by Brandon Raber

Created on: January 26, 2009   Last Updated: December 28, 2010

In August 2008, no one would have guessed what teams would remain at Super Bowl time. This football season has been both one of intrigue and heartbreak. The Giants and Titans looked like the Super Bowl match up only a month ago. Alas, they were both defeated by teams who no one believed had a chance. As much as we would like to tell ourselves that this years match up should be an exciting one, we are left with two mediocre teams to compete for Super Bowl supremacy.

The match up in this years Super Bowl championship is likely to draw little attention. The Cardinals barely snuck in the playoffs and their final three games of the regular season were just plain terrible. The Steelers appear much more prepared to take on the challenge. The Steelers defense is playing lights out allowing only 88 total rush yards in their two post season games. They are also holding their opponents to just 32% 3rd down conversion. The Cardinals on the other hand play terrible D. The Cards have allowed almost three times as many rushing yards (232) in three games not to mention allowing a nearly 41.7% 3rd down conversion rate. Basically, look for Pittsburgh to totally dominate defensively.

On the other side of the ball though, the Cards do bring the heat. They have torched opponents for 1086 offensive yards in their three post season games. They also hang on to the ball with a turnover differential of +9. The Steelers play more of a bruising ground game rushing for 217 yards in their two post season appearances. Arizona really does have the better offense and give credit to Kurt Warner, who is playing like he did in his prime. Unfortunately, Arizona can be totally hit or miss with their run game. And in this game, look for it to be a big miss.

This game is likely to be one of high powered offense (Cards) against stingy defense (Steelers). However, the game will come down to conversion rate. Which team can grind it out on 3rd and 2? The Steelers should be victorious here. With a high powered run offense and a defense that resembles the likes of the 2006 team, they will be able to hold onto the ball and grind this one out. Time of possession should highly favor Pittsburgh. With a victory, the Steelers also will take the record for most Super Bowl championships. Look for the Steelers to win a nail biter 24-21. The Lombardi Trophy will once again head to Pittsburgh.

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