Super Bowl XLIII

And so we come to the grand stage. Arizona, the underdog through out the entire postseason has won over people across the nation. Pittsburgh, the old guard looking for their sixth Super Bowl victory a feat that has not been accomplished in the Super Bowl era. These two teams will meet tonight in the pursuit of adding their names to the history of this sport. 

Arizona handled the Eagles well and proved that they belong in this game. The key for Arizona will be their offense. The Cardinals need to test the Steelers defense on every play to succeed. Using running backs Tim Hightower and Edgerin James early will help draw up the powerful safeties of Pittsburgh. Doing this will help free up receivers Larry Fitzgerald and the now healthy Anquan Boldin. Play action will be key for Kurt Warner as the pass rush will be fierce all night. On Defense the Cards will have a work load tonight. Quarter back Ben Roethlessberger will have an easier time with Arizona's defense. While Arizona has a decent run defense they allow 221 yards in the air. Arizona has to blitz Roethlessberger consistently and they will have to lock down recievers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes and others as well. Arizona should be able to contain Steelers running back Willie Parker but he is a big gain threat, they will have to watch him.

Pittsburgh has as much offense as Arizona but the Cards can answer their onslaught. The Steelers will have to fall back on their battle tested defense. Blitzing and rushing the Arizona offense will keep them guessing. Roethlissberger MUST avoid interceptions against this defense. Through out the playoffs the Cardinals managed to win their games using quick blitzes that threw off the QB's timing and left balls up for grabs. Willie Parker's success against Arizona will be pivotal for the Steelers offense. Running the ball will wear down the Cardinals front eight. The Steelers cant just rely on passing not knowing how Hines Ward's knee will affect his performance.

I predict that this will be an offensive game early on with a lot of back and forth action. In the second half expect Pittsburgh to start to pull away. It has been an amazing ride for Arizona but they wont pull off this one. Steelers 31-Arizona 23.