Osakwe blog

Steelers score, Packers lead 21-17 in 3rd qtr.

ARLINGTON, Texas – Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have taken a 21-17 lead into the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl.

Yet, the Pittsburgh Steelers — going for their third Super Bowl championship in six seasons, and seventh overall — started the final 15 minutes Sunday with the ball. They had already cut deeply into what was an 18-point deficit just before halftime.

Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw two interceptions in the first half that led to Green Bay touchdowns. But Big Ben threw an 8-yard TD pass to Hines Ward with 39 seconds left before halftime to get Pittsburgh within 21-10.

After Green Bay started the second half with three penalties and a punt, Pittsburgh went 50 yards in five plays. Rashard Mendenhall started that drive with a 17-yard run and capped it by bulling into the end zone from 8 yards out to get within 21-17.

The Steelers had a chance to get closer but Shaun Suisham was wide left on a 52-yard field goal attempt late in the third quarter. That came a play after Frank Zombo sacked Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger's touchdown pass came just before the 32-minute halftime break highlighted by the Black Eyed Peas performing. R&B star Usher and former Guns `N Roses guitarist Slash made special appearances as part of the set.

Rodgers' second TD pass was a 21-yarder to Greg Jennings with 2:31 left in the first half to make it 21-3. That score came four plays after Jarrett Bush set the Packers up with an interception near midfield.

The Steelers then went 77 yards in seven plays, the last two passes to Ward — for 17 yards and then the 8-yard touchdown when he made a leaping two-handed catch in the back of the end zone.