James Starks on Steelers' Blitz: 'If You Can't Protect Rodgers, You Can't Play'

Filed under: Packers, Steelers, AFC North, NFC North

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the right tools to face the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6 in Dallas, Tex. He possesses quick feet, pocket awareness and a quick release. Despite the unity of the Packers' offensive line, it can't keep up with constant pressure from the ends and up the middle from aggressive defenses, which leaves Rodgers as a sitting duck.

But Rodgers normally causes defenses to panic, think twice and have them backing up into coverage because he can get the ball to his receivers quickly. However, against the Steelers, Rodgers won't cause Pittsburgh to think twice or panic because no matter what the Packers do, Rodgers and the gang knows the blitz will come often.

"Coach has always emphasized picking up blitzes," said rookie running back James Starks. "If you can't protect Rodgers, you can't play. That's always a high emphasis in this organization. I need work at it, but I'm getting a lot better at it, and I'm going to continue to work so I can be a great blocker also."

Despite the shootout at Heinz Field last season between these clubs where Rodgers finished with 383 yards off of 26 for 48 passing and Roethlisberger's output was 503 yards out of 29 for 46, the Packers still started off slow because of Steelers blitzes.

Rodgers may have been sacked once and hit five times, but Pittsburgh consistently sent pressure causing him to force throws and absorbed a nasty hit from linebacker Lawrence Timmons. Although the contest ended with a 37-36 result in favor of the Steelers, a bad onside kick and miscommunication in the secondary by the Steelers in the fourth quarter -- when the score was 24-14 at the start -- made this game closer than it should have been.

The Steelers will clean up their mistakes in the secondary, but their aggressive game plan will not change. Instead, the Steelers' pressure will just increase this time around because of what's at stake. So, the Packers' backfield must be ready to do more than just carry the ball.

"I faced them before in the blitz pickup," said running back Brandon Jackson. "Everything worked out well. But this is a different game on a different level. I'm just going to have to bring my 'A' game. I'm ready, I'm preparing hard, and Edgar Bennett (running back coach) is preparing us well too."

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is a master at confusing offenses and give quarterbacks who are not familiar with his exotic blitzes and looks, where players can come from anywhere on the field. Pittsburgh led the NFL in sacks with 48 during the regular season and in the last game of the season, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy knows his backs need to hold their own and help protect Rodgers.

"There is going to be a point in this game where our running backs are going to have to close the door on their pressure," said McCarthy. "Harrison and Woodley are excellent pass rushers, so it's an excellent pair. Statistically, probably the best pair over the last five years I would think pressuring the quarterback."

Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is making his team very aware of what the Steelers will definitely bring.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/29/james-starks-on-steelers-blitz-if-you-cant-protect-rodgers-y/

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