football season is here!!!!!!!!!! (1 Viewer)

Tom,

The Steelers are rightly favored, but I believe that if the Cardinals have the right playcalling, the skill of Fitzgerald and Warner can still overcome their defense. If the Steelers go to an all out Blitz, I would spread the field, forcing the Blitzers to identify themselves (on a spread field, the covering defenders have to honor their coverage responsibilities, anyone left milling around the line of scrimage is a blitzer), and have hot reads in the open areas to be vacated by the blitzing defenders (usually slant patterns or middle screens). On the other hand, the Cardinals can opt to max protect, send only Fitzgerald and Bouldin out into the pattern, and count of them to beat the double teams, or run screens off the max-protect scheme. Frankly, none of the Steelers D-backs are going to be able to cover Fitzgerald, even with a double team. If the Steelers chose not to Blitz and pressure with their 3 down linemen and one linebacker, the Cardinals can alternate between running the ball and playaction passes. I think, if the Giants could score 21 points on the Steelers defense, the Cardinals can score between 17 and 24 points.

To me, the real key to the game is how the Cardinals play defense. If it were me, in nickel situations, I would put Rogers-Cromarte on the Steelers healthy widereceiver in man coverage, put their number 2 cornerback on Hines Ward, who is hurt, in man coverage, and double Linus Sweed (the speedy guy who dropped a sure touchdown pass in the AFC Championship) with a cover 2 (the third corner and a safety over the top).

I would play the Steelers to run straight up in all other situations. I frankly don't think that Big Ben is as good as people give him credit for, and with Hines Ward slowed by the knee injury, I think the Steelers receivers don't match up well with the Cardinals D-backs. I can't remember the last time I saw the Steelers offense dominiate a game, they rely on their defense to score off turnovers in almost every game. Most of Roethlisburgers big plays come off of broken coverages when he has extended the play by breaking contain after surviving what should have been a sack. If I am the Cardinals, I look to play disciplined defense, giving him an extra second, but keeping contain and forcing him to throw the ball away or take a sack in the pocket, rather then coming all out and giving Ben the opportunity to break contain and get the extra 4-5 seconds his receivers need to finally get open. If you have 7 men in the box focusing on the run first, I don't see the iffy Steelers running game (Parker has been hit or miss all year) doing too much damage.

Absent turnovers converted into points by the Steelers defense (which is certainly a possibility) I can't see the Steelers scoring 20 points. That's why I am going against the experts, and predicting the Cardinals to win a low scoring game.
 
The funny thing is the Cardinals are the toughest team the Steelers will have faced this post season; they had the 8-8 Chargers (the fact they got into the playoffs and actually won a game is in itself comical) and the one dimensional Ravens who they were very familiar with.

Could care less who wins, just want an entertaining game and not a game where the highlight is the commercials..............
 
Louis Badolato said:
Tom,

The Steelers are rightly favored, but I believe that if the Cardinals have the right playcalling, the skill of Fitzgerald and Warner can still overcome their defense. If the Steelers go to an all out Blitz, I would spread the field, forcing the Blitzers to identify themselves (on a spread field, the covering defenders have to honor their coverage responsibilities, anyone left milling around the line of scrimage is a blitzer), and have hot reads in the open areas to be vacated by the blitzing defenders (usually slant patterns or middle screens). On the other hand, the Cardinals can opt to max protect, send only Fitzgerald and Bouldin out into the pattern, and count of them to beat the double teams, or run screens off the max-protect scheme. Frankly, none of the Steelers D-backs are going to be able to cover Fitzgerald, even with a double team. If the Steelers chose not to Blitz and pressure with their 3 down linemen and one linebacker, the Cardinals can alternate between running the ball and playaction passes. I think, if the Giants could score 21 points on the Steelers defense, the Cardinals can score between 17 and 24 points.

