Five Things To Watch For During The Big Game

I can't remember a Super Bowl that was ever this close to call.  Here's are five things to look for while watching the game today:

1) Zone blitzes - Dom Capers and Dick LeBeau both were on the Steeler staff from 1992 to 1994 and were instrumental in refining the zone blitz to be what it is today.  Simply put, the zone blitz is designed to confuse the offensive line by feigning pressure.  It involves a linebacker or defensive linemen showing rush and then backing into coverage at the snap while another linebacker or a defensive back rushes at another point of attack.  It's so effective because the defense can often get a free rusher while still keeping seven men in coverage.  It's best suited for the 3-4 defenses that Capers and LeBeau run because the extra linebacker on the field gives the defensive coordinator more options for who to rush and who to drop into coverage.  I expect to see a lot of zone blitzing from both sides today.

2) Steeler bunch formations - Green Bay likes to play press coverage on receivers.  Look for the Steelers to counteract this by moving to bunch formations with their various tight ends and wide receivers.  They have success running and passing out of these sets and it allows Ben Roethlisberger to identify the defensive coverage as man or zone.

3) Charles Woodson blitzes - When the offense brings in three receivers, Capers likes to go to a 2-4-5 personnel set (two linemen, four linebackers, five defensive backs).  When they line up like this, look for Charles Woodson lurking as a pseudo-linebacker in the slot, from where he can be a very effective blitzer.  This is also the set where Capers often uses his "psycho" package, where all eleven defenders just walk around without setting before the snap.

4) Green Bay's  Three or Four Wide Receiver sets - To combat Pittsburgh's zone blitz, the Packers will bring in three or four wide receivers to spread the field.  Each of these receivers will have hot reads to give Aaron Rodgers a quick option when the Steelers bring the rush.

5) Quarterback Mobility - Roethlisberger and Rodgers are the best quarterbacks at escaping pressure this side of Mike Vick.  When Green Bay's rushers get to Roethlisberger, look for them to pin his right arm so he can't throw, rather than try to knock him down.  The Steelers rush needs to be just as focused when they get to Rodgers, since in their meeting last year they only got one sack of him on 30 blitzes.

I hope you all enjoy what should be a very good Super Bowl today.  I'll be tweeting during the game and you can follow me at @BostonGiant.