Anyone catch the "Sound FX" segment featuring Super Bowl XLV, currently airing on the NFL Network? Using microphones embedded around the field at Cowboys Stadium, the piece provided -- among other things -- some interesting insight into one of our pregame XLV posts.
As you might recall, we discussed the possible mismatch when the Pittsburgh Steelers ran behind right tackle Flozell Adams. From that post:
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Steelers averaged 5.9 yards per carry during the regular season when they ran behind right tackle Flozell Adams, the second-highest total in the NFL. And for reasons that will be hard to pinpoint, the Packers' otherwise strong run defense allowed 5.2 yards per carry in that same direction during the season. That number placed them No. 26 overall among NFL teams in that category.
It wasn't entirely clear why the Packers' defense was weak in that direction, but "Sound FX" made clear the Steelers' assessment. At one point, running backs coach Kirby Wilson points to linebacker Clay Matthews' position on a grease board. Wilson tells backup running back Isaac Redman that the Steelers would target Matthews for the entire game.
"He doesn't want to take on the run," Wilson said. "He's a pass-rush specialist. He wants to pass rush Mike Vick. He wants to pass rush Matthew Stafford. ... We're going to keep pounding and make this guy quit."
We then see Matthews manning the right side of the Steelers offense, recognizing a formation that suggests the Steelers were planning to run in his direction.
"Watch the power! Watch the power!" Matthews says.
At the snap, Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu pulls toward Matthews and flattens him. Running back Rashard Mendenhall scoots by on his way to a 19-yard run.
Next, Matthews is on the bench shaking his head about the play, noting that he recognized what was coming but lamenting that Kemoeatu is " just a big boy."
Kemoeatu is listed at 344 pounds, or 89 pounds more than Matthews.
Mendenhall finished the game with 14 carries. He gained 66 yards on runs that went to the right of center, based on a review of the official play-by-play. Mendenhall ran twice to the left, netting zero yards, and lost three yards on his only run up the middle.
It's not uncommon for power offenses to run toward elite pass-rushers, hoping either to guide them around the hole or capitalize on weight mismatches. Ultimately, the Packers minimized this mismatch in two ways.
First, their early 14-0 lead limited the Steelers' opportunities to run. Second, Matthews forced Mendenhall to fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter to end a Steelers' drive at the Packers' 33-yard line. Turnovers are the great equalizer, and this one recaptured momentum for the Packers. Instead of potentially giving up a 21-17 lead, their offense capitalized with an 8-yard touchdown pass to receiver Greg Jennings to give the Packers an 11-point lead.
The play was Mendenhall's last carry of the game.