“I want the Cards to win, but I think the Steelers will win,” freshman Austin Mitchell said in class one day.
The big game on Feb. 1 is going to be one that goes down in history. If the Arizona Cardinals can pull off a win, then it would be the first Super Bowl win in the franchise’s history.
The Steelers are trying to go for a sixth Super Bowl title to one up the Cowboys in Super Bowl wins.
But when it comes down to the wire, which team really has what it takes to win Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa?
The Steelers are known for their impressive defense, which will end up being their ticket to Super Bowl victory. The all-star line up, with names such as strong safety Troy Polamalu, have allowed an average of only 14 points a game, and allowed an average 80 rushing yards. With stats this strong, the Steelers defense may be invincible and the Cardinals need to take that into account before game day.
Thank goodness the Steelers defense is such a force, because their offense is lacking consistency. The offense has allowed more sacks than the Steelers have seen since the late 1960s. The offensive line will need to make improvements before game day.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger better be on his toes during the big game and be ready to run for his life as the Cardinal defense pressure him on every play.
Hines Ward, Steelers wide receiver is currently nursing an injury, but should be up to play. He is a crucial part of the Steelers offense — if he does not play, the Steelers offense may struggle against an improved Cardinal defense.
Whether Ward plays, the Steelers will rely on running back Willie Parker to establish their run offense. Parker has all the talent in the world, but can he get the blocks he needs up front to run the distance? The offensive line will need to step up the the plate, or rather the line, and bring the force they have the potential to be.
As for the Cardinals, their offense is their ticket to their first Super Bowl success. Wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are the Cardinals to watch. If they are open, amazing things can happen for the Arizona team.
Quarterback Kurt Warner has had an explosive season this year as well, adding to an already phenomenal career. He is almost a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame now. The Cardinals offensive line has kept him clear to throw for an average of 305 yards a game. With a high-powered offense like Arizona’s, the Steelers defense better bring their A-game this Sunday.
In the Cardinals defensive side of the ball, pretty good may not be good enough. While it is gaining credibility, their defense is not as durable as it should be. The line itself is strong, however the linebackers and defensive backs have been inconsistent in some games this year. They are tough but need to focus on the task at hand, and success will follow.
Super Bowl XLIII should turn out to be a game for the books. No matter the outcome, the one thing that can be guaranteed is an action-packed three hours. The game will be broadcast Feb. 1 on NBC at 5 p.m.
