The Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers last night 31-25 in another exciting Super Bowl.  Aaron Rodgers was deservedly named the game’s MVP as he passed for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns leading the Packers to victory.  Green Bay looked like the better team for much of the game despite several injuries and dropped passes.  Anyway, I thought I would share some thoughts on the game and a few of my favorite commercials.

Thoughts on Super Bowl XLV:

Photo via espn.go.com

- First off, congratulations to the Green Bay Packers for winning Super Bowl XLV.  The Packers fought through countless injuries to key players in the regular season and won several must-win games late in the season to make the playoffs and then carried the momentum through the Super Bowl.

- Aaron Rogers has arrived and deserves to be considered amongst the NFL’s top quarterbacks – Brady, Manning, & Brees. Rodgers had some amazing throws in the game and played through a non-existent running game and several drops from his wide receivers.

- Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson had an up and down game with 9 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD & 4 drops but made several big catches for Rodgers – despite the drops.

- No question about it – Aaron Rodgers is definitely out of Brett Favre’s shadow.  And for that matter, can ESPN stop talking about Brett Favre? Thanks.

- Packers wider receiver Greg Jennings only had four catches Sunday night but two were for touchdowns and one was a big 3rd down catch down the seam.

- Steelers back-up center Doug Legursky played well in Maurkice Pouncey’s absesnce.  Pittsburgh still rushed for 126 yards on 23 carries and Legursky didn’t seem overmatched by Packers DT B.J. Raji.

- The Packers looked like they might run away with the game but you have to give credit to the Steelers for fighting through the turnovers and making a game out of it.

- Charles Woodson injury seemed to open the field up a little bit for Ben Roethliesberger and the Steelers offense but Packers defense was able to make enough plays to win the game.

- Clay Matthews only had 3 tackles but made a game changing play when he forced Rashard Mendenhall to fumble early in the 4th quarter. Mendenhall’s fumble killed the Steelers’ 2nd half momentum – Pittsburgh was driving with a chance to take the lead (21-17 Packers at the time).

- Green Bay’s ability to spread the field with three and four wide receivers gave the Steelers defense – defensive backs and linebackers specifically – trouble throughout the game.

- Troy Polamalu didn’t look healthy last night. The achilles injury that’s been bother him for much of the season still appeared to be an issue against the Packers.  He wasn’t flying around the field and playing at the level he’s capable of.

- James Harrison was pretty much non-existent outside of a sack in the 3rd quarter.  I was expecting more from such a dominant defensive player especially after his performance in Super Bowl XLIII for the Steelers.

- Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin is the real deal. He’s always respectful and honest in questions during interviews and press conferences.

- I listened to several Packers’ players interviews after the game all of them mentioned having such high character guys and good leaders in the locker room – don’t be surprised if this young team wins a few more Super Bowls.

- It was nice to see two former Boise State football players win Super Bowl rings – Daryn Colledge and Korey Hall.

- Congratulations Christina Aguilera. You missed an entire verse of the national anthem at the Super Bowl. No big deal.

- I’m not even really sure what to say about the halftime show from the Black Eyed Peas with guest appearances from Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Usher.  But what do you think is worse – singing live and sounding terrible or blatantly lip-synching?

Favorite Super Bowl Commercials:

Admittedly, I don’t think I saw all of the Super Bowl commercial but here are are few of my favorites:

Volkswagen: The Force

Pepsi Max: Can Thrower

Kim Kardashian Skechers

NFL: Best.Fans.Ever

Chrysler: Imported From Detroit

Any additional thoughts on the Super Bowl? What were your favorite commercials?