Super Bowl Thoughts

Sorry about not doing a Conference Round summary, I had a trip this past weekend and I didn't have time to write anything up.

ARI @ PIT

Summary: Pittsburgh was supposed to be here, but Arizona certainly wasn't. Arizona's had an explosive, although somewhat 1 dimensional offense throughout most of the regular season. Thanks to the re-installation of Edgerrin James as the primary RB in week 17, the offense has re-found it's balance, and it's allowed for more explosion in the passing game. Also, most importantly, the defense has really stepped up. They're not without playmakers, boasting pass a rushing specialist in Bertrand Berry, a talented DT in Darnell Dockett, a great young LB in Karlos Dansby, a stud safety in Adrian Wilson, and a couple up-and-coming secondary members in Antrel Rolle and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. They're finally playing up to their talent level with inspiration as well. They've held down very good RBs in Michael Turner and a somewhat injured Brian Westbrook. They'll have another good one to stop in Willie Parker during the Super Bowl.

Pittsburgh was supposed to be here, really. They sported the top defense this year, and despite the inconsistencies from Big Ben, partly thanks to shoddy pass protection, and the injuries suffered at RB (Parker, Mendenhall), they've been able to post enough points on the board to get it done far more often than not. Big Ben has been mobile enough to make plays when plays weren't there, and with Ward and Miller offering chain-moving consistency while Holmes provided the explosive option down the field, they have good balance with their receiving talent. Despite the RB injuries, guys like Mewelde Moore have stepped up and continued to provide a consistent running game. Now with Parker healthy, he showed he's still the man 2 weeks ago. Forget last week...Baltimore shuts down just about everyone on the ground.

Arizona has a slight advantage with Ken Wisenhunt as their coach. He was Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator from 2004-2006, also spending the 3 previous years as the TE coach. He'll be able to provide first-hand information about the Steelers and what they might plan to do moreso than your average coach. On the other hand, the Steelers will likely be familiar with some of the things Wisenhunt likes to do, although he runs a far different passing-heavy offense with Arizona than he could ever do with Pittsburgh.

Arizona also has an advantage with the fact they have played numerous 3-4 defenses this year. They played the AFC East, which means they faced 3-4 defenses against Miami (31 points), NYJ (35 points), and NE (7 points, but that was in windy snowstorm). They also faced Dallas (30 points). So, they'll be prepared for this style of defense, and having played Philly twice and the Giants once, they're also used to aggressive, blitzing teams. Given the Super Bowl is in Miami, they'll probably be playing in great weather on a great field, which won't help negate their explosive passing attack.

Pittsburgh's very talented defense has their work cut out for them. Warner has a lightning quick release that will help offset some of the blitzing, and he has 2 WRs who are excellent after the catch and can turn short passes into long gains. They also have zero problems going down the field. If they remain committed to running the ball despite the lack of success they'll likely encounter, I think they really have a chance in this game. Vegas already has Pittsburgh favored by 7 points, and on the surface I understand why, but when you consider everything that Arizona has going for them, it's really hard for me to think that Pittsburgh will cover.