• 03:15 AM ET  02.01
Views
463
Comments
0

Hello everyone.  I know it has been a very long time since I last posted, but my computer broke down and I had to send it away to get fixed, but now we're back in business and back better than ever.  While there will be no recap to Championship Sunday, I would like to say that I was 2-0 which puts me at 3-7 for the playoffs.  Youch!  But Super Bowl Sunday brings about with it a spring of hope, some eternal optimism.  So, to preview the game, I will take a look at a few positions and give the edge to one team as well as list 3 key players for both teams.  Now, let's get right into "The Week to be in then NFL: Super Bowl Sunday."

Quarterback

Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger each have won a Super Bowl with Warner being far more impressive in each of his two Super Bowl starts than Big Ben was back in 2005.  Warner has more weapons, but the Steelers will bring plenty of wild blitz packages.  However, the Cardinals were blitzed more than any other team this season and Warner faired well.  He must hang onto the ball though and avoid the fumbles.  Roethlisberger extends plays allowing his receivers to get open downfield.  He loves to take the shot deep downfield as well which results in big plays.  But, Warner has more experience and is overall the better quarterback.

Edge: Cardinals

Running Back

Heading into the postseason, this question would seem obvious, Pittsburgh of course.  Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore are a tough to bring down.  But Edgerrin James has found his grove in the playoffs and Tim Hightower provides great opportunities with his ability to catch the football.  This is a toss up, but I will pick Parker and Moore because I trust them more than I do the other guys.

Edge: Steelers

Wide Receiver

Come on now.  Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin vs. Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes.  Plenty has been said about Fitzgerald so I will leave that be.  Enough said at the position.

Edge: Cardinals

Defense

We'll just collectively put the defense together, because no matter what way you slice it, the Steelers have the edge in everything.  The Cardinals defense has played better in the playoffs and they do create lots of turnovers, but when you have the defensive MVP of the league in Harrison and guys like Troy Polamalu and a defensive coordinator in Dick LeBaeu and that is all I have to say.

Edge: Steelers

Special Teams

It all really comes down to kicking.  Would you rather have Neil Rackers or Jeff Reed?  Personally, I think Rackers can kick from anywhere on the field, so I will take him, but the kickoff returns and punt returns will be crucial to set up good field position.  Slight edge to the Cardinals.

Edge: Cardinals

Coaching

Both guys are second year head coaches.  Mike Tomlin has led his team through the toughest schedule in the league and onto the Super Bowl.  Ken Whisenhunt has restored faith and promise in a franchise that for nearly sixty years, lacked both.  Plus Whisenhunt knows the Steelers organization having been with them before being named as the Cardinals head coach.  That is why I am giving the edge to the Cardinals.

Edge: Cardinals

3 players to watch for from both teams:

Cardinals: Mike Gandy, who will have to protect Kurt Warner's blind side is the most crucial player for the Cardinals.  If he doesn't get fooled by the different blitzes and gives Warner time to throw, the Cardinals will be in good shape.  Second, Anquan Boldin.  With so much attention focused on Larry Fitzgerald (and rightfully so), Boldin should face one-on-one coverage much of the game.  He must take advantage of that.  Last but not least, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  He has that big play capability if he gets an INT, but he can be burned at times and you have to stick on your man like glue if Big Ben starts to scramble around in the pocket.  That is why the Cardinals best cover corner is the most important player on the defense.

Steelers: Willie Parker.  A solid ground attack will keep the high-octane Cardinals offense on the sidelines, so Parker must step up and play well.  Second, LaMarr Woodley.  The linebackers wouldn't be complete without this guy playing so well this season and if he can get in the face of Kurt Warner, he might just shakeup the confidence of the Cardinals.  Finally, Troy Polamalu.  He is the leader of the defense and he must always have an eye on Fitzgerald, but also Bodlin, James, Urban, and Breaston.  He won't have a moments rest the entire game and must be prepared.

Now, for the pick.  This is very tough to pick, and though logic says to go with Pittsburgh (and I have nothing against Pittsburgh), I think that the Cardinals have destiny going their way and I see them winning a close one.

Prediciton: Cardinals 23 Steelers 20

Well that is all I have for today.  Enjoy all of the Super Bowl festivities and party responsibly.  We'll see you next week.  Until next time, c ya.

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


Coming soon: Log in with your Facebook account, send comments and Throwdowns to Facebook and more.

Start Your Own Blog

Start Now

The Si.com Cover Hub Go to the Cover Hub

Stub Hub

The 2009 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Bills owner wanted Gruden
    Views
    63529
    Comments
    393
  2. 2
    Parcells to Browns?
    Views
    54378
    Comments
    361
  3. 3
    Chivas USA to hire Sampson
    Views
    874
    Comments
    132
  4. 4
    FSU to offer Bowden compromise?
    Views
    7498
    Comments
    125
  5. 5
    Why Knicks passed on Iverson
    Views
    32809
    Comments
    113

Message Boards

  1. NCAAF > LSU Tigers

    Les Miles FIRE HIM
    Views
    402
    Replies
    33
  2. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    Has anyone seen my ...
    Views
    187
    Replies
    74
  3. NFL > Chicago Bears

    Week 11...The Philadelphia…
    Views
    174
    Replies
    73

Blogs

SI.com

Swimsuit

SI Photos