Deion Branch returned to the Patriots last season after four-plus years in Seattle and learned one thing in a hurry: Whimsical chatter about Super Bowl XLII is a nonstarter in New England.

Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl put a little back into it yesterday while shoveling the walkway of the childhood parish of Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

At some point when things start to fade, we’ll each be left with a few moments we remember most from Super Bowl XLV. After much deliberation, here’s a look at my key moments that determined the game.

Here are a few of my initial observations on the Packers and Steelers after getting a second look at the game during some initial film work on Monday.

The last item of the day before signing off from Super Bowl Sunday is to take a closer look at some of the most notable statistics sent over by the NFL Network research crew.

The Packers and Steelers set the Super Bowl record for fewest rushing attempts in a game for both teams (36).

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau‘s answer in that last drive was pressure.

The Packers are certainly eating their cake and having it, too. The Packers are using seven man protection via the play-action pass.

A few quick observations/concerns as we get ready for kickoff of Super Bowl XLV.

ARLINGTON, Texas – NFL.com’s Gil Brandt is here, attending his 43rd Super Bowl. That’s a lot of history, folks. Brandt’s notebook is always filled with nuggets about the game, so here’s a sampling:

Part of the Super Bowl coverage is knowing what type of spread President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and the 100 or so guests (a list that includes entertainers Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony as well as various elected leaders) will be partaking in at the White House Super Bowl party.

Here’s a look back at the Super Bowl picks from some notable celebrities such as Fergie, Pamela Anderson, Sugar Ray Leonard and others.

Hall of Famer Rod Woodson greets former teammate and current Packers outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene on the field at Cowboys Stadium.

Like a hostage victim sympathizing with their captures, I have finally worn down the esteemed Gil Brandt, as he is now adorned with my Terrible Towel.

We made it to the press box, and we are ready to start the game. But in the meantime, we kick around our picks for Super Bowl MVP. Come on in and make your own.