To me, the real key to the game is how the Cardinals play defense. If it were me, in nickel situations, I would put Rogers-Cromarte on the Steelers healthy widereceiver in man coverage, put their number 2 cornerback on Hines Ward, who is hurt, in man coverage, and double Linus Sweed (the speedy guy who dropped a sure touchdown pass in the AFC Championship) with a cover 2 (the third corner and a safety over the top).

I would play the Steelers to run straight up in all other situations. I frankly don't think that Big Ben is as good as people give him credit for, and with Hines Ward slowed by the knee injury, I think the Steelers receivers don't match up well with the Cardinals D-backs. I can't remember the last time I saw the Steelers offense dominiate a game, they rely on their defense to score off turnovers in almost every game. Most of Roethlisburgers big plays come off of broken coverages when he has extended the play by breaking contain after surviving what should have been a sack. If I am the Cardinals, I look to play disciplined defense, giving him an extra second, but keeping contain and forcing him to throw the ball away or take a sack in the pocket, rather then coming all out and giving Ben the opportunity to break contain and get the extra 4-5 seconds his receivers need to finally get open. If you have 7 men in the box focusing on the run first, I don't see the iffy Steelers running game (Parker has been hit or miss all year) doing too much damage.

Absent turnovers converted into points by the Steelers defense (which is certainly a possibility) I can't see the Steelers scoring 20 points. That's why I am going against the experts, and predicting the Cardinals to win a low scoring game.
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Louis,

I don't take the Cards lightly at all, but I think they are in the middle of a streak, the NFC had some better teams IMO, namely your Giants. It will be an interesting game, but this is a very "win-able" game for the Steelers, if they play their game (including the offense against the Ravens D who dropped 3 sure fire TD passes), the Cards will have a tough time. Isolate Fitzgerald, pressure Warner, that will be the key to the D. Bouldin is good, but a head case, he gets his bell rung once or doesnt get the first 5 passes thrown his way, he will go into crybaby mode. Dockett is good on the D side of the ball for the Cards, should be interesting, I still like our chances, I think the streak will end. Bring on the "6 pack"!

TD
 
tdubel said:
Louis,

I don't take the Cards lightly at all, but I think they are in the middle of a streak, the NFC had some better teams IMO, namely your Giants. It will be an interesting game, but this is a very "win-able" game for the Steelers, if they play their game (including the offense against the Ravens D who dropped 3 sure fire TD passes), the Cards will have a tough time. Isolate Fitzgerald, pressure Warner, that will be the key to the D. Bouldin is good, but a head case, he gets his bell rung once or doesnt get the first 5 passes thrown his way, he will go into crybaby mode. Dockett is good on the D side of the ball for the Cards, should be interesting, I still like our chances, I think the streak will end. Bring on the "6 pack"!

TD
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Tom,

Its likely that you are right, and the Steelers will win. I was just giving you my read on how the Cardinals should approach the game. If either team gets a two score lead, I will be very surprised. I see this as a low scoring close match up that could go either way. Of course, last year, I thought the Superbowl would be a highscoring game with neither defense able to stop the opposing offense, and it ended up 17-14, so I know squat . . . :D
 
Louis Badolato said:
Tom,

Its likely that you are right, and the Steelers will win. I was just giving you my read on how the Cardinals should approach the game. If either team gets a two score lead, I will be very surprised. I see this as a low scoring close match up that could go either way. Of course, last year, I thought the Superbowl would be a highscoring game with neither defense able to stop the opposing offense, and it ended up 17-14, so I know squat . . . :D
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Louis

I know, we are both armchair QB's! Who knows, especially in this game, as they say, Any given Sunday. I know how all is on paper, yet these Cards continue to be here when they should have lost on paper about 10 times now it seems, so it is anyone's game, I don't even know why I get so uptight anyhow, it's not like I am on the field!!!

