Super Bowl XLIII
So....I could NOT be less excited about the Super Bowl. The Steelers (ugh!) vs the Cardinals (wha?).
Some random thoughts on this topic:
-After the Cardinals topped the Eagles in the NFC Championship game, I noticed confetti raining down on the field. Uh, guys, you still have one more game to play! Geez, I know the Cardinals haven't had a ton of success lately, but that surely seemed premature. And of course, it doesn't shake the whole "just happy to be here" image.
-That Steelers-Ravens game....nasty. Ultimately came down to two great defenses, but only one good quarterback.
-If we have learned anything about the postseason over the past 10 years, it is that a great defense stops a great offense almost every single time. Let's quickly run down the list: 2000 Ravens, 2001/03/04 Patriots, 2002 Bucs, 2005 Steelers, 2007 Giants. Only the '99 Rams and the '06 Colts could be argued that offense won the day, but let's not forget that the '06 Colts defense suddenly showed up in the postseason. So all this talk about Arizona being able to move the ball against the Steelers? Methinks it quite unlikely. Let's make no mistake, the Steelers defense is really really good. I would be surprised if Arizona puts up more than 17 points in this game.
-I mean, Kurt Warner is 37 years old! And he's played all 19 games since September. You're telling me he can absorb hits from this crazy defense for 60 minutes and still play effectively? I may have just talked myself into thinking the Cards won't score more than 10 points here....
-Flip it to Arizona's defense. Are they really that good? Seems strange to see them suddenly controlling the line of scrimmage, especially since the only regular season game I saw them play was their 47-7 asswhupping in New England. This is a tough call, but I say they can't hold up for 4 quarters and ultimately give up about 20-25 points.
-So of course, one can never say the Cardinals have NO chance, but really, they have very little chance. I will definitely root for them (since the last thing I want is to hear Steelers fans talk about a new football dynasty), but my head says the Steelers, led by their defense, ultimately prevail.
-The REAL question is, what's my pick against the spread (-7 Steelers)? This is actually pretty tough. I guess I have so little faith in the Cards that I'd pick the Steelers to beat the spread. Not that I feel too strongly about that...
