Super Bowl XLIII

[Attorney General]

 

 

In just under two weeks, we'll all have an opportunity to see one of the greatest spectacles in modern sports...the Super Bowl. It's a staple for even the most casual sports fans. Whether you tune in for the commercials, the always impressive halftime show (this year's performance is by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band...kickass!) or just the game itself...one thing holds true...that the Super Bowl more than just a game...it's an event!

 

This year's chapter pits the perpetual powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers against the upstart Arizona Cardinals. Here's a quick look at their respective roads to the big game...

 

 

Arizona

 

Regular season record: 9-7

Postseason record: 3-0

Stats and season leaders

 

Pittsburgh

 

Regular season record: 12-4

Postseason record: 2-0

Stats and season leaders

 

Pittsburgh opened as a seven point favorite over the Cards and many in the football community seems to think that the game will be a route. But the Cards are playing solid ball right now. With a seasoned vet like Kurt Warner at the helm, this offense has been explosive in the playoffs up to now. You can attribute that in part to the resurgence of their running game, but Larry Fitzgerald is playing like a man possessed. He's already broken Jerry Rice's 20 year old playoff record of receiving yards in a postseason with 419 (in 3 games). Warner's been very productive throughout the playoff run, and most importantly...he's protected the ball. It will be key for him and the Cards to protect the ball against Pittsburgh's complex blitz schemes and their ferocious pass rush and ball-hawking secondary led by defensive player of the year James Harrison and Troy Polamalu. If they can't, and the Steelers get out to an early lead...look for Pittsburgh to do what they always do...run the ball 40 some odd times and look to control the clock. Roethlisberger, like Warner, has won the big game before. He's a great game manager who knows when to take his shots downfield and when to rely on the run.

 

Another factor that people may overlook is that Arizona's head coach, Ken Wisenhunt, was Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator for years before he took the job in the desert. He knows Pittsburgh's personnel inside and out. Time will tell as to whether that ends up being a major factor or not. But if I were a Steeler fan ( Ugh, it feels dirty just saying that), I'd be wary of that fact.

 

Anyway, I have a preference as to who I'd like to see win, but above all else...I just hope we get to see a good game. So go ahead and post your Super Bowl plans or predictions or any new info that comes to light in the next week and a half...now post!

[Hodgey.]

Even though im glad that the Cards proved alot of people wrong by reaching the Superbowl, i just think the form that the Steelers are in at the moment will just prove to much for them. Cards have a great offense especially the passing attack with Boldin and Larry but they are playing the Steelers defence. And as good as the Cards may be, you have to put points on the board to win a game and i dont think they will put enough on. All i can see is a Steelers win. But as long as its a good game it doesnt matter who wins to me.

[gtamann123]

i cant wait to watch it its gonna be a good game you can never go wrong with a great defense against a great offense

[ryuclan]

I'm so torn between the two teams. I don't care for either one so I will choose on ability. Cards have been an underdog team pretty much the entire season, no one expected them to go too far, but the Steelers are a great all around team with no glaring weaknesses and a defense that can make things happen. I guess I have to say Pittsburgh...

[Capricornus]

I am going with the Cards primarily because I love to root for the Underdog, and it's no secret that the Cards are huge underdogs in this bowl, just like the Giants were in last year's Superbowl. I really like the Steelers, for they are like my top secondary team (The Colts are my favorite team of all time), and they can play some damn good Football. Going to be a great Bowl this year.

[Stefan.]

I want the Cards to win, but I think the Steelers will have it.

[Jay]

I want the Cards to win, but I think the Steelers will have it.

.

 

I also want the Cards to do it for all those bleeding heart Dallas and San Francisco supporters.

[Vanilla Shake]

I remember saying in the NFL topic that I think the Steelers had it in the bag, but f*ck it, I'm going with the Cardinals.

[NinjaWJ]

im rooting for the Steel Curtain!!!

