Steelers vs. Cardinals Betting Breakdown
The Steelers vs. Cardinals betting breakdown can be reviewed by looking at a few key areas: Steelers offense, Cardinals offense, special teams, coaching and intangibles. Whose got the edge in Sunday's Super Bowl showdown?
When Pittsburgh has the ball we would expect a balanced attack. When RB Willie Parker (39) couldn't find much room against Baltimore in the AFC championship game, QB Ben Roethlisberger (7) took control, the Associated Press points out. And the Cardinals' defense, while quite stout for most of three postseason victories, hardly is on the level of the Ravens.
More from the Associated Press:
Pittsburgh will turn to Parker early, particularly seeking to draw Arizona's standout safety, Adrian Wilson (24) closer to the line. If successful, the Steelers will keep pounding Parker, Mewelde Moore (21) and Gary Russell (33), but also will mix in some medium-range and deep throws to playmaker Santonio Holmes (10). Holmes' 65-yard catch and run TD was the major offensive play in the AFC title game, and his contributions would be even more vital should fellow wideout Hines Ward (86) be limited or out with a knee injury.
More likely, the warrior Ward will play - and play well. He was the MVP of Pittsburgh 2006 Super Bowl win.
The first priority when the Arizona Cardinals have the ball is to keep Kurt Warner upright.
From the Associated Press:
Arizona certainly has the edge in receivers with the uncoverable Larry Fitzgerald (11), who already has set a record for postseason yards receiving (419) and has five playoff touchdowns, three against Philly. Even if Fitzgerald is double-teamed, he will find ways to be productive, so cornerbacks Ike Taylor (24), Deshea Townsend (26) and Bryant McFadden (20) will need plenty of support from hard-hitting Ryan Clark (25) and All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu (43), who has been sensational in the playoffs.
Limiting Fitzgerald somewhat is critical, and even then Anquan Boldin (81) and Steve Breaston (15) are dangerous. Both joined Fitz as 1,000-yard receivers this season.
The best way for ''Blitzburgh'' to keep the Cardinals from soaring is with a strong pass rush. Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison (92) is complemented in the linebacking corps by James Farrior (51), LaMarr Woodley (56) and Larry Foote (50). Up front, Aaron Smith (91) and Casey Hampton (98) are formidable against the pass and the run.
When we look at special teams we find that Arizona's kicking game is solid. Neil Rackers (1) made 25 of 28 field goals, which is excellent, but Pittsburgh's Jeff Reed (3) is the superior placekicker and one of the best clutch kickers around.
The Steelers are OK on kickoff returns, but their special teams strength is in coverage.
When it comes to coaching, both men are in their second years and both have done a superb job (otherwise they wouldn't be in the Super Bowl). As pointed out in the Salt Lake Tribune this week, one cannot overlook the brilliant move of Ken Whisenhunt picking Kurt Warner as his starting quarterback over first-round draft pick Matt Leinart.
Whisenhunt's bid for an improbable Super Bowl win comes against Pittsburgh, where he worked for six years, but was overlooked for the head coaching vacancy two years ago when Mike Tomlin was hired.
"There are some people over there who understand the inner workings, who've been inside the building," Tomlin said, "but ultimately, it's going to come down to the execution of the men on the field."
The Pittsburgh Steelers were a -6 ½ favorite as of Saturday night verses the Arizona Cardinals at SBG Global,
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Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
