What defense have these idiots been watching?

A quick gander at game-by-game stats screams the ’08 Steelers are one of the finest defenses in the Super Bowl era.

Admittedly, this “weak link” passing defense did surrender 240 yards and three TDs to Peyton Manning and the Colts, and was burned for 12 TD passes this year–seven rushing. The 12 passes allowed by the Steelers was eclipsed only by Indy’s six. (The Colts gave up a whopping 18 rushing–offenses didn’t have to pass on them.)

The total of 19 TD’s given up is, by far, the fewest in the league.

No other quarterback had more than one touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh defense—meaning in the 15 games before and after Indy. The Men of Troy gave up a total of 9 six pointers through the air.

The Steeler defense led the league with the lowest 3rd down percentage and gave up 4.7 yards per passing attempt; along with the 3.9 yds,/play all were lowest in the league.

There’s more…

The defense as a whole led the league in defending the pass, scoring, lowest yards per play and was second against the run.

Fact is, the Steeler defense has no weak link.

QUICK NOTES

***The Arizona offense is unbalanced. Warner and his receivers may be the best group since the 49ers but Edgerrin James is no Ricky Waters. My guess is Lebeau will disguise his dime packages and dare Arizona to run—of course, James and his offensive line could relish that challenge.

***I think Lebeau has a lot of experts fooled. Very rarely do the Steelers blitz more than 5 people. When they do blitz Polamalu and the two outside backers, Smith—even Hampton—drop back into the shallow zone. Listening to the Pundits, you’d think LeBeau, will leave Fitzgerald, Boldin, and Breaston one on one. That will only happen if the Steelers are ahead or behind by 10+ points, even then, rarely.

***The Red Birds are hoping for the blitz from the outside. Lebeau and his minions will employ a lot of inside gains/stunts. Look for Farrior and Foote to enjoy a little sack time.

***Ken Whisenhut has talked a lot about the timing of the trick plays he uses. I’m betting he had in depth discussions with his former players about that strategy. Look for the Flea Flicker, or tight end reverse pass to get crushed by the disciplined Steeler “D”

I’m a Steeler fan, but I don’t think this game will be as lopsided as people think. I do believe this Super Bowl is one of the most difficult to figure out.

I can see a scenario where Arizona comes out, does some early play action and takes command of the game early.

A reciprocal scenario has the Steelers knocking the snot out Fitz or Warner, returning a fumble or a pick-six and running away with the Lombardi Trophy.

In these kinds of games, 95 percent of the time, teams do what they’ve done all year. Pittsburgh has faced the best offenses the league had to offer and stymied them all. The four games they lost were all very close—as were 5-6 games they won—the Steelers were never blown out.

Arizona has been erratic, but much more productive of late, although they did let Philly come back from 18 down. If the Red Birds start well—a good long drive to open the contest—they can keep victory in sight.

If the Steedlers rattle Warner consistently up the middle we could be looking at a big Steeler win.

PREDICTIONS

By now your saying, “Hey Gairzo, pluck the fence post outta your ass and predict already.”

Okay, okasy… Geez….

After divining the game with my alter ego and mentally deficient cousin of Nostradamus, Murray Dunnosquatus, I predict the following…

***The game will be close at half time. Say 10-10. 

(“Forget that he has “0-0″ in a 50.00 pool. Don’t give it another thought.”) 

“Shut up, Murray!

***Bruce Springsteen will have a zipper malfunction and will give a whole new meaning to the term “New Jersey balls”.

***Lamarr Woodley will return a fumble for six in the third quarter—the first of 20 unanswered points by the Steelers.

***John Madden’s head will explode after, yet again, recalling the Immaculate Reception. “I swear to ya , Al, he never caught that – BOOM!!!

***Arizona will score 10 points late…

***MVP Big Ben

***Final score…

PITTSBURGH 30 ARIZONA 20

Well, I guess I win 5000.00… Up yours Murray!

• February 4, 2009 -- Super Bowl Penalty Flags (6)
• February 2, 2009 -- Super Bowl Recap (5)
• February 1, 2009 -- The Big Question (0)
• February 1, 2009 -- Fierce And Nerdy: Super Bowl Preview (0)
• February 3, 2009 -- Medi-acrity (11)