[gta_player5]

Let's start a bandwagon for the Arizona Cardinals!

 

...

 

Personally, I think that the Steelers are going to win the game. Yes, the Cardinals have, without a doubt, the most potent passing game in the NFL today, and have beaten some good teams in the playoffs so far. However, the Steelers don't have the number one defense in the NFL for nothing. Yes, Philadelphia was ranked highly, in the top 5 in the three major defensive categories actually, and Arizona picked them apart. But the Steelers are that much better being ranked first in total defense and passing defense and ranked second in rushing defense. The Steelers have a good player at each position on the defense. LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, Casey Hampton, Larry Foote, James Farrior, Deshea Townsend, and Troy Polamalu, probably the player with the least regard for his body in the NFL today. They have a very solid option at every position on the defense. The Steelers can bring the pressure and they also have ball hawking players in the secondary. I'm not saying they're going to completely shut down Larry Fitzgerald, but I think they will contain him enough. The Cardinals' running game probably won't have the same success as they had against the Eagles either, especially with Casey Hampton plugging up the running lanes in the middle. The Steelers' offense obviously does not compare to the Cardinals' but I don't see that really being a problem. A perfect example of great offense versus great defense is Super Bowl XXXVII, Oakland Raiders with the number one offense in the NFL against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the number one defense in the NFL. Tell me how that game turned out for the Raiders.

[!!GC!!]

Ooh, close poll.

 

Im going for Steelers on this one.

Even though i want the Cardinals to win on their first trip to the Super Bowl representing Arizona (i think), i believe the Steelers form is too great, as their defense has been throughout the season.

 

Although, Pats were kind of in the same situation last year - great form and perfect record (unlike Steelers), but they were too up themselves going into the 'bowl, under-rating the Giants.

I hope Pitsburgh dont follow the same track this year.

[GTA3Rockstar]

Cardinals

 

For one, the last matchup was in 2007 and not that long ago. The Cardinals killed Ben, four sacks two ints en route to a 21-14 win. I think it can be around the same effect this Super Bowl.

[gta_player5]

Cardinals

 

For one, the last matchup was in 2007 and not that long ago. The Cardinals killed Ben, four sacks two ints en route to a 21-14 win. I think it can be around the same effect this Super Bowl.

Roethlisberger was sacked the most times out of any quarterback during the 2007 season, you have to remember that.

[Jay]

That probably explains their performance in the 2007 season.

[B Rob]

Cardinals

 

For one, the last matchup was in 2007 and not that long ago. The Cardinals killed Ben, four sacks two ints en route to a 21-14 win. I think it can be around the same effect this Super Bowl.

Idk about that.

 

This defense is alot better than the one the cardinals faced a year ago. James Harrison and Troy Polomalu are both playing better plus they have the addition of Lamar Woodley.

 

It will be a good game thats for sure.

[GTA3Rockstar]

 

That probably explains their performance in the 2007 season.

10-6 being number 1 in AFC North?

 

 

I still believe they're the same team and the Cards can capitalize on it.

[gta_player5]

 

That probably explains their performance in the 2007 season.

10-6 being number 1 in AFC North?

 

 

I still believe they're the same team and the Cards can capitalize on it.

The Steelers have a better running game this time around. In 2007 they had Willie Parker and Najeh Davenport. This year they have Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, and Gary Russell specifically for the short yardage situations. That makes for fresh legs throughout the game rather than Willie Parker 30 times, and then Najeh Davenport when it's like third down and two yards. They really aren't the same team. The defense has most of the same players but they're playing like some men possessed. I don't think they'll cover the 7 point spread, rather, I think they'll fall one point short and win the game about 27-21.

