Super Bowl XLIII Preview

Out of all the teams in the Wild NFC, who would have thought that the Arizona Cardinals (9-7) would be emerging as the champion? I certainly did not, especially after they lost four of their last six regular season games.

Anyone remember the infamous Patriots game? A game in which the Cardinals could not handle the snow and lost 47-7 to a non-playoff team.

Well, onto my analysis for the game..

OFFENSE:
Pittsburgh - The Steelers will be going into Tampa Bay relying on their young, but experienced quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben has already won a Super Bowl, but he has been inconsistent all year. He has thrown 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a completion percentage just under 60 (59.9). The main concern for the Steelers should be the ability for Roethlisberger to hold on to the ball. By not throwing any interceptions, he should put the Steelers in a position to win. Pittsburgh will also be relying on the legs of their running back Willie Parker. Parker, who returned from injury a few weeks ago, was able to scamper for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns against a very good defense with Baltimore.

Arizona - When you think of the Cardinals offense, all first thoughts should be directed straight to their Wide Receivers. One of the best tandems in the game, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin make a deadly combination. Fitzgerald has been the star, though, already amassing 419 yards, an NFL Playoff record. He has also grabbed five TDs. At quarterback, Arizona will be staying with longtime veteran Kurt Warner. Already winning a Super Bowl with St. Louis, Warner knows how to deal with the spotlight.

Edge: Arizona Cardinals - Fitzgerald is just too good.

DEFENSE:
Pittsburgh - While the Baltimore Ravens certainly had a great year defensively, they have been totally outdone by Pittsburgh. The Steelers tout one of the best defenses that the NFL has seen since the 2000 Ravens. Up front, the Steelers rely on the big Casey Hampton to plug up any running holes. The linebackers are tough and fast, with James Farrior and James Harrison. Finally, you cannot forget about S Troy Polamalu, who will be trying to cause disruptions everywhere on the field.

Arizona - While the Cardinals boast some big names like Darnell Dockett, Antrel Rolle and Adrian Wilson, they have not played well defensively during the regular season. They have, however, turned it up a bit in the postseason. The defense has been able to hold teams under 25 points through the post-season, while their offense scores in the 30s.

Edge: Pittsburgh - who are we kidding?

COACHING:
Pittsburgh - The Steelers will be led by Mike Tomlin, who is in his second year at the helm. Tomlin took over when former-coach Bill Cowher decided to retire. Tomlin has found great success since taking over, with two division titles already. He has formed a bond with his quarterback, and brings a defensive intensity. A former defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, Tomlin likes to suffocate the opponents before they have a chance.

Arizona - The Cardinals, on the other hand, will be led by another second year head coach: Ken Whisenhunt. The ironic part is, Whisenhunt was a leading candidate for the Pittsburgh job when Cowher retired. The job went to Tomlin instead and Whisenhunt opted for Arizona. Whisenhunt was a coach for five years in Pittsburgh, and knows much about their players and system. He also is a mastermind of trick plays.

Edge: Arizona - Can't go against a former Pittsburgh coach


PREDICTION - While Arizona has a great offense and coach, Pittsburgh's defense has been too good all year. Arizona will have trouble running the ball from the very beginning like they have against almost every other team they have faced. Their wide receivers are good, but Pittsburgh knows they will be trying to air it out and stop it quickly. The Cardinals defense is not good enough to win a close game, and as we've seen against the Ravens multiple times, Pittsburgh can lead game winning drives with ease.

Pittsburgh 24, Arizona 14.