2009 Super Bowl Predictions: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Robert K - January 30th, 2009 .Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida will host Super Bowl XLIII between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two teams battled two very different paths to get to Tampa. The Steelers were favorites out of the AFC for the majority part of the season and also favorites entering the playoffs. The Steelers have not disappointed as they have won 8 of their last 9 games to get to the Super Bowl including impressive victories in the playoffs over San Diego and beating the talented Baltimore team for a third time this season. Arizona on the other hand is the epitome of the underdog. The Cardinals barely made it in to the playoff benefiting from the weak NFC West at a 9-7 record. Since their arrival to the post season however, Arizona has shocked the world with consistent upsets earning their first ever trip to the Super Bowl.
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It is no secret the Steelers have been led by the dominating performances of their defense this season. The Pittsburgh defense ranks 1st in 3 of the 4 major defensive categories while ranking 2nd in the other which is rushing defense. Pittsburgh held opponents to a mere 13.9 points and 237 yards of total offense on average this season and they will now look to shut down a high power Arizona offense. However, the Steelers offense has not got the credit they possibly deserve down the stretch. The Steelers only averaged 20 points per game this season which ranked in the bottom half of the NFL, but have come on strong in their last 3 games averaging 30 points per contest.
QB Ben Roethlisberger was plagued by interceptions for the majority of the season, but has yet to throw his first pick in the playoffs. Roethlisberger will need to continue to take care of the ball while directing the Pittsburgh offense down the field considering they will likely have to post some touchdowns in order to foil the Arizona offensive attack. Star wide out Hines Ward suffered a knee injury early in the AFC Championship, but is expected to play Sunday. However, Ward is not expected to be at a 100% and it will be very interesting to see if he can be effective on the field. Ward has been the primary receiver for the Steelers this season and if he is not able to go it will put a damper on the Steelers passing attack. Pittsburgh will also rely heavily on the legs of running back Willie Parker to control the ground game and keep the Arizona offense off the field. Parker racked up 146 yards in the first playoff game with San Diego and if he can get another similar performance the Steelers will be extremely difficult to defeat.
The Arizona offense has been surging through the post season led by veteran quarterback Kurt Warner. Warner has amassed over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns on the season and has been a true leader through the playoffs. Warner is trying to accomplish a feat similar to the year 2000 when he won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams that was the first ever in franchise history. Warner will be trying to do the same when he attempts to earn the Cardinals their first Lombardi Trophy. If that is to happen, Warner will have to find the main target that has lifted them during the post season in breakout WR Larry Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald has been unmatchable catching 5 touchdowns and breaking a playoff record with 419 receiving yards. Fitzgerald also became the first WR to catch 3 touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Title Game. The Steelers defense will be giving Fitzgerald a lot of attention in trying to shut down the star wide receiver and they may turn out to be good news for WR Anquan Boldin. Boldin had equal success with Fitzgerald during the regular season catching over 1,000 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. However, during the playoffs Boldin has been very quite due to Fitzgerald making all the plays. Do not be surprised if Fitzgerald draws the most attention, opening the field up for Boldin to make some big plays as he did so often during the season.
Pick: Despite both teams success on offense lately, Super Bowl touchdowns are usually harder to come by. Take the under 46.5.
