NFL: Packers, Steelers advance to Super Bowl

The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet in Super Bowl 45 next month after booking their spots in the NFL season's grand finale today.

The Packers, who last won the Super Bowl in 1996, advanced to the big game on February 7 after beating division rivals Chicago Bears 21-14 in the NFC title game.

The Packers were too strong for the Bears at Soldier Field and will have a chance to win their fourth Super Bowl title.

Pittsburgh will be aiming for their third title in seven years, and seventh in their history, after beating the New York Jets 24-19 in today's AFC title game.

After a dominant first half the Steelers held a 24-3 lead before the Jets staged a second half comeback but it wasn't enough as New York lost their second straight AFC title game.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall led the way for the home side rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also ran in a touchdown while William Gay recovered a fumble by Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez for a touchdown.

Sanchez threw for 233 yards including two touchdowns as the Jets tried to stage a remarkable comeback from 24-0 down but failed to make the most of a goalline attack late in the fourth quarter.

The did earn a safety in the next play to close the gap to five but couldn't get their hands back on the ball.

Roethlisberger now has a 10-2 record in the NFL playoffs and will be looking to earn his third Super Bowl ring.

While the Steelers will be making their third trip to the Super Bowl since 2005 the Packers, who have won three NFL titles, return to the big game after a 15 year wait when Brett Favre led them to victory over the New England Patriots.

Green Bay led 14-0 at halftime but the Bears staged a comeback despite losing quarterback Jay Cutler to injury.

The Bears' third string quarterback Caleb Hanie got Chicago back in the game before throwing an interception to B.J. Raji who ran in the Packers' third touchdown of the game.

Hanie then closed the gap to seven points after throwing a touchdown to Earl Bennett making it 21-14 with less than five minutes to play.

Hanie led one last drive in the closing stages in attempt to tie the game but threw a second interception to end Chicago's hopes.

- Herald online