TD
 
Warner is the key today. If he has time to throw the Cards have a chance. If the Steeler D can get to him and force some turnovers, it will be a long day. I do like the fact that Warner has played in two super bowls and had impressive drives in the 4Q of both games. I don't see nerves affecting him in a big game.
 
Great game, congrats to the Steelers. Thought Cards might take it. Didn't care for all the penalties, but it was still one of the best SB's IMO. -- lancer
 
What a game, lost another few years on life. Jeez, congrats to the Cards for keeping composure and playing the game, although it was too close for me. Happy for the win, and no matter what you say about Big Ben, that was the 18th time in his short career that he led a game winning drive, quite an accomplishment.

As I have said all season, I think the zebras were too involved, although, I have to say, I thought all of the penalties were legit as the holding was rampant all over. The only call I still question was the first replay reversal, I actually think that the offensive lineman's knee hit the ground, not Ben's, again, who knows, they call what they call, but I didn't see enough evidence to overturn. Doesn't matter now, just a great game for a Steelers fan. No matter who you like/dislike, it is hard to hate the Steelers organization as the Rooney family is what a class organization is all about, they are one of the backbones of the NFL.

Ok, enough cheering, next year starts now, we need to fire Ike Taylor and 4 out of the 5 O lineman we have, I still think they stink.

TD
 
Congrats to the Steelers and their fans, including my good buddy Tom. I was extremely upset by the officiating, which was horrid, but equally horrid for both teams. There poor officiating kept me from enjoying what was otherwise a great game.

The one thing I will say is it sucks to be both right and wrong at the same time . . . I predicted that the Cardinals offense would score between 17 and 24 points and they scored 21. I predicted the Steelers offense would score less than 20 points and they scored 20. I predicted that the Steelers would need a defensive touchdown to win. I read the game right except for the defensive touchdown being a 14 point turnaround, turning what I thought would be a 3 or 4 point win into a 4 point loss.

Last year on the other hand, I predicted the Giants winning a highscoring game, where the offenses dominated, 38-35, and I was wrong about the offenses, and the fact that the game was a defensive masterpiece, but picked the winner. It just goes to show that you can study everything, and still get it wrong. That's why so few bettors get rich betting sports.
 
Man, I thought the cards had'em in the 4th!! but this whole year some how, some way the Steelers have managed to put something together to win, it was just thier year, plain and simple, and I for one am already looking forward to next year, my Ravens did well under Flacco and co. and hopefully we have a good draft and off season, I'm already looking forward to the Steeler/ Raven matchup in 2009, see ya in about in about 7 months!!!...Sammy
 
All beware the next superbowl in 2010 will feature the Detroit Lions :D This stings alot to see the Cards even make it to the superbowl. As Lions fans we always use to say "at least we are not as bad as the Cards". Now I think us Lion fans are lucky if they can beat the division I state highschool football champs. Please bring back the Michigan Panthers!!!
 
Louis Badolato said:
Congrats to the Steelers and their fans, including my good buddy Tom. I was extremely upset by the officiating, which was horrid, but equally horrid for both teams. There poor officiating kept me from enjoying what was otherwise a great game.

The one thing I will say is it sucks to be both right and wrong at the same time . . . I predicted that the Cardinals offense would score between 17 and 24 points and they scored 21. I predicted the Steelers offense would score less than 20 points and they scored 20. I predicted that the Steelers would need a defensive touchdown to win. I read the game right except for the defensive touchdown being a 14 point turnaround, turning what I thought would be a 3 or 4 point win into a 4 point loss.

Last year on the other hand, I predicted the Giants winning a highscoring game, where the offenses dominated, 38-35, and I was wrong about the offenses, and the fact that the game was a defensive masterpiece, but picked the winner. It just goes to show that you can study everything, and still get it wrong. That's why so few bettors get rich betting sports.
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Thanks Louis, I agree, I have had a problem with the officiating all year, but I dunno, these guys (on both sides) made a lot of mental errors!!! SO, maybe they deserved it, I sure know Ike Taylor deserved the 15 yarder, he is an idiot.

