Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, and one of the NFL's most dangerous offenses will take on Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, and the unforgiving Pittsburgh defense.


As so many big games in the NFL do, this game will come down to who wants it more.

Why the Cardinals want it more:
For years, the Cardinals have been the laughing stock of the league. Their fans have always looked forward to next year, to the draft, to a time when their team just might not suck. But not this year. This year, the Cardinals have shaken off years of losing, and have won more playoff games in just the last month than they have combined in their 89 year existence as a team in the National Football League. The Cardinals have not won a championship since 1947, and have never made a superbowl appearance. Led by once-super bowl MVP Kurt Warner and the best wide receiving core in the game, the Cardinals are determined to end their reputation as a laughing stock in the league.

Why the Steelers want it more:
The Steelers are almost the polar opposite of everything the Cardinals are. While the Cardinals have one through a high-powered passing attack, The Steelers have focused on their reliable ground game and their #1 ranked defense. Where the Cardinals have struggled as a franchise in recent years, the Steelers have thrived. Currently, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a 3-way tie for the most Superbowl wins ever with 5. A win will put them as the record holder above Dallas and San Francisco. The last Superbowl for the Steel City came in 2005, and the taste of victory is still fresh in the mouths of many of their best players. For all their differences, the Steelers, just like the Cardinals, are looking to make history in Tampa.

Why this matchup is even more interesting than it looks:
Ken Whisenhunt, coach of the Cardinals, is looking for revenge. Mike Tomlin, coach of the Steelers, is looking to prove himself. Both of these coaches are in their second year. Think it's a coincidence? You're wrong. For years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been guided by Coach Bill Cowher. When Cowher decided to retire 2 years ago, Ken Wishenhunt, who had been with the Steelers coaching staff since 2001, was supposed to take his place. But Pittsburgh management denied him of the job, and instead gave it to Mike Tomlin. Pissed off, Whisenhunt left the Steelers and found a head coaching job with the Cardinals. Now, Whisenhunt, who was denied the job just two short years ago, has lead are far inferior team to the Superbowl against Mike Tomlin and the Steelers. This game means even more to the coaches than it would under normal circumstances, if that is even possible.

Who will win? In two short weeks we will find out when the two teams square off in Tampa Bay for Super Bowl XLIII.

Steelers all the way baby!
They are the better team, and there is no denying that. All around they have more star players.

Nice job, this is a quality thread.

Also I'm hoping the Steelers win because I have a Steelers helmet signed by Terry Bradshaw, so I could probably make some pretty good bank off of it if the Steelers win.

Quote from Socks

Steelers all the way baby!
They are the better team, and there is no denying that. All around they have more star players.

On defense they definitely do. They shut down the run, pass, you name it. On offense, Cardinals have you beat. I still think that the Steelers will win though.

Quote from Dragon⁰⁷⁷

On defense they definitely do. They shut down the run, pass, you name it. On offense, Cardinals have you beat. I still think that the Steelers will win though.

Ha, your right, but the only problem is that the Steelers will probably be in the nickel package the whole game to make sure everyone is covered, which could open up the running game, but due to Arizona's lack luster offensive line I only see them doing draws or dives.

Quote from Socks

Ha, your right, but the only problem is that the Steelers will probably be in the nickel package the whole game to make sure everyone is covered, which could open up the running game, but due to Arizona's lack luster offensive line I only see them doing draws or dives.

They have a good pass-blocking offensive line. But you are right, when it comes to run-blocking they are lackluster. The key to stopping the Cards is to stop the pass attack and to take advantage of their defensive mistakes.

Quote from Dragon⁰⁷⁷

They have a good pass-blocking offensive line. But you are right, when it comes to run-blocking they are lackluster. The key to stopping the Cards is to stop the pass attack and to take advantage of their defensive mistakes.

Yep, to cover the pass, Ike Taylor and the rest of the DB's will will cover the recievers, in zone (You can't beat Larry Fitzgerald in man) and Polamalu will probably spy to cover the run if neccesary, that would pretty much be like throwing a blanket over arizona's head and then clubbing them with a baseball bat imo.

Quote from Socks

Yep, to cover the pass, Ike Taylor and the rest of the DB's will will cover the recievers, in zone (You can't beat Larry Fitzgerald in man) and Polamalu will probably spy to cover the run if neccesary, that would pretty much be like throwing a blanket over arizona's head and then clubbing them with a baseball bat imo.

If you guys run the same thing over and over, Warner will pick you apart. I'm looking for the Steelers to mix things up and bring lots of elaborate blitz packages. The key will be stopping the big play.

Quote from Dragon⁰⁷⁷

If you guys run the same thing over and over, Warner will pick you apart. I'm looking for the Steelers to mix things up and bring lots of elaborate blitz packages. The key will be stopping the big play.

The big play is Fitzgerald/Boldin/The other guy who's name I forgot.

Quote from Socks

The big play is Fitzgerald/Boldin/The other guy who's name I forgot.

Steve Breaston. And it's impossible to double cover all three of them. At some point or another, the Cards will get a big play. The trick will be keeping those plays to a minimum.

FU[SIZE="2"]C[/SIZE]K the steelers. Cards all the way baby.

Quote from Dragon⁰⁷⁷

On defense they definitely do. They shut down the run, pass, you name it. On offense, Cardinals have you beat. I still think that the Steelers will win though.

Quote from Socks

Steelers all the way baby!
They are the better team, and there is no denying that. All around they have more star players.

People have been doubting us all year. I'm not worried.

By the way, muttonhead:
+1 awesomeness.

Om nom nom

Holy shit, we got a boomer coming in hot.

Quote from MoD

Holy shit, we got a boomer coming in hot.

Hahahahahahaha .