddling in front of the lockers of Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rogers, defense is the real story of Super Bowl XLV. This may be the best defensive match up a Super Bowl has seen since the Steelers took on the Dallas Cowboys in 1978.

While Pittsburgh had the top defense in the NFL that year, Dallas ranked third. Yet it didn’t matter that Sunday, as Pittsburgh won in a 35-31 explosion. It was the highest scoring Super Bowl until 1993, and still ranks as the fourth highest.

Statistically, this is the best run defense the Steelers has ever had. Even better than the legendary “Steel Curtain”, which says a lot. Pittsburgh led the NFL in scoring and rushing defense this year. The Packers ranked second in scoring defense while raking fifth in pass defense.

While the Packers were mediocre at stopping the run in 2010, they showed a slight improvement in that area during their playoff run. Part of the reason is the successes of their offense, which caused opponents to run the ball just 39 times total over three games. If Pittsburgh is effective on the ground, it will create major issues for Green Bay.

Pittsburgh was very average in pass defense in 2010 despite a fierce pass rush. Their cornerbacks are good at supporting the run, but have been well below average at defending the pass. There is also a question if they have enough defenders for all of the Packers receivers.

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By 3rdStone – BR Writer/SJ Contributing Author