Super Bowl Predictions

It is finally time to take a look at the Super Bowl. The 12-4 Pittsburgh Steelers will be taking on the 9-7 Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have shocked the sports world by making an improbable run to win the NFC. Can they keep it up and actually win the Super Bowl? Lets break down the game.

The Steelers are a defensive machine. They only gave up 13.9 ppg, 237 ypg, and had 51 sacks this season. The Cardinals can put up points in a hurry with their vaunted passing attack. They average 26.6 ppg and 292 ypg through the air on offense. It comes down to the old cliche, Offense vs Defense.

Keys to the game:
The big advantage for the Cardinals is that the Steelers biggest strength (Run Defense) is also the Cardinals biggest weakness (Run Offense). This means that the Cardinals probably won't try and run the ball often early, which will get the Steelers out of their base 3-4 defense. The Cardinals need to spread the field and get the Steelers in nickel and dime defenses. Advantage: Cardinals

Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt knows the Steelers personnel inside and out. He went up against their defense every day in practice as their Offensive Coordinator. He knows the weaknesses and where to attack them. He also knows Ben Roethlisberger really well. He will know how to make him uncomfortable. Advantage: Cardinals

Injuries will play a big part in the game. The news that Big Ben had his ribs X-rayed yesterday shows that he is a little uncomfortable right now. A couple of big hits and he could be out of the game. Hines Ward did practice yesterday but it remains to be seen how effective he can be. If he can't play or get open it will be a serious problem for the Steelers offense as he is the guy they look to for big 3rd down catches. Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin looks to be healthy after getting two weeks to rest his hamstring. Advantage: Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald needs to continue his out-of-this world play if the Cardinals have a chance to win. If the Steelers decide to double team Fitzgerald all game, Anquan Boldin will eat them alive. Boldin is a beast and actually led the team in TD's in the regular season despite missing 2 games with a broken face. Advantage: Cardinals

So it appears that I am leaning towards the Cardinals in this one. The answer is yes and no. They should have some knowledge and parts to exploit the Steelers weaknesses. Even if they jump out to a lead, it will be hard for them to run the ball and keep the Steelers offense off the field. Big Ben can make plays when everything breaks down and somehow win games they shouldn't. It should be a great game. I just think their is a TD difference between the way both teams are playing right now. It seems more like a FG game to me. I think all the parts are their for a Cardinals win, but it is hard to pick a team that has lost games by 40, 28, 21, and 21. It is hard to imagine a Super Bowl Winner losing 4 games this year by 21+ points.

My Predictions
Arizona +7
Steelers 27, Cardinals 24