Weird game, Steelers D was perfect for 3 qtrs, I gotta be honest I was thinking 27 to 7 prior to the big sack and the reawakening of the Cards offense, again, great composure. Ben is just money in the bank if he has 2 minutes and the game is on the line, they flashed the stat 17 (now 18) times in his young career to lead a game winning drive. Ben may never have the huge stats, but he might be worthy of the praise, he is just a field general in my opinion.

TD
 
Just so you guys know Australia was all going for the Cardinals as their kicker is an Aussie and was the first one to appear in a SB. Got a lot of publicity for the SB down under because of his appearance. Apparently there are 4 Aussies playing NFL.
Every now and again Rugby League players or their managers make comments about how they would like to give the NFL a go. Usually comes up when they are re-negotiating their contract !
Other than that all I can usefully add to this thread is ...........
Bring back Janet Jackson !!!
Regards
Brett
 
The excitement of the game and enjoying the King of Beers took a toll on the Little Captain......The Lt.

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tdubel said:
Thanks Louis, I agree, I have had a problem with the officiating all year, but I dunno, these guys (on both sides) made a lot of mental errors!!! SO, maybe they deserved it, I sure know Ike Taylor deserved the 15 yarder, he is an idiot.

Weird game, Steelers D was perfect for 3 qtrs, I gotta be honest I was thinking 27 to 7 prior to the big sack and the reawakening of the Cards offense, again, great composure. Ben is just money in the bank if he has 2 minutes and the game is on the line, they flashed the stat 17 (now 18) times in his young career to lead a game winning drive. Ben may never have the huge stats, but he might be worthy of the praise, he is just a field general in my opinion.

TD
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In my opinion this was the worst officiated superbowl ever, but fortunately, the bad calls and no calls went both ways and evened out, so it had little effect on the outcome. There were what, 20 penalties called, and at least 3 or 4 penalties which should have been called that were missed? Its ironic considering that last years superbowl was one of the better officiated ones - the only complaint I can think of was missing a holding penalty against the Giants in the scrum on the Tyree Play, but there is holding on every play in the NFL, so that is not such an egregious no call.

I certainly agree that the officiating was terrible all year, but especially in the playoffs, where at least 2 games were decided by horrible no-calls (Ravens delay of game before big play that set up winning field goal in game against Titans; Cardinals interference on 4th down pass play at end of game against Eagles). The use of older men as officials in a game as fast as football is crazy. Football officials should be atheletes, preferrably that played the game, and should have fitness and eyesight requirements. Using older guys, who can't even get out of the way of plays much less see everything going on around them has led to some ridiculous outcomes. Its fairly obvious the system needs a serious upgrade and right away. The crew that ref'd the Superbowl is supposed to be the best, and this one should be fired and never allowed to officiate another game, as should the Crews from the Ravens-Titans, Cardinals-Eagles playoff games, and Ed Hochuli. These crews and Ed Hochuli are just not up to calling games, and just shouldn't be allowed to effect the outcome of a season like they did.
 
Well I was very surprised to have enjoyed this Super Bowl for a change. I didn't really care who won or lost for once and it was exciting all the way to the last several seconds. To me it shows how one play can really turn a game around. If the Steelers hadn't made that first half pick and score it could have been a Cardinal blow out but that's football. Well played game by both teams, some great plays, some stupid mistakes but balanced most of the way. I also congratulate the Steelers for a very gritty season.
 
Some great clutch plays by both teams. You do have to feel bad for Kurt Warner. This is the third time (!) that he has lead a clutch drive in the 4th quarter of a super bowl for a tying or go ahead TD and twice now his D has let him down. The Rams almost did so for what would have been the third time against TN! Remember the TN player reaching the ball out just short of the goal line? Congrats to the Steelers. They made some unbelievable plays on that last drive.
 
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