2008 SUPERBOWL

Well I know I have been lacking in my analysis here recently, and I'm sorry for that - but I have one follower who e-mails me and get me back on my toes....don't you Karin????

Anyways - on to to the game of the year - rough and tumble Pittsburgh Steelers vs pass happy Arizona Cardinals???? who da thunk it back in September....

First, let me say that I consider this game a road game for both teams, but I'm sure the Steelers will have more fans there than Arizona will.

Road Records: Pittsburgh 6-2 on road - Arizona 4-5 on road. Record on Grass: Pittsburgh 11-4 Arizona 10-5

Last meeting: Sept. 30, 2007, at Arizona. Arizona (+6) won 21-14.

Total Stats for the season;

PITTSBURGH: OFFENSE
290 1st downs, 93 by rushing & 179 by passing & 18 by penalties.

105 avg rushing yds. per game.

206 avg. passing yds. per game.

Big Ben had a 59.9 % completion rating, was sacked 49 times and lost 306 yds & was intercepted 15 times.

Punted 78 times & 41 were returned with a avg. return of 6 yds. & no TDs

DEFENSE,

Allowed 240 1st downs, 73 by rushing & 149 by passing & 18 by penalty

Gave up a avg. of 237 yds. per game - 80 by rushing & 157 passing

Had 51 sacks that totaled 350 lost yds. had 20 interceptions - 2 were returned for TDs


ARIZONA: OFFENSE
328 1st downs, 72 by rushing & 231 by passing & 25 by penalties

74 avg. rushing yds. per game.

292 avg. passing yds. per game.

Mr. Warner had a 66.3 % completion rating, was sacked 28 times and lost 201 yds. & was intercepted 15 times.

Punted 60 times & 33 were returned with a avg. return of 7.2 yds. & no TDs.

DEFENSE,

Allowed 312 1st downs, 117 by rushing & 172 by passing & 23 by penalty

Gave up a avg. of 331 yds. per game - 110 by rushing & 221 by passing

Had 31 sacks that totaled 191 lost yds. had 13 interceptions - 2 were returned for TDs


RANKINGS:

Pittsburgh

total yds/game 22
rushing yds/game 23
passing yds/game 17

opp. yards/game 1
opp. rushing yds/game 2
opp. passing yds/game 1

Arizona

total yds/game 4
rushing yds/game 32
passing yds/game 2

opp. yards/game 19
opp.rushing yds/game 16
opp. passing yds/game 22

Arizona has stepped up and played damn good football during these play-offs, much better then the regular season - could they actually be better than their regular season stats show????

The Steelers are favored for good reason; they are the better team, at least stats show defensively. The Cardinals can score quickly and the Steelers are not a good come from behind team. Question is can this 2008 play-off Cardinal team get into the Steelers Defense? Can Steelers actually get to and cover Fitzgerald?

Warner if given time can throw balls through hula-hoops at 80 yds. Under pressure and out of pocket and he has trouble hitting the side of a barn. Big Ben just stands there and takes it, good or bad results.

Fitzgerald should be the number one guy for Warner, but don't be surprise if the Cardinals change go to guys to shake up Steelers defense.

Ward is playable but seems to be doubtful at the same time. If Pittsburgh can dictate the tempo of the game, they should win easily. On the other hand if the Cardinals can strike early they will not be in forced passing situations and can take some of the pressure off of the quarterback.

This game has a lot of IFs & ANDs to it - a great defense -vs- a explosive offense - a tried & true superbowl team -vs- a never even been there team...

MY PICK - ARIZONA 26 - Pittsburgh 24