Congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who both earned the right to go to Tampa, Florida to play in Super Bowl XLIII. The Arizona Cardinals earned the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl with a thrilling 32-25 victory over the Philladelphia Eagles. The Pittsburgh Steelers earned the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl with a 23-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Key Players on both sides of the ball:
ARIZONA O: Kurt Warner, Cardinals QB: Kurt Warner already has one Super Bowl Ring that he earned when he Quarterbacked the St. Louis Rams with a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. With a win on Sunday, he will have his second Super Bowl Ring. Kurt Warner, at the age of 34, is the third oldest Quarterback to start a Super Bowl.
Kurt has been well so far in the postseason, playing smart, being patient, not turning the ball over often, and putting the ball in the hands of his playmakers, Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Warner also has been helped out when he turns the ball over by this surprisingly good defense.
Kurt Warner needs to play smart, be patient, not turn the ball over, and go deep for his playmakers. Kurt will have to keep this formula working if the Cardinals are to pull the upset
PITTSBURGH D: James Harrison, Steelers LB: Harrison is, no doubt the heart of the Steelers D. Harrison and Troy Polamalu are the Steelers Defensive Playmakers. The Steelers Defense will have to get pressure on Kurt Warner, forcing him to throw the ball before he wants to. Easier said than done.
PITTSBURGH O: Ben Rothelisberger, Steelers QB: Big Ben won Super Bowl XL three years ago. Now the Pressure is on him to do it again for Pittsburgh to win a record Sixth Super Bowl. Big Ben has been making smart decisions and taking advantage of what the defense gives him. Big Ben is going to throw to Hines Ward, Nate Washington, and the rookie Limas Sweed, who will be looking to redeem himself after dropping a sure touchdown catch in the first half of the AFC Championship Game. The Steelers will also be running the ball early and often with Willie Parker.
ARIZONA D: Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie & Antrell Rolle : Arizona CB: The Cardinals Corners will have to knock the Pittsburgh receivers off their routes. Easier said than done.
Coaches: Arizona Cardinals Coach Ken Whisenhunt was the Steelers Offensive Coordinator when the Steelers won Super Bowl XL. After head coach Bill Cowher retired, Whisenhunt was expected to become the new Steelers coach, but he was instead passed on for current Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Whisenhunt then took the job as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Whether there is any hard feelings over that or not, the fact that the Arizona Cardinals have a shot to win the Super Bowl Is Absolutely Incredible.
Special Teams: If the offense and defense are neutralized, Special Teams is going to be how the Super Bowl will be won. Will the Cardinals Special Teams squad be able to contain the Steelers speedster, Santonio Holmes? Will the Cardinals be able to score points when they get down into the goal line? Or will they have to settle for field goals from the very good Neil Rackers?
I can't wait for the Super Bowl. I Watch The World Series and the NBA Finals, but the only Sporting Event I Record every season is The Super Bowl. This will be my eighth year recording the Super Bowl. The first Super Bowl I Recorded was Super Bowl XXXVI, when the New England Patriots pulled off the biggest upset since Super Bowl III.
Ben Rothelisberger has had the clock ticking for his chance at a second ring for the last two seasons. Kurt Warner’s chance to win a second Super Bowl will close after this game, because I think he has his mind set on retiring after this game.
Can The Cardinals win the Super Bowl? No doubt about it. There are a lot of people out there underestimating the Cardinals.
Knowing the Super Bowl, anything is possible, and that is why everybody loves to watch it, even if they watch just for the commercials.
Prediction: Both Kurt Warner and Ben Rothelisberger to rely on the running game early. They both could rely on the short passing game to help build up their confidence. The Steelers Front Four will have to stop Edgerrin James and Larry Fitzgerald. Ditto with The Cardinals defense having to contain Willie Parker and Hines Ward while also getting Pressure on Ben Rothelisberger. Once Again, easier said than done.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to win a record sixth Super Bowl to “win one for the other thumb.” The Arizona Cardinals are trying to end the longest title drought in NFL History,
My Pick Is:
PITTSBURGH OVER ARIZONA
