Now that I’ve adequately covered each individual team, now it’s time to analyze the game between them! It’s the last game of the season so it’s also the last edition of the Opening Drive!
Obviously the sexy match-up is going to be Arizona’s high powered offense squaring off against the Steelers’ hard-nosed defense. 37-year old Kurt Warner is leading his second team to a Super Bowl and will be the key to any Cardinal upset. Well, he could be the key if the offensive line protects him against Dick LeBeau’s blitzing linebackers. Pittsburgh plays a 3-4 defense, meaning three linemen and four linebackers. In that type of defense, you’re typically going to rush at least one linebacker in passing situations. The Steeler linebackers excel at sacking the quarterback, and defensive MVP James Harrison isn’t the only concern for the Cardinal offensive line. Every Steeler linebacker is a playmaker and makes the man beside him that much better. Keeping Warner upright is of the utmost importance, because he’s known to have a fumbling problem as he gets pressured up the middle. As long as Russ Grimm’s offensive line lets Kurt step up in the pocket, he’ll be accurate and quick on his deliveries. How else are Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston going to be able to get all of their touches? Another important note will be the running of Edgerrin James out of the backfield. His production could offset the pass rush by keeping the defense on the heels and not on their toes. If he fails to make any significant ground or offensive coordinator Todd Haley gives up on the run, Arizona will be in a load of trouble. Troy Polamalu will be stalking in the secondary, ready to snap up an interception of any forced or pressured Warner throws. If Arizona falls behind early, it will be an almost insurmountable climb out of the hole.
Pittsburgh’s offense has gone through a bit of an identity crisis after their top two running backs missed a bulk of the regular season. They had to rely more on Ben Roethlisberger’s arm more than they would have liked to, I’m sure. Thankfully, he lived up to his hefty contract this season by lifting his team to a 12-4 record and through two rounds of playoff action, thanks to a first round bye and home field advantage (courtesy of the Titans’ early exit). After facing the dominating defense of the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers get a bit of a break against the Cardinals’ less than stellar unit. Arizona has stepped up its play in recent weeks, shutting down superb running attacks on their way to the Super Bowl, and they’ll try to continue that success against Willie Parker and the Steelers. Pittsburgh would like to avoid relying on Roethlisberger for four quarters if at all possible, but they know they can if necessary. (That must be a nice feeling to have.) Their physical offensive line will look to impose their will on Arizona’s defense early which will soften them up late in the game. It’s an easy formula for Pittsburgh: run the ball, set up the play-action pass.
The “x-factor” in Super Bowl 43 could be special teams. Both teams are less than solid in punting and kick coverage, but Santonio Holmes gives the Steelers the edge on returns. When he touches the ball he’s a threat to go the distance. Arizona doesn’t have a man to match Holmes’ speed, as they only scored one touchdown on returns all season (J.J. Arrington). Whichever team gets one or two short fields and capitalize on them will win the game. It could be that simple. Watch the punters on this one, they might be the reason your team wins or loses.
After the Vince Lombardi trophy is handed out on Sunday, there will be an entire offseason for 31 teams to examine why they failed. One team will know they succeeded. I know I don’t need to say this, but watch the Super Bowl. It’s America’s game... also, there are some great commercials.
Super Bowl Prediction
What?! I know, I never do predictions. I don’t really believe in them. They seem ridiculous in the “any given Sunday” world of the NFL. But since it’s the Super Bowl, here’s my official prediction. As much as I think the Steelers will win (like everyone does) I’ll go on the limb and take the emotional favorite:
Arizona Cardinals 27
Pittsburgh Steelers 23
Enjoy the big game!
