TAMPA, Fla. – All the talk ends at 6:25 tonight.
Once the ball is kicked off at Raymond James Stadium, all the hype, hoopla and hubbub fade away and football takes center stage. It will be hard for this game to live up to last year’s dramatics between the Giants and Patriots, but it does features some intriguing matchups.
The focus all week has been on the Cardinals’ offense vs. the Steelers’ defense, which probably means this game will come down to how the Steelers’ O fares against Arizona’s D.
Here’s how it all breaks down:
THE MATCHUPS
QUARTERBACKS & RECEIVERS VS. DEFENSIVE BACKS
When Cardinals have the ball: Kurt Warner has learned to fire the ball in the direction of the gifted Larry Fitzgerald even when he doesn’t appear to be open, because Fitzgerald’s physical skills give him the advantage over any opponent. CB Ike Taylor has the strength and size (6-foot-2) to leap with Fitzgerald, but can he run with him? If Fitzgerald is doubled, it could open things up underneath for the formidable Anquan Boldin, who can take a hit and surely will from S Troy Polamalu, the human cannonball who can change the game on any play. WR Steve Breaston is a factor vs. CB Bryant McFadden.
Edge: Cardinals
When Steelers have the ball: In his second NFL season, Ben Roethlisberger made it to the Super Bowl and was terrible, but the Steelers won despite him. He’s far more advanced now and with his physical toughness usually finds a way, but rarely is it pretty. His main target, Hines Ward, is slowed with a bad right knee but is such a big-game player that questioning him is pointless. Secondary of CBs Rod Hood and rookie Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie and safeties Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle will be stretched thin vs. WRs Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington and productive TE Heath Miller. Cardinals have been incredibly opportunistic (eight INTs) in the postseason.
Edge: Steelers
RUNNING BACKS VS. LINEBACKERS
When Cardinals have the ball: A running game that was dormant during the regular season has flourished in the playoffs, as old vet Edgerrin James was dusted off and has been effective. He has shared the load with rookie Tim Hightower, who is able to get the tough yards. Good luck dealing with this defensive foursome, led by menacing James Harrison
(16 sacks, seven forced fumbles) and heady James Farrior, the leading tackler. Usually, there’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Edge: Steelers
When Steelers have the ball: This is not the rushing attack we’ve come to expect out of the Steel City. Willie Parker had a sluggish and injury-filled season but erupted for 146 yards vs. the Chargers in the divisional playoff round. Cardinals flow to the ball and usually are able to contain the ground game, with Karlos Dansby usually getting to the ball-carrier first and Gerald Hayes in the middle not far behind.
Edge: Cardinals
OFFENSIVE LINE VS. DEFENSIVE LINE
When the Cardinals have the ball: The key to this matchup is simple – how clean will Warner’s jersey be at the end of the game? The Cardinals’ line must keep the Steelers’ rush out of the backfield for Arizona to have success. It did a good job during the season, allowing just 28 sacks, but the Pittsburgh pass rush is relentless. If the line can open some running lanes, it would be a surprise.
Edge: Steelers
When the Steelers have the ball: The Pittsburgh offensive line has taken a beating all year and is considered the weakness of the team. It features some young players such as second-year man Darnell Stapleton, from Rutgers, and Bronx native Willie Colon, from Hofstra. Just three members have started every game this season. This group will have to give Parker some running room and keep Roethlisberger upright. The quarterback was sacked 46 times this year, second-most in the NFL. Arizona’s defensive line has been disruptive in the playoffs, led by tackle Darnell Dockett.
Edge: Cardinals
SPECIAL TEAMS
A long kick return could swing the momentum in this game. The best candidate to provide some special-teams fireworks is Holmes, the Steelers’ punt returner, who can weave his way through a coverage unit. Pittsburgh was the best team in the NFL at covering kickoffs during the regular season, allowing 19.1 yards per return.
Edge: Steelers
KICKING GAME
If this game is close in the fourth quarter, get ready for some close-ups on the kickers. There is no more pressurized moment for a kicker than the final minutes of the Super Bowl. The Steelers’ Jeff Reed and Cardinals’ Neil Rackers both are good ones. This game also could swing on field position and Pittsburgh will rely on Mitch Berger to pin the explosive Cardinals deep. Former Jet Ben Graham can’t give Holmes an easy punt to return. Edge: Even
COACHING
Ken Whisenhunt has breathed life into football in the desert by importing a winning attitude borrowed from his time in Pittsburgh. His knowledge of the opponent figures to pay dividends. Mike Tomlin’s youthful aggressiveness rubs off on his team, His defensive mastermind, Dick LeBeau, finds a way to get pressure, no matter what. Edge: Steelers
COSTELLO’S CALL
The Giants showed what a great defense can do to a great offense in last year’s Super Bowl. The Steelers will have Warner looking over his shoulder all day and will send a message to Fitzgerald early in the game by hitting him in the mouth. No drama this year.
STEELERS 30, CARDINALS 10
PAUL’S PREDICTION
The Cardinals won’t be able to run it and eventually won’t be able to protect Warner enough to prevent some bad things from happening. This could be the year a defensive player wins the MVP award.
STEELERS 31, CARDINALS 20