Why The Cardinals Will Win Super Bowl XLIII

Imagine viewing results of a Super Bowl prediction on a map…who wins Super Bowl XLIII. I’m going out on a limb here, but I’d bet the only ‘red’ state would be Arizona. There’s no question that the Cardinals are the underdog going into this game. The Steelers have been strong all year…12-4 on the season, 6-2 on the road (including a win in Jacksonville…that’s a Florida reference in case you’re wondering), and arguably the most stiffling defense in the NFL.

Kurt Warner. The former grocery store shelf stocker will undoubtedly be the key to the Cardinals’ offense. His uncanny ability to go ‘Arena League on that ass’ (cue 1812 Overture) has been more than effective this season. And he’s got the tools to hit a homerun at will — once he figures out the Steelers plan of attack. And although we can anticipate the Steelers getting in his face every down, it’s safe to say that it will only bother Warner briefly…as witnessed in the NFC Conference Championship against Philly. The Steelers D is fast and furious. But I believe it shouldn’t take too long for Warner to adjust.

Unlike the Steelers, the Cardinals’ offense has a knack for climbing out of holes. In fact, they had to fight back in each of the last three playoff appearances.

One last tidbit…according to NFL.com, the team with a higher yards per pass average has over an 88% chance of winning the Super Bowl. The Cardinals have to hope Kurt Warner can stay healthy. Leinart isn’t ready to come out of the hottub just yet.

Edgerrin James & the Rushing Crew. “Really, Derrich? Edge? You’ve lost your mind.” Maybe. Although Edge only rushed for 514 yards during the regular season, he’s also part of the reason the Cardinals’ can claim the top spot in the NFC despite on the league’s lowest regular season rushing offense. But he and his running buddies have clearly stepped their game up during the postseason averaging over 110 yards per game. Edge has become a vital cog in Arizona’s offensive machine. While it’s unlikely that Edge will break it open for any long bursts, his improved contribution will help keep the Steelers D honest.

Defense! If Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith have anything to say about it, the Cardinals should be able to take care of the Steelers otherwise effective running game. During the playoffs, the Cardinals front men have held three of the league’s premiere rushing attacks (Atlanta, Carolina and Philly) to less than 100 yards. And don’t forget Adrian Wilson. Some believe the unsung hero of the Cardinals defense may be slightly past his prime, but there’s one accolade he hasn’t achieved. That’s a ring.

The defense will also have the challenge of bothering Big Ben. How tough can it really be? Roethlisberger hasn’t done a great job of staying in the pocket, and has been quick to run. The Cardinals will definitely exploit this part of Big Ben’s game hoping to force him to make bad throws…or better yet hit the surf. During the regular season, he tossed 17 scores, but 15 picks…and he has been sacked 51 (46 regular season) times up through Sunday’s contest. Only Matt Cassel was sacked more times during the regular season (47).

Larry Fitzgerald. It’s obvious. Fitz is hot right now…arguably playing at the top of his game. And it doesn’t hurt that Anquan Boldin is looking for some time in the limelight either. The Steelers secondary may have a tough time trying to decide which of these two threats to load up on. The Steelers do have Troy Polamalu to aleviate some of that uncertainty. But if the game comes down to one homerun play, it’s safe to say that Larry Fitzgerald, or Anquan Boldin for that matter, are ready to perform. Oh yeah. Don’t forget about Steve Breaston either. He pulled in 77 receptions for 1,006 yards during the regular season.

The more I thought about these things, the more it made sense that Arizona has a great shot at winning this game. While at first I thought it would be a blowout in favor of the Steelers (superior defense, tougher schedule), now I can’t help but believe that Arizona will win this thing. I’m out of my mind.

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