6. The Maurkice Pouncey Effect

Even though his coach Mike Tomlin doesn't rule Pouncey
out, I think it's safe to say he will not be playing.

I am going to try to fit this in before the day ends.  We had a ton of traffic this month, and I want to thank all of you. Hopefully, we will continue to grow and become better for you guys. Seriously, if there is something you would like to see, or something done differently, email me at tritscca@uwec.edu  We will get a SNO Tap email up sometime soon.

To me, this is the most important story of the Super Bowl. I might be biased because I am former offensive lineman, but I know games are won and lost in the trenches. Maurkice Pouncey not being able to play in the Super Bowl is a critical injury for a team already missing a ton from that unit.  If the Steelers had Jay Cutler or Matt Schaub at quarterback, they wouldn't be playing in the Super Bowl



The Steelers' offensive line gets more bail outs than an American car company. Ben Roethlisberger's mobility saves this team from being a nonfactor in the NFL. Big Ben makes his line look much better than what they actually have playing.  The Packers need to find a way to actually bring Roethlisberger down instead of letting him extend plays like he so often does on third down situations. All I know is the front seven should be licking their chops.

The Freezer also known as B.J. Raji has been improving every week it seems. He demands double teams, and I could definitely see the Steelers having problems calling out those double teams. Communication is key with an offensive line, and sometimes with rotating parts, it's hard to understand the calls early on in the game even at a professional level. Legursky isn't the only one who has to worry, the tackles, Jonathan Scott and Flozell Adams also should be shaking in their boots.  Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders said on the BS Report, "Scott played great against the New York Jets, and that is amazing because he sucks." Well then. Scott will deal with Erik Walden or Frank Zombo while his buddy Flozell will have deal with Clay Matthews.

Anyone who follows football knows Adams' history. The guy always seems to get about two or three penalties a game. I really hope the refs keep their eye on him because I guranatee you he will have some obvious holds. One Las Vegas prop bets should be "How many times does Charlie Tritschler yell out Sir! when they miss a Flozell Adams' hold?, 4.5 times maybe(I understand they can't get em all).  But with all that being said, Adams could be the goat of this game. If they decide to double Raji then that leaves Matthews alone with Adams unless they keep Heath Miller, the Tight End or the backfield as protection therefore limiting Big Ben's opitions.

Pouncey became the bright spot for the Steelers' offensive line netting second-team All Pro selection.  Now, he is out for Sunday's game, the Steelers are looking for answers because they know the Packers will be coming at them like a train. The question is will they find a way to stay on the track?

-Charlie.