Pittsburgh: The run game was virtually grounded to a halt in the AFC
Championship. They gained 90 yards while averaging 2.7 yards per carry. Neither running
backs, Willie Parker nor Jerome Bettis, were able to break loose. If there was a game to
feature Bettis, this Super Bowl is the game. Besides homecoming amping up "the
Bus," the Steelers will be running against a defense with a small front seven. Only
two lineman are at least 300 pounds and the linebackers are in the 230 range.
Seattle: The MVP played like one. RB Shawn Alexander exploited holes and
made big gains on cutbacks. He finished with 132 yards and two touchdowns. The unsung
heroes, the offensive line and fullback Mack Strong, made solid blocks all afternoon long.
They will be challenged trying to get their hands on a aggressive 3-4 defense. Using
the defense's aggression against them by running a few draw plays could yield big plays if
called at the right time.
Pittsburgh: Has quarterback Ben Roethlisberger grown up fast or what?
He was near perfect with a 21-for-29 day for 275 yards and two touchdowns. Most impressive
is Roethlisberger didn't play favorites, making receiver Cedric Wilson his primary
receiver for the day, connecting five times for 92 yards and a score. No picks were
thrown, though two passes nearly were intercepted on the opening offensive drive. The
first would had been returned for a Denver score if corner back Champ Bailey caught the
ball. The Steelers came out throwing and established 24-3 lead by halftime. If Pittsburgh
must get into a shootout, they do have a gunman to be confident in.
Seattle: Once again QB Matt Hasselbeck sizzled for Seattle, passing for
219 yards and two scores on 20-for-28. He found tight end Jerramy Stephens early but
gravitated towards wide out Darrell Jackson later in the game. They evenly split 12
receptions and two touchdowns. Stephens has a major size advantage on both Pittsburgh
safteys and could be featured again. The big surprise was bringing in Seneca Wallace in at
receiver for a play and throwing to him for a 28-yard completion. Remember, Wallace is the
back-up quarterback. If he makes another cameo, Wallace could run an option play.
Pittsburgh: What was surprising was watching Denver RB Mike Anderson
bulldozing his way for lots of yards after contact. He consistently broke tackles and
carried Steelers defenders your additional yards. The speedier aspect of Denver's rushing
attack, Tatum Bell, averaged 6.2 yards per carry. Pittsburgh came with a variety of
blitzes, but were more for disrrupting the passing game. More than likely they were
concerned with holding the big lead so the focus was to stop big plays in the passing
game. If the Steelers make defending the run secondary, they could get trampled by the
best O-line they faced all playoffs.
Seattle: The Seahawks were spared the best from Carolina with RB DeShawn
Foster out and his replacement, Nick Goings, knocked out of the game after just five
carries. Give credit to linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who continued playing through a mild
concussion. Jumping out to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter took Carolina out of
their run first game plan, leading to just a dozen rushing attempts. That won't be the
case Sunday. They can't match Pittsburgh pound-for-pound so they need to use quickness and
penetrate.
Pittsburgh: The blitz didn't get many sacks, but were disrruptive in
the pocket. LB Joey Porter had a sack and forced a fumble. He was out-done by D-lineman
Brett Keisel, a rotational player. He finished with two sacks and a forced fumble.
Coverage was tight, coming away with two interceptions as well. Three turnovers were
converted into touchdowns. Penetrating Seattle's O-line might be their biggest challenge
yet. Polamalu will have his hands full if he must cover TE Stephens.
Seattle: Well the Seahawks proved they could cover one guy. They used a
combination of double, triple, and sometimes quadruple-teams to prevent Carolina WR Steve
Smith from having an impact. Turning all attention towards Smith led to big receptions by
WR Drew Carter. He got behind the coverage for receptions of 41 and 47 yards and a score.
The secondary will be stretched out as Pittsburgh will employ three and four-receiver
sets. It could be the most important game for the front seven that led the league in sacks
in the regular season.
Pittsburgh: Punter Chris Gardocki dropped two punts inside the 20 and
coverage must orce Seattle's prolific offense into long drives. Kickoff coverage gave up a
47-yard return. Fortunately the D picked off the ensuing pass. Short fields could be
killers. Antwaan Randle El will get chances for a game-changing play on punt returns.
Seattle: If they give up a big return in the kickoff or punt return like
they did in the NFC Championship, it could be a back-breaker. Kicker Josh Brown missed a
49-yard field goal to end the first half. Any misses indoors is inexcusable. They switched
punt returners to Peter Warrick. If he comes through, that would be major help.
Front Running: Jumping out to big first half leads has worked
in the playoffs so far. Get on the board first, add to it, and make their offense
one-dimensional.
Don't See Red: Seattle had the best red zone offense in the
league. They scored a TD 70 percent of the time when they got within 20 yards of the goal
line. Don't let them get close.
Drop Something?: Bettis fumbled. Parker fumbled. Is Vernon
Haynes next? And Roethlisberger nearly was picked twice. Don't turn the ball over.
It's Still Seven: The offense had problems with Dallas's 3-4
defense. Pittsburgh's unit is more aggressive. It don't matter who it is, block every
single defender.
Can You do Better?: Turn the tables by getting ahead of
Pittsburgh. Then see if they can match you point for point.
Game of Inches: The defense and special teams have given up more
big plays than they should. Don't give up yards in chunks and force long drives.
The Pick: I don't buy the argument that Seattle built their record against lesser NFC teams. But they didn't play the best of the AFC either. That would be Pittsburgh, and they will prove to be best in the league. Steelers 27 Seahawks 17.
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