Green Bay - Scott Wells, Daryn Colledge, Josh Sitton, Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga
Pittsburgh - Doug Legursky, Chris Kemoeatu, Ramon Foster, John Scott, Flozell Adams
The offensive line for both of the Super Bowl participants are probably the two most maligned units either has. Neither team has a dominating lineman that will blow you away with their strength and agility - especially with Pittsburgh's loss of Maurkice Pouncey. Both units are helped by having QBs behind them that are difficult to get to. Green Bay's offensive line was responsible for giving up 38 sacks this season, but they have protected Rodgers well enough and began to open up some holes in the running game throughout the playoffs. Pittsburgh finished the AFC Championship with 4 lineman that began the season as backups.
Green Bay's line probably blocked a little better in the running game this season than in the passing game. Aaron Rodgers' ability to move in the pocket certainly helps out though. Bryan Bulaga was the Packers' 1st Round draft pick in 2010 and started as a rookie. He has some improvement to make but could possibly be their best lineman. Bulaga and company will have a tough task to face in the Steelers D. They will have to know their assignments because Pittsburgh will bring lots of heat off the edge with James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and even Troy Polamalu. Nobody expects the Green Bay line to open up huge holes in the running game, but they must have some consistency and avoid the negative plays.
Injuries have completely deflated the Steelers' offensive line. Their best lineman went down with an ankle injury last week, so insert Doug Legursky. Legursky had a bad exchange with Ben Roethlisberger last week that lead to a Jets safety. This will have to be cleaned up by next Sunday. Elsewhere on the line, Ramon Foster, Johnathan Scott, and veteran Flozell Adams were not supposed to be starting either. Green Bay's 5th ranked defense should be salivating at this patchwork group. Chris Kemoeatu will be the only Steelers lineman that was expected to start the season. Big Ben may have to shake off even more defenders than he is used to. Look for Pittsburgh to try to pound the ball early to take some heat off of the pass protection that many are skeptical about.
Cohesiveness is very important to a unit such as an offensive line. The Packers line has not been over-powering by any stretch of the imagination, but they are fairly healthy and have more time playing together as a unit than Pittsburgh does. The Steelers will be starting this particular unit for the first time all season. These units might be the weak link for both offenses, but both will have to protect their QBs to become Super Bowl champions.
Advantage - Green Bay
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