A shutdown defense versus an unstoppable offense — the perfect Super Bowl.
Pick a side. Two quarterbacks who have won it. Two coaches who haven’t. Franchises that couldn’t be more different than their geography. Owners with polar reputations.
Pittsburgh seeks its sixth title and second in four years. Arizona makes its first Super Bowl trip. The Cardinals wandered the desert so long Moses gave them directions.
No wonder Pittsburgh is a solid favorite. The public knows history, the Steel Curtain and Immaculate Reception. But, young fans may not even know the Cards once played in St. Louis, much less Chicago. The team nearly bolted for Los Angeles before opening a new stadium last season. This franchise has been a traveling sideshow and played like a bunch of clowns most years.
There are plenty of story lines. How Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner has once again risen from grocery store bagger to Arena League to Super Bowl winner to injured to seeking to become the first two-time championship winner with different teams.
Then there’s the revenge factor. Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt and assistant Russ Grimm were both overlooked as Steelers assistants when Bill Cowher retired following their 2006 championship. Grimm looked a sure thing. They have more incentive than a car salesman working on commission.
But the coming 12 days of hype aside, the game will likely come down to how effectively the Steelers blitz Warner. Arizona was last in NFL rushing so the Steelers can load up on Warner. However, Warner is the ultimate counter puncher with 14 touchdowns and a 103.1 pass rating against the blitz this season. You throw a knife, he pulls the trigger.
It should be a Steelers Super Bowl. They have the better defense. Their special teams are better. They have big-game experience throughout the roster, which can’t be underestimated. The crowd, despite playing in Tampa, will be probably two-thirds Steelers fans. Just ask the FedEx Field crowd in November.
The Cards gets the offensive nod. The coaching matchup is probably even, especially since they know each other so well.
In the end, when putting your money in the office pool or betting your buddies, remember Warner. He was the difference over Philadelphia on Sunday. The guy is a gamer. Reminds me of Angel Cordero in money races. Some people live for the moment, and this moment will be Warner’s.
Arizona 23, Pittsburgh 17.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected].
