The Front Row with JASON ELLIOTT Feb. 5, 2011

For years, I've wrestled with a hatred for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Thanks to the Brett Favre saga of a few years ago, I've also disliked the Green Bay Packers.

So when it comes to cheering for a particular team on Sunday, it is a simple answer - neither one.

UPON FURTHER review, I'm not sure that I want either team to win the Super Bowl.

While playing to a tie in the champioship game isn't what the NFL wants, I can learn to live with whoever wins.

Should Green Bay win, it will mark the fourth title for a franchise with plenty of history.

If Pittsburgh wins, it will be its third title in six seasons, also an impressive feat.

That doesn't change my views on either team.

Favre had the Packers one play from the Super Bowl, and had he completed that pass against the Giants in the NFC championship game, it is possible that the Packers could have beaten the New England Patriots that year.

Had the Packers won that game, Favre may not have bounced to the New York Jets or rounded out his career in Minnesota, either.

Regardless, the idea of Packers coach Mike McCarthy or general manager Ted Thompson hoisting the Lombardi trophy doesn't seem right.

WHICH BRINGS me to Pittsburgh.

The sting of the outcome five years ago when Pittsburgh defeated Seattle 21-10 at Ford Field in Detroit went away a few years ago - while the memory won't.

Pittsburgh, to its credit, was able to score when it mattered.

Seattle meanwhile, couldn't avoid the yellow flags flying out of the referees' hands when the Seahawks scored a touchdown.

Three years later, the Steelers took a win away from Arizona late in the fourth quarter as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hit Santonio Holmes with a touchdown pass in the 27-23 win.

Should he win another title on Sunday, Big Ben will draw comparisons to Tom Brady, who has won three titles for New England.

While the Steelers’ defense played well in both Super Bowls, the offense has done just enough for them to win it for them.

THE GAME has all the makings of a great contest, with two of the best defenses in the NFL taking the field at Cowboys Stadium.

While both teams are most deserving, I’m hoping the green and gold can bring home a title this year.

Why Green Bay to win? They’re playing the best right now.

Pittsburgh? I don’t think the fumblerooski will help this time.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via e-mail at [email protected].