A misconception that the Packers are the “hot” team going into Super Bowl XLV

A look at 2008 and 2010 Runs

— A few things to ponder this afternoon as the Steelers are set to hit the field in a bit for today’s workout. Dale Grdnic will have a full wrapup from today’s events, shortly after practice ends at 3:30 —

*–The vibe coming from the media is that the Green Bay Packers are the hot team going into Super Bowl XLV. Part of that is because they had to win their final two regular season games just to get into the playoffs and have now won three straight playoff road games, that included a blowout win against the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round.

The Packers have won five games in a row, dating back to the regular season while Pittsburgh has won four games in row.

Over the past nine games, the Steelers though are the hotter team. Pittsburgh enters Super Bowl XLV 8-1 in their last 9 games and defeated the New York Jets in the AFC Championship, the team that gave Pittsburgh their only loss during their current 9 game stretch.

Meanwhile, the Packers are 6-3 in their last 9 games. It’s just interesting how you rarely hear about Pittsburgh being the hot team right now as the Steelers have won 8 of 9.

*–How similar is this years Super Bowl run to the Steelers Super Bowl run in 2008?

The Steelers finished 12-4 in 2008, earning No. 2 seed in the AFC; The Steelers finished 12-4 in 2010, earning No. 2 seed in the AFC

Pittsburgh entered Super Bowl XLIII 8-1 in their previous 9 games; The Steelers enter Super Bowl XLV 8-1 in their last nine games.

In 2008, the Steelers lost to 4 playoff teams (Indianapolis, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Tennessee) in the regular season, with the notable loss a 31-14 defeat to the Tennessee Titans who ended up being the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

In 2010, the Steelers also lost to 4 playoff teams (Baltimore, New England, New York Jets, New Orleans) in the regular season and once again the notable loss was to the New England Patriots (39-26) who were the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

In both Super Bowl runs, the Steelers avoided the No. 1 seed in the AFC to host the AFC Championship game at home.