Ok, Offense and Defense....lets have it out

[Dave2112]

It's already been mentioned in another thread about the importance of either offense or defense. So, let's talk about it. Where do you stand?

As far as this coming Super Bowl, here's my thoughts.

This is going to be the biggest challenge to both teams strong points. The Cardinals' high-powered offense is going to face the league's #1 defense. And the Steelers' great defense will face a tough challenge of their own.

The Cards' offense has not faced a D like this. Like Baltimore, Pittsburgh's got a safety that you have GOT to account for on every play. Polamalu is, like Ed Reed, a solid safety, a cover corner and a blitzing linebacker all in one. The front four is a steamroller and the linebackers are about the best in disguising where they're coming from. And, they hit HARD.

On the other hand, Pittsburgh cannot take Arizona's offense lightly. Blitzing is their strength, and even at his age, Kurt Warner picks up the blitz better than just about any QB playing today. With Boldin coming back for the Super Bowl, he has three legitmate weapons through the air, and two of them are deep threats. When you blitz, you can't double-team. And even if you DID double, who do you cover? Boldin? Fitzgerald? And if you blanket them, Arizona gets their best running plays out of the draw. If Pittsburgh was smart (and they are), they'll take a page out of the Patriots' book from their SB match-up against Warner. Forget about going after him. Glue yourselves to the receivers.


I guess there's an arguement on both sides. Yes, defense wins championships. We've seen it many times. But, you need points as well.

Wherever you stand....this shold be a great game. The most explosive offense in the league against the most bone-crushing defense in the league. Can't wait for XLIII!!

 

[punkrockergirl]

put it this way pitt is number 1 in defense arizona wasnt in the top 10.. arizona cant run and the only play they have is the streak to fitzgerald which wont happen with polamalu on fitz all day, and the arizona offensive line is one of the worst in football and the steelers are the best blitzing team in the league ... and arizona's d is poor and lets not sell pitts offense short they put up 35 on san diego and 16 on baltimore.. and this is the 1st time all year pitts offense is healthy... arizona doesnt stand a chance

 

[fantastic8]

Also a point of note, these last 2 weeks have been the first weeks all season that the Steelers have had a healthy Willie Parker. Even though they are technically ranked 22nd in total offense, they are much better thent hat stat suggests. Not to mention the game will most assuredly be a quasi home game for the Steelers with their legions of fans following them everywhere.

 

[kurchatovium]

This should be a great game. One key is how well Arizona's Defense does keeping the Steeler's off the scoreboard. If the Cards play as well as they have in the playoffs so far it should be a close game.