The Rushing Defense: The Green Bay Packers have endured all kinds of injuries on the defensive side of the football this year. Major contributors such as Nick Barnett, Brady Poppinga, and Brandon Chillar are all gone for the year, but they have found a way to still be solid against the run. A.J. Hawk has really stepped his game up, and the Packers defensive line holds their own up front. Green Bay finished the season 18th in the NFL against the run, allowing 115 yards per game on the ground.
The Pittsburgh Steelers rushing defense is easily the best in the NFL this year. In fact, they are one of the best rushing defenses in the last decade. This front seven has both speed and power all over the place. Casey Hampton is great at the nose tackle position, and the four linebackers are as good as you’ll ever see. A linebacker group of Harrison, Woodley, Farrior, and Timmons make life miserable for the opposing offense. The Steelers only gave up 62 yards per game on the ground. Edge: Steelers (Big Edge)
The Pass Defense: The Packers gave up just 194 yards per game through the air this year. Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams are as good of a cornerback tandem as you’ll find in the league. Nick Collins is a solid safety who does well keeping the ball in front of him. I strongly believe this Packers pass defense benefits a lot because of the terrific pass rush from guys like Clay Matthews as well. This is a very good passing defense.
The Steelers pass defense ranked 12th in the NFL in yards allowed per game at 214. When Troy Polamalu is out of the lineup, the Steelers secondary is susceptible, but with him in the lineup they are very good. Ryan Clark probably takes a few too many chances at the other safety spot, but he is still pretty solid. Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden aren’t quite as good as Woodson and Williams, but they are good. Edge: Packers (Very Small)
Overall Edge on Defense: Pittsburgh Steelers The front seven of this Pittsburgh team is absolutely tremendous, and they can completely take over a game. Troy Polamalu may be the best defensive player in the entire NFL, so the secondary is very solid as well. Green Bay’s defense is terrific, but I have to give Pittsburgh the edge.
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