LeRoy Butler: Sam Shields will be the difference in Packers win

The Green Bay defense features an all-time great at corner in Charles Woodson and the year’s breakout star in outside linebacker Clay Matthews. But a lesser-known rookie might be the key to the Packers chances in the Super Bowl, says former Packer great LeRoy Butler.

“Our defense revolves around Woodson and Matthews. That’s no secret,” says Butler, who sacked Drew Bledsoe in Green Bay’s last Super Bowl win, 35-21 over New England in Super Bowl XXXI. “But to make it go, Sam Shields has to be playing at a high level.”

Shields, an undrafted rookie cornerback, had two interceptions against the Bears in the NFC championship game. His presence in the secondary allows Woodson to play at the line of scrimmage, like a cross between a corner and outside linebacker.

“If (Shields) is covering well, that defense is impenetrable,” Butler says.

With a nod to the Steelers experience and ability to comeback late in games, Butler predicts the Packers will win. “I think they have a better overall team, and I think they have a better overall makeup,” he says.

(sportingnews.com)