 

The Steelers kept the turnovers in check, with only 1 turnover, against Baltimore, the team with 8 takeaways in two games prior to playing the Steelers. The Cardinals' defense has stepped up, but they are in no way, shape, or form the Ravens' defense. If Pittsburgh plays like they did against Baltimore, Arizona won't have a chance. The Steelers forced Joe Flacco into 3 interceptions. Flacco isn't the best statistically, I've said it many times before, but he didn't turn the ball over. if the Steelers keep Larry Fitzgerald in check on defense and establish the running game on offense, in my opinion, they have the game in the bag.

[Jay]

That probably explains their performance in the 2007 season.

10-6 being number 1 in AFC North?

...

 

I didn't actually know/care about the Steelers 2007 season, I was just making a point that the form of a player 2 years ago has little to do with what he may be doing now.

[Capricornus]

LMAO, you guys heard/read about what some 2 Cards fans did to McNabb's lawn?

 

 

CHANDLER, ARIZONA (TICKER) —Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb’s season was sacked in Arizona - with no help from a pair of bungling fans of the Cardinals.

 

Two men were arrested Sunday for vandalizing the lawn of the home of the Eagles’ quarterback on the eve of the NFC championship game.

 

Rex Michael Perkins, 37, and Ryan Hanlon, 28, were arrested on charges of criminal damage in the wake of the incident.

 

Sergeant Joe Favazzo of the Chandler Police Department confirmed to PA SportsTicker that the pair used diesel fuel to burn the words “Go Cards,” “Go Kurt” and “I (heart symbol) AZ” on McNabb’s lawn shortly after midnight on January 17.

 

“They thought it was funny,” Favazzo said.

 

What was humorous, Favazzo noted, was how the pair led police directly to them.

 

The use of diesel fuel was the third “prank” pulled by the pair in three days, said Favazzo, who noted that McNabb laughed off the first two incidents.

 

In the second incident, a cardboard box and cardboard sign were left in McNabb’s yard with the words “Go Cards” and “Beat Philly” on them.

 

When police arrived after McNabb discovered the messages burned into the lawn, the officer “did about a five-second investigation,” Favazzo said.

 

On the cardboard was a sticker with Perkins’ named and addressed affixed to it. When the officer went to his home, Perkins confessed and added that he had an accomplice - Hanlon.

 

The led to the arrests for both men, who had their mug shots taken, were finger-printed and had to sign a citation to appear in court. The damage was estimated at $2,000.

 

On Thursday, the duo started the string of incidents by planting a Cardinals flag in a tree outside McNabb’s home.

 

Favazzo said McNabb thought that was funny and even left the flag in the tree.

 

“There are two points here,” Favazzo said. “No. 1, Mr. McNabb is a stand-up guy. And No. 2, it’s not funny to go on another person’s property to do damage.”

 

Source

 

I hope the score is going to be as close as this poll is.

 

[ryuclan]

LMAO, you guys heard/read about what some 2 Cards fans did to McNabb's lawn?

 

 

CHANDLER, ARIZONA (TICKER) —Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb’s season was sacked in Arizona - with no help from a pair of bungling fans of the Cardinals.

 

Two men were arrested Sunday for vandalizing the lawn of the home of the Eagles’ quarterback on the eve of the NFC championship game.

 

Rex Michael Perkins, 37, and Ryan Hanlon, 28, were arrested on charges of criminal damage in the wake of the incident.

 

Sergeant Joe Favazzo of the Chandler Police Department confirmed to PA SportsTicker that the pair used diesel fuel to burn the words “Go Cards,” “Go Kurt” and “I (heart symbol) AZ” on McNabb’s lawn shortly after midnight on January 17.

 

“They thought it was funny,” Favazzo said.

 

What was humorous, Favazzo noted, was how the pair led police directly to them.

 

The use of diesel fuel was the third “prank” pulled by the pair in three days, said Favazzo, who noted that McNabb laughed off the first two incidents.

 

In the second incident, a cardboard box and cardboard sign were left in McNabb’s yard with the words “Go Cards” and “Beat Philly” on them.

 

When police arrived after McNabb discovered the messages burned into the lawn, the officer “did about a five-second investigation,” Favazzo said.

 

On the cardboard was a sticker with Perkins’ named and addressed affixed to it. When the officer went to his home, Perkins confessed and added that he had an accomplice - Hanlon.

 

The led to the arrests for both men, who had their mug shots taken, were finger-printed and had to sign a citation to appear in court. The damage was estimated at $2,000.

 

On Thursday, the duo started the string of incidents by planting a Cardinals flag in a tree outside McNabb’s home.

 

Favazzo said McNabb thought that was funny and even left the flag in the tree.

 

“There are two points here,” Favazzo said. “No. 1, Mr. McNabb is a stand-up guy. And No. 2, it’s not funny to go on another person’s property to do damage.”

 

Source

 

I hope the score is going to be as close as this poll is.

I think it's funny, but they could have thought of a better way to get the message in the grass. What type of retards leave such incriminating evidence, and what the hell is wrong with that guy for ratting his friend out? What an ass

[tuareg]

I'm thinking about putting some money on the steelers. What do you guys think, would it be a smart thing to do? I mean arizona played pretty well and fitzgerald/etc. is likely to cause some unhappy moments for pittsburgh.

 

Although their game with the eagles was close-ish, so i don't know how they'll deal with the steelers.

 

So, what do you think?

[GTA3Rockstar]

To me the best decision would to put it on the underdog but then, a lot of people would be doing that and you wouldn't make as much. Where do you plan to put your money in, with friends or what?

[tuareg]

I was thinking of the local betting shop. None of my friends watch the NFL, and i don't think they'd make bets on it if they did

[GTA3Rockstar]

I was thinking of the local betting shop. None of my friends watch the NFL, and i don't think they'd make bets on it if they did

True but it all depends on the peoples bets, the more you have on one side the less you make. So if you want to try to win a lot, you'd go with the underdog

[tuareg]

Well, it was only a thought. I mean, if i was sure that either team would win, i'd put a bet. But it's too risky, and i don't want to lose that much

 

Thanks anyway, though.

[Stefan.]

You basically either have a higher chance of winning some money, and a low chance of winning high money.

 

If anything, actually bet with your mates, like 5 or so. Say that everyone puts $100 in, and the people who bet the winning team get a share of the $500 or so. So, if the Cardinals win and you were the only one who picked the Cardinals, you make $400. Also, this way, the most you can lose is $100.

[GTA3Rockstar]

You basically either have a higher chance of winning some money, and a low chance of winning high money.

 

If anything, actually bet with your mates, like 5 or so. Say that everyone puts $100 in, and the people who bet the winning team get a share of the $500 or so. So, if the Cardinals win and you were the only one who picked the Cardinals, you make $400. Also, this way, the most you can lose is $100.

Well if you did it like that, the most you could lose was $75. Because if you were the only one to pick the other team, you'd get $400 out of the $500.

[Mainland Marauder]

All I know is I'd like to be the guy who in August bet $5 or $10 on the Cardinals going to the Super Bowl. Wonder what the odds were then.

[GTA3Rockstar]

All I know is I'd like to be the guy who in August bet $5 or $10 on the Cardinals going to the Super Bowl. Wonder what the odds were then.

16/1 to make it and 32/1 to win it; because that's like saying, 'what are the odds of flipping heads or tails?'

[kevin2006rhs]

 

All I know is I'd like to be the guy who in August bet $5 or $10 on the Cardinals going to the Super Bowl. Wonder what the odds were then.

16/1 to make it and 32/1 to win it; because that's like saying, 'what are the odds of flipping heads or tails?'

Yeah...if you look at it from a 3rd grade math class approach. Seriously looking at the odds, you take in to account the actual statistics of the whole thing, the odds were more against them than the 49ers making it all the way. With that mentality, they have an equal chance to win a game...putting them on the same level as every other team...and thats not sports gambling.