All World All Sports (www.allworldallsports.com)
by Digger
AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers shoot for their sixth Super Bowl Championship this weekend against Arizona. If it wasn't for Neil O'Donnell phantom throws against Dallas... they might be going for 7.
Much of the talk leading up to this game has centered around Pittsburgh's top ranked defensive unit. I'm sure they'll be blitzing all game long trying to rattle Warner into rushing passes. No question Warner will be landing on his rump often. Covering the Cardinals receivers will decide the game. If the Steelers secondary can get the job done then victory is within reach. Don't underestimate underdogs. Especially the Cardinals. Their offense can control games if Warner is sharp and James explodes throw holes.
(Super Bowl history)
Previous Pittsburgh Super Bowl teams were filled with some of biggest names in the game. Heach Coach Chuck Knoll's touch has been emulated throughout the years. It if isn't broke, don't fix it. Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Jack Ham, Mike Webster, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Mel Blount, Jerome Bettis. Those guys played in some of the more memorable games.
Some may say, including myself, current players get it done with the same Steeler style and tradition. QB Ben Roethlisberger knows how to win. It isn't always pretty but he's tough in crunch time. Hines Ward & Santonio Holmes stretch the field while the defense led by AP Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, Casey Hampton and James Farrior punish opponents. Quite a cast of characters.
So far Super Bowl XLIII previews have gone as I expected. Pittsburgh garnering most of the attention between Big Ben and defense. Watch out for Arizona! Games are won on the field. NY Giants are prime examples being heavy underdogs in two of their victories.
Stay tuned for my Super breakdown.
Showing posts with label knoll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knoll. Show all posts
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
AFC Championship: NFL's Top 2 Defenses Square Off
06:08:00 am, Categories: All World All Sports Blogs
All World All Sports (www.allworldallsports.com)
The SportsRagePage (www.sportsragepage.com)
Sports Sections of the World
by Digger
On paper, Sunday's AFC Championship is a defensive fans dream game. Pittsburgh vs Baltimore represent the best defensive units in the NFL. Both defenses force opposition offenses to change game plans. Both usually batter opposing QB's, RB's and wideouts. Sunday probably won't be any different.
Pittsburgh is challenging to become the NFL's first SIX time Super Bowl Champion. The Steelers franchise has been one of the best in history. Art Rooney was team founder and beloved throughout Pittsburgh. His son's now run the team rich with the same traditions. Over the years, their successful teams all seem to emulate former Head Coach Chuck Knoll's mold. Tenacious defense, pounding running game and pressure tested QB.
The Steelers have been challenged all season long. They've played many dramatic games including winning a few in the closing minutes. Pitt has already beaten the Ravens twice (23-20, 13-9). Creative play-calling is a Steelers staple. Be prepared for many misdirection plays designed to catch Baltimore over off guard. QB Roethlisberger is a gamer when it counts most. His receivers will need to catch everything they touch... drops could be costly in this one. Defensive schemes feature heavy blitzes. Steel Curtain D sets out to rattle Ravens QB Flacco into game changing turnovers.
Baltimore's chance for victory lies squarely on the shoulders of rookie QB Joe Flacco. The Ravens play within a methodical ball control plan. Poise and accuracy in the face of Steelers blitzes is key. Pittsburgh has already sacked him 7 times and picked off 2 (losses). Running will be no easy task either. McClain & McGahee will need to pound the ball effectively. Overall, Ravens offense isn't designed for 80 yard drives. Ravens D must control field position wars to give its' half field offense a chance to put up points. Going for it on 4th and short could be tempting in the right situation but could ultimately cost valued field position if failed. Ravens D will need to snag a few turnovers.
Steelers are battle tested having already beaten some of the leagues top teams (Philadelphia, Baltimore 2x, Dallas, New England, San Diego 2x). Pittsburgh gets their shot at #6 after beating Ravens.
Steelers 27, Ravens 10
All World All Sports (www.allworldallsports.com)
The SportsRagePage (www.sportsragepage.com)
Sports Sections of the World
by Digger
On paper, Sunday's AFC Championship is a defensive fans dream game. Pittsburgh vs Baltimore represent the best defensive units in the NFL. Both defenses force opposition offenses to change game plans. Both usually batter opposing QB's, RB's and wideouts. Sunday probably won't be any different.
Pittsburgh is challenging to become the NFL's first SIX time Super Bowl Champion. The Steelers franchise has been one of the best in history. Art Rooney was team founder and beloved throughout Pittsburgh. His son's now run the team rich with the same traditions. Over the years, their successful teams all seem to emulate former Head Coach Chuck Knoll's mold. Tenacious defense, pounding running game and pressure tested QB.
The Steelers have been challenged all season long. They've played many dramatic games including winning a few in the closing minutes. Pitt has already beaten the Ravens twice (23-20, 13-9). Creative play-calling is a Steelers staple. Be prepared for many misdirection plays designed to catch Baltimore over off guard. QB Roethlisberger is a gamer when it counts most. His receivers will need to catch everything they touch... drops could be costly in this one. Defensive schemes feature heavy blitzes. Steel Curtain D sets out to rattle Ravens QB Flacco into game changing turnovers.
Baltimore's chance for victory lies squarely on the shoulders of rookie QB Joe Flacco. The Ravens play within a methodical ball control plan. Poise and accuracy in the face of Steelers blitzes is key. Pittsburgh has already sacked him 7 times and picked off 2 (losses). Running will be no easy task either. McClain & McGahee will need to pound the ball effectively. Overall, Ravens offense isn't designed for 80 yard drives. Ravens D must control field position wars to give its' half field offense a chance to put up points. Going for it on 4th and short could be tempting in the right situation but could ultimately cost valued field position if failed. Ravens D will need to snag a few turnovers.
Steelers are battle tested having already beaten some of the leagues top teams (Philadelphia, Baltimore 2x, Dallas, New England, San Diego 2x). Pittsburgh gets their shot at #6 after beating Ravens.
Steelers 27, Ravens 10
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