(afternoon edition)
Super Bowl XLV Countdown
The Steelers are looking like a team that may have a few concerns as the Big Dance approaches. Following their big win against the Jets in the AFC Championship the Steelers realized their victory may have come at a significant cost with the possible loss of rookie center Maurkice Pouncey. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Pouncey is listed as doubtful and is not expected to play in the Super Bowl.
The Steelers could also miss defensive end Aaron Smith who remains questionable for the Big Dance. Smith suffered a triceps injury that has sidelined him most of the season, but the team is hopeful he can play on February 6th. Even is Smith is healthy enough to go, he’d likely split time with Ziggy Hood who has played exceptional in his spot.
The Steelers have a few other notables listed, but no one appears to be in any danger of missing Super Sunday. Troy Polamalu (Achilles), Bryant McFadden (groin), and Emmanuel Sanders (toe) all practiced on Friday and are listed as probable. The biggest concern here would be Polamalu, who was relatively quiet in the AFC Championship; when he is healthy and plays well the Steelers defense has thrived.
The only noteworthy injury at this point for the Packers leading up to Super Sunday is linebacker Eric Walden’s ankle. He sat out of Saturday’s practice to rest the sore ankle, but is fully expected to be ready and would start opposite Clay Matthews Jr.
Fantasy Player Notes
With the Big Show looming ever so closer now (less than a week away), it time to start dissecting matchups and taking a closer look at some of the players that could rise up in the big stage and make a huge contribution.
The Packers passing attack goes four deep at the wide receiver position making all four (Jennings, Driver, Nelson, & Jones) viable plays for Super Sunday. Another pass receiving option that could become a huge factor during the course of the game would be tight end Andrew Quarless.
In last year’s shootout between the Steelers and the Packers, then starting tight end Jermichael Finley was a significant factor in the passing attack. Finley finished the game with nine receptions including a touchdown and against the Jets (tight end) Dustin Keller grabbed eight passes. Quarless is no Finley, but at 6’4” and 250-lbs he can be a very effective redzone target.
The Steelers are not consider to be a passing team, but they will have plenty of weapons should they need to go to the air. One of their lesser known weapons that could make a name for himself on Sunday is rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. The kid is second on the team with five catches for 74 yards in the playoffs and has as many targets as Mike Wallace (10). With coverage rolling toward Wallace, Sanders could find a few openings.
Looking Ahead to 2011
Later today in Hawaii many football fans are going to have a chance to see a lot of next season’s fantasy studs showcase their talents. Names that are making their first appearance in the pro bowl and that should be catching the attention of fantasy owners would include;
RB-Arian Foster,…he led the NFL in rushing (1,616 yards rushing in 2010) in just his second year and scored 18 total touchdowns (16 rushing, 2 receiving). Foster also added 66 receptions and 604 yards receiving making him a very attractive overall top fantasy pick in 2011.
RB-Jamaal Charles….following his impressive 2009 season the Chiefs starter came back with a huge 2010 campaign to earn his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Charles finished 2010 with 1,935 total yards (1,467 rushing, 468 receiving) of offense with eight total touchdowns (5 rushing, 3 receiving); he will be a 1st round fantasy pick in 2011.
WR-Brandon Lloyd…..he makes his first appearance to the Pro Bowl this season finishing 2010 with career highs in receptions (77), yards receiving (1,448 yards), and touchdowns (11). He will be an interesting fantasy draft pick, since his quarterback situation could change.
TE-Marcedes Lewis…he emerged as a viable and legitimate redzone scoring threat catching 10 touchdown passes in 2010. Lewis also finished his 2010 campaign with career highs in all three categories; receptions (58), yards receiving (700), and touchdowns (10). He will be a highly rated fantasy TE next season.
By David Ortega
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