Am I the only one not impressed by the Steelers?

[Iwinyourmoney]

They seem like a very average team to make the superbowl. Are they good? yes. But I just dont see them as superbowl material. Arizona on the other hand.....wow. Very impressive

[pavyracer]

Arizona wins easily.

[SlickFazzer]

none of these teams are nothing special.

[l7ustin]

Arizona is the worst team to make the superbowl in 10 years

[moneyline]

The Steelers defense has given up 300+ yards ONCE is 18 games ...

(that's rushing + passing, boys and girls)

Not impressive? Uh-huh ....

[The Seer]

Arizona wins easily.

I'm with pavy. No one can shut down Fitzgerald.

[poetwarrior41]

I'm with pavy. No one can shut down Fitzgerald.

This team has proven time and time again, that they can shut down anyone. Watch and see, they will drop their linebackers into coverage the whole game, Warner will throw three picks.

[fiveteamer]

how can you not be impressed with Steelers D.

[pavyracer]

In a shootout you always take the team with the best offense and this is the Cardinals.

[Scorpion]

Pitt OL is bad
AZ by 10+

[SBR Lou]

Pittsburgh is the most overrated, one dimensional team in recent memory. Their offensive line makes a high school team look good, if they give up 4 sacks in a game people are impressed because of how pedestrian they usually are.

Their defense is great, but not invincible, and no defense is good enough to shutdown Larry Fitzgerald. They may limit his catches, but he will score in this game and the double-teaming they run by him will free up what figures to be a much healthier Anquan Boldin. They won't be able to run much, if any, but if Warner gets enough protection the Steelers simply cannot match Arizona tit for tat offensively.

The only way the Steelers win is if Warner throws 2 interceptions, and under 3 TD's.

[element1286]

Arizona cannot win this game unless they run the ball effectively. Arizona has out rushed their opponent 9 times this season, and are 9-0 in those games, they have been out rushed by their opponents 10 times this season and are 3-7 in those games, beating Dallas (a game in which Ari had two special teams td's), Sf, and Stl. The Steelers have the best rush defense in the league.

If Arizona doesn't have a balanced offense, they have no chance. Yes, the Cardinals look good, they are exciting to watch, there is no defensive unit that is as positionally sound as the Steelers, there will be no big YAC plays against the Steelers defense.

[Chi_archie]

People sure are quick to jump on this arizona band wagon

[Dark Horse]

It will take me about ten days to figure this game out.

Initial thoughts:

- Whisenhunt brings coaching edge to Arizona. Remember the Carolina game. Delhomme was Warner's backup in Amsterdam. I think they may have baited him into making certain passes, and then cut in front of them from his blind spot. Once again, the Cards could have an advantage in that Whisenhunt knows exactly what Big Ben can and can't do.

- A little crack in the armor in Arizona. You don't want players distracted by a guy like Boldin stepping out of line.

- There is no way that Arizona will get a huge lead in this game. The Steelers defense is too good for that. I do think they could again jump to the early lead, but, as in the Atlanta and Eagles games, the Steelers will respond. And if the Steelers take back the momentum, they will not allow the Cards to take it back (unlike Atlanta and the Eagles). I could easily see this come down to a last minute FG. If that happens, I would expect the Steelers to kick it. And, if that happens, the Cards are good ATS.

[element1286]

It will take me about ten days to figure this game out.

Initial thoughts:

- Whisenhunt brings coaching edge to Arizona. Remember the Carolina game. Delhomme was Warner's backup in Amsterdam. I think they may have baited him into making certain passes, and then cut in front of them from his blind spot. Once again, the Cards could have an advantage in that Whisenhunt knows exactly what Big Ben can and can't do.

- A little crack in the armor in Arizona. You don't want players distracted by a guy like Boldin stepping out of line.

- There is no way that Arizona will get a huge lead in this game. The Steelers defense is too good for that. I do think they could again jump to the early lead, but, as in the Atlanta and Eagles games, the Steelers will respond. And if the Steelers take back the momentum, they will not allow the Cards to take it back (unlike Atlanta and the Eagles). I could easily see this come down to a last minute FG. If that happens, I would expect the Steelers to kick it. And, if that happens, the Cards are good ATS.

I generally agree with this. Although I think that this "he knows a player" stuff is overblown, and could lead to over thinking just as likely as it could lead to out thinking.

[SBR Lou]

It will take me about ten days to figure this game out.

Initial thoughts:

- Whisenhunt brings coaching edge to Arizona. Remember the Carolina game. Delhomme was Warner's backup in Amsterdam. I think they may have baited him into making certain passes, and then cut in front of them from his blind spot. Once again, the Cards could have an advantage in that Whisenhunt knows exactly what Big Ben can and can't do.

- A little crack in the armor in Arizona. You don't want players distracted by a guy like Boldin stepping out of line.

- There is no way that Arizona will get a huge lead in this game. The Steelers defense is too good for that. I do think they could again jump to the early lead, but, as in the Atlanta and Eagles games, the Steelers will respond. And if the Steelers take back the momentum, they will not allow the Cards to take it back (unlike Atlanta and the Eagles). I could easily see this come down to a last minute FG. If that happens, I would expect the Steelers to kick it. And, if that happens, the Cards are good ATS.

Good thoughts, but what do you consider a huge lead in the game? SD jumped out in front of Pittsburgh in a flash, but could never continue beyond that, I think Arizona is more than capable of scoring the first 10 points in this game. If that happens, it will be the Arizona defense, and not the Pittsburgh defense that will need to make its presence felt.

Pittsburgh cannot play catch up, but with their defense they haven't had to much, if Warner has a good to great game I fail to see Pittsburgh winning. He needs to struggle for them to lose.

[element1286]

Good thoughts, but what do you consider a huge lead in the game? SD jumped out in front of Pittsburgh in a flash, but could never continue beyond that, I think Arizona is more than capable of scoring the first 10 points in this game. If that happens, it will be the Arizona defense, and not the Pittsburgh defense that will need to make its presence felt.

Pittsburgh cannot play catch up, but with their defense they haven't had to much, if Warner has a good to great game I fail to see Pittsburgh winning. He needs to struggle for them to lose.

What is more likely to happen a great qb struggling against a great defense, or a great qb struggling against an average defense?

Or

What is more likely to happen a bad running game struggling against a great run defense, or a below average running game struggling against a mediocre run defense.

[SBR Lou]

What is more likely to happen a great qb struggling against a great defense, or a great qb struggling against an average defense?

Or

What is more likely to happen a bad running game struggling against a great run defense, or a below average running game struggling against a mediocre run defense.

Problem with scenario 1), Big Ben is not a great QB, and while Arizona is by far the lesser of the two defenses, other than their 2nd half collapse where they let Philly creep back in it, has played exceptionally well lately and forced numerous turnovers. Sure, Delhomme gifted most of them, but they've played extremely better in recent weeks.

Either way, this game probably won't be a shootout, but if Arizona can figure out how to get the ball to Fitzgerald, or how to get Boldin or others involved while Fitzgerald is drawing constant attention, Pittsburgh will have its hands full should Warner be hitting the mark. Protection is key, but Arizona has more ways to put points on the board than Pittsburgh does, and that could easily prove to be the difference in this game.

[element1286]

Problem with scenario 1), Big Ben is not a great QB, and while Arizona is by far the lesser of the two defenses, other than their 2nd half collapse where they let Philly creep back in it, has played exceptionally well lately and forced numerous turnovers. Sure, Delhomme gifted most of them, but they've played extremely better in recent weeks.

Either way, this game probably won't be a shootout, but if Arizona can figure out how to get the ball to Fitzgerald, or how to get Boldin or others involved while Fitzgerald is drawing constant attention, Pittsburgh will have its hands full should Warner be hitting the mark. Protection is key, but Arizona has more ways to put points on the board than Pittsburgh does, and that could easily prove to be the difference in this game.

Well that's where your wrong, because he is.

[Dark Horse]

Another early thought. Way to early for me to put it together. Superbowl is a story onto itself.

- Was just listening to Warner giving a press conference. From what he said I have no doubt that he will successfully guide his team through the craziness that is the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. He's taken on a leadership role that is invaluable for the players around him.

[The Seer]

What is more likely to happen a great qb struggling against a great defense, or a great qb struggling against an average defense?

Or

What is more likely to happen a bad running game struggling against a great run defense, or a below average running game struggling against a mediocre run defense.

Probably the same as a wild card team that had to win 3 straight road games and then beat an undefeated team in the Superbowl as a double digit dog last year. You can throw all of that shit out in the salary cap era.

[Outlawdino]

The Steelers D against the Cards O will be interesting...if the Steelers play their cards right just like all season, pressure Warner and keep a nice chunk of time of possession, I don't see why Pitt won't win. They have quietly dominated a rough schedule and made it this far. Arizona seems like they have caught lightning in a bottle, played flawless and capitalized on other teams' mistakes in the playoffs. I think the Cards are who they are...a very talented and young team who has had some luck on their side. I wouldn't count Pitt out for one second.

[The Seer]

Sure, Delhomme gifted most of them, but they've played extremely better in recent weeks.

That is because AZ shut down what was the best running game in the league at the time. They forced Delhomme into playing like that because of what they did against the run. Those were caused by AZ's D.

[Chi_archie]

Warner is hot, it will be interesting to see how he comes out...this guy has been there before and he's not fazed by anything...when he has things working for him and he is healthy, is their a more accurate dangerous arm?


what bettors have to decide is Warner gonna be able to keep this up against the steelers? we know zona can't be the steelers with the run... dick Lebeu has two weeks to plan and scheme with a very talented defensive backfield......

how good were the Steelers against the pass this year?

only 1 team managed to throw for more then 1 tuddy against them... Eli manning had 3 in week 10

8 teams managed 1 measly throwing touchdown and 7 came up with 0-zero touchdowns through the air.

the avg passer rating for qb's playing against the Stillers this year? 62.44

you are almost two times as likely to get picked off by db's then beat them for a TD.............
20 ints vs 11 tds allowed in 2008

Fitgerald is playing as good as any receiver right now, Bolden healthy is a great threat too...warner is locked in..... but I think cards have to show some sort of run game, for the Steelers to not just drop men into coverage and wait for warner to screw up...

need to find the steelers stats on big plays... I know midway through the season they were on record-setting pace for least amount of 20+ yards in the air or on the ground combined and singularly... this team doesn't break much

[The Seer]

Lets not forget Whisenhunt knows personnel and Lebeau's tendencies.

[Chi_archie]

Steelers are stronger where the cards are strongest
Steelers are strongest where the cards are weakest

I'm just not sure that warner will be able to beat the steelers throwing 40-50+ times...and he'll have to...

or be facing alot of 2nd and 3rd and longs

[SBR Lou]

Lets not forget Whisenhunt knows personnel and Lebeau's tendencies.

And he's also a smarter coach than Omar Epps.

[Chi_archie]

Lets not forget Whisenhunt knows personnel and Lebeau's tendencies.

the steelers are also very well aware of Whisenhunt and grimm's tendencies....

I think there might be a small edge with coaching for the cards...but no one has ever been as good as the steelers at making halftime defensive adjustments..

go look up how many 3rd quarter td's teams made against the steelers this year

[element1286]

Steelers are stronger where the cards are strongest
Steelers are strongest where the cards are weakest

I'm just not sure that warner will be able to beat the steelers throwing 40-50+ times...and he'll have to...

or be facing alot of 2nd and 3rd and longs

That is about right.

[Chi_archie]

2 3rd quarter touchdowns....

two in 18 games......

don't try to talk about coaching vs coaching...no one adjusts better at halftime then the steelers staff

[Chi_archie]

arizona had what 1 or 2 wins vs teams actually above .500 for the regular season...now they run off 3 straight. People are really confident now in this team that was basically an underachieving pretender benefitting from a soft schedule and a horrible division to squeak into the playoffs at 9-7

if we took a power rankings poll of the nfc that day the season ended most people would have had zona as a 8,9,10 or worse below all the playoff teams and teams like TB, New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas, Washington.

now all the sudden people are ready to give them a ten point win over the #1 defense in the nfl....

NFL is funny like that

[jjgold]

Big BEn is a slightly above average QB, that is all. He is not even close to a big time QB, he always has had a great D that kept them in games.

It will be a very close game if Boldin is healthy

[The Seer]

Chi Archie and these other guys can't see well out of their black and gold glasses.

[The Seer]

Steelers are stronger where the cards are strongest
Steelers are strongest where the cards are weakest

I'm just not sure that warner will be able to beat the steelers throwing 40-50+ times...and he'll have to...

or be facing alot of 2nd and 3rd and longs

that's a laughable statement
Roth rated 24th QB in the league behind Shaun Hill, seneca Wallace, David Garrard, Jake Delhomme, Jason Cambell, etc. playing with what yis supposed to be the best defense in the league: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/by...assing&sort=49
Warner is 3rd with much more pressure on throwing the ball

[element1286]

that's a laughable statement
Roth rated 24th QB in the league behind Shaun Hill, seneca Wallace, David Garrard, Jake Delhomme, Jason Cambell, etc. playing with what yis supposed to be the best defense in the league: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/by...assing&sort=49
Warner is 3rd with much more pressure on throwing the ball

I think he was referring to the fact that as good as the Cards passing game is, the Steelers pass defense is better.