James Starks’ sudden emergence in the Postseason has baffled more than a few commentators of the game. His presence is essential, and his role as the Packers’ feature-back elect will be bolstered by a good performance. Starks could, in fact, be a bit of a lynchpin for the Packers – if they can utilise him early and disrupt the Steelers’ Defence, they should be able to generate some space for their talented receiving duo, both of whom are capable of leveraging some separation and gashing the secondary for a job-lot of yards. Failure to establish the run on the Packers’ part could mean embarrassment at the hands of a glue-like Steelers secondary.
In the case of the Steelers, it is a matter of running over the D and not letting-up the pace until the ball breaks the plane. Mendenhall is an exceptional young player, who has been able to shoulder the weight of a team, whose expectations in regards to the run game are higher than most.
Heath Miller’s versatile presence aids the Steelers in every possible way. Not only can he catch and block, he can create a diversion for the offence: are they going to run? Are they going to pass? Miller will force the Packers to dedicate men to watching him, possibly leaving the pass out to the side open, or space for a runner sweeping in the other direction.
Big Ben himself is mobile enough to cause problems for the Packers, who too possess one of the more mobile QBs in the game. Having a QB who can move on his feet adds an extra dimension to the running game in the same way a good Tight End can – pitches, tosses and fakes are all useful and Big Ben is one at the best at executing any of these helpful additions.
Who has the edge in this category? With Mendenhall’s performances this season, and the backup running of Mewelde Moore, I give this to the Steelers over a Packers corps that although good, lacks the mileage covered by the Black and Gold pair.
Who knows, though…those fresher legs may prove advantageous…
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