Super Bowl!!!

Congrats to the Steelers for winning the AFCC game over the Ravens.  A few observations:

1.  Troy is so clutch.

2.  Holmes is turning into a very dangerous receiver when he gets into space.

3.  The o-line and RBs are doing a better job with blitz pickup.  A lot of the pressure on Ben was the result of scheme (more rushers than blockers)...except for Suggs 3-man rush sack.

4.  The Steelers got good pressure by rushing only 4.

5.  The refs stunk.

Looking forward to the Cardinals

There are a lot of analysts talking about the edge that Whisenhut gets over the Steelers because of his familiarity with the defense and the offense.  Well - doesn't that knife cut both ways?  Lebeau faced Whisenhut in practice too.  The Steelers offense knows the tendencies of Ken's play calling too, especially his gadget plays.  They know when he'll call the gadget (between the 50 and 40 of the opponent).  So, I think it is an even field...except Whiz does not know what Tomlin might try to do.

The Eagles amped up the pressure on the second half, and that produced better results than the first.  Philly spent a lot of time in coverage in the first half, and that will not work against such a good QB and receivers.  Do you know Fitzgerald's weakness?  He doesn't play defense.  IOW, he can't hurt you when he is sitting on the sideline.  Here are keys to the game:

Defense

1.  Make the Cards into a one dimensional team by shutting down the run early.  I do not think Edge has the speed or cut-back ability to hurt the Steelers consistently.

2.  Pressure Warner.  He's not very mobile, so that helps.  Look for the Steelers to rush 4 men, maybe 5, but to do so from different angles.  They will need to keep 6-7 men back in coverage for Fitzgerald and Co.  If the Steelers can get pressure with 4, then they can win this game easily.

3.  Don't bite on the trick play - because Whiz will run one.

Offense

1.  Establish the run and control the ball.  That will be a tough task as the Cardinals have tightened up against the run.  In the regular season, they gave up 110 yds per game.  In the playoffs, they surrendered 77 yds.

2.  Control the clock.  Leave the Cards offense on the bench.  This can be accomplished by passing well on 3rd down, as well as running the ball.

3.  Put up 24 points.

The Steelers have too much defense and experience.  Prior knowledge will not play a big role in this game, as it is on both sides of the ball.

Pick:  Steelers 27-Cards 20