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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That Just Happened — Tampa Has The Best Strip

Tampa Bay is hosting its fourth Super Bowl. Despite the number of Tampa’s attractions that the city’s tourism bureau would like for you to visit, one industry in particular is looking forward to the big game. It is believed that there are as many as 43 skrip clubs in the Tampa metro. SI.com has some interesting insight to the “Tampa Strip”. Somebody pass me a steak…and shrimp.

How hard is it to get Super Bowl tickets? Well, not that hard at all…just expensive. StubHub.com has a bunch of tickets listed starting at $1,600 per seat up to $10,000 per seat. And if you have $100k to blow and 15 friends (or strippers from the night before) you like alot, you can buy a luxury suite.

Hey, Tony. I can’t stand girls with twig-like physiques, but what did you do to Jessica? Seriously, though…I’m not making fun. But I’m not gonna lie. This is definitely surprising. Somebody pass me the chips and pizza.

Is Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald the greatest wide receiver ever? If the Steelers win the Super Bowl, will they be the greatest team in NFL history? Did you know that Bill Cowher once coached the Steelers? And did you know that Ken Whisenhunt once worked for Cowher? So, who does Bill Cowher pull for in this game? Just a few of the questions you’ll hear over and over again leading up to this weekend. John Royal at HoustonPress has a whole list of Super Bowl Memes you’ll be sick of.

Raise your hand if you thought Paul Blart Mall Cop signaled the end of Kevin James’ movie career. It’s been #1 for two weeks in a row. Somebody pass me the crow.

Earlier this year, one of my friends brought to my attention Erin Burnett’s snobbish tendencies. Ever since then, I’ve been looking for my new fav CNBC hottie. I found her. Did you know Trish Regan is fluent in Spanish and Italian, studied classical voice (opera), and was Miss New Hampshire in 1993?

Popularity: 13% [?]