Written By Drew Stanton

January 31, 2009

Well, the Super Bowl is finally upon us.  The last football game of the season for all the marbles, and once Monday hits, the quest begins for everyone again.

Yes, that means the Lions too.

Each Super Bowl is obviously special, but for some reason this one seems to lack the usual "hype."  Because hype is usually the leading headline of this event that allows the two-week layoff to build up.  Sure, Arizona is a feel good story, Anquan got into an argument with Coach Haley, Big Ben and Hines are questionable, and Ben wants to improve on his last performance at Ford Field, but once that ball is kicked off for the first time, how is it any different from any other game?  Exactly, it is not, except the commercials are stupid expensive and fun to watch. 

Well enough of the introduction, let me get down to the way I see things.  Let me start on my favorite side of the ball, offense.  At this point everyone is aware of Larry Fitzgerald and everything spectacular he can do on a football field.  Couple that with the freshness at tailback in Edgerrin James and the experience of Kurt Warner and I think you find this to be a no-brainer.  Well, I would say that is the case with one more X factor, that being Anquan Boldin.  He’s not healthy, and that throws a wrench into the entire thing and makes it much, much harder to pick. 

For the Steelers, Ben is playing with a chip on his shoulder, Hines Ward is as consistent as they come at his position, Willie Parker can fly and at anytime, Heath Miller or Santonio Holmes can absolutely go off.  So, yes, the Cardinals offense is more glitzy and glamorous, but we are talking about one game, not a season.  I think with a healthy Anquan, the Cardinals are better on offense, but that is not the case. 

I think the Steelers get the nod here.

Now, in an interesting turn of events I will try to tackle the issue of special teams. Well, sort of.  I think this one could go either way, because both teams possess great kickers, average punters and game-breaking return men.  Coverage teams will be a huge part in this aspect of the game.

I am a firm believer in the philosophy that winning a football game entails first playing good defense, because you cannot lose if they do not score, and second, running the football.  That being said, the Steelers are as solid on defense as anyone this year.  They are constantly around the ball and at times appear to be playing with 12 or 13 guys.  They have a lot of different looks that can cause problems for quarterbacks and clog running lanes for tailbacks.  I think a huge surprise has been the development of the Cardinals’ defense in the playoffs.  They have shown up big in every game.  I think on a consistent basis the Steelers have proven to be better. 

I know what you’re thinking at this point, he is contradicting his statement from above on his one game theory.  Yes and no, because there are much different schools of thought depending on which side of the ball we are talking about. 

So those are my views on the game, but it could be completely different