Super Bowl XLIII does not have shine of predecessors. There is no unbeaten team, no dynasty, no marquee players that hog the spotlight and create stories for the media. The economic situation in the US and Canada has led to less than stellar ticket sales on the secondary markets. Big businesses aren’t throwing their weight behind parties anymore or committing millions to 30 second TV spots. Most fans seem to already be looking forward to the draft in April or the 2009 season which will feature a re-loaded Patriots team, a ton of new coaches and a Super Bowl in Miami.
Although the interest in this game may be down generally, it may turn out to be one of the best games this decade. Whether the 5 time champion Steelers add a record 6th Lombardi trophy in their cabinet or if the Cardinals are triumphant and mark an end to a losing streak dating back more than 50 years, it will probably come down to the last minute and a gutsy play that wins one team the championship.
The Steelers come in with one of the best defenses in football. Led by NFL defensive player of the year James Harrison and all around animal Troy Polamalu, this version of the Steel Curtain will attack the QB, drop random linebackers defensive lineman into pass coverage and will not allow many points (only three this season did they give up 21 or more points, going 2-1 in those two games). The Cardinals had one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL in 2008. A rejuvenated Kurt Warner at QB made a connection with his wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston. Although, the running game was almost non-existent in most contests, Edge James and Tim Hightower still have the ability to break big runs and create problems for defenses. If the explosive offense and steel curtain defense cancel each other out, what happens then???
The Steelers offense is very inconsistent. They have been injury riddled all season – RB Willie Parker, WR Hines Ward and QB “Big Ben” have all missed time this season. During the AFC Championship game Hines Ward went out injured and the Steelers offense was never the same. Big Ben likes when he is forced to scramble and improvise, this either leads to the big play TD or a huge loss. It could be the make or break for the Steelers championship hopes.
The Cardinals defense at first glance hasn’t been close to Super Bowl worthy, but in different parts of the season, their pass rush, run stopping and pass defense has all been outstanding. They just need to put it all together one last time. The front seven is excellent with the likes of Karlos Dansby and Bertrand Berry and the secondary is improving with Rogers-Cromartie, but look for the Steelers to try and exploit Roderick Hood deep.
Now that the players have been factored in what about the intangibles. The Cards have the “no one believes in us” theme, the Steelers have the playoff experience. The Steelers will probably have the crowd support, while the Cards have no expectations to live up to.
What does all this talk amount to…a great game and my prediction;
Steelers 24 vs. Cardinals 17
MVP: LaMarr Woodley (2 sacks, a turnover and 7 tackles)
Snack of the Week
Didn’t think you could get through the Super Bowl without a snack of the week did you. There are always lots of fried foods and finger foods at parties during the big game, but I need something a little more filling…
Chili
Make it spicy, include some sausage, lots of beans (the magical fruit) and you have a dish to call your own. Make sure to wash it down with an ice cold beeeeeer (Labatt only please).
Now I know Woodley didn't win MVP, but check out his stat line - 3 tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks and a forced fumble.
ReplyDeleteJust as a note, Farrior led the Steelers with 6 tackles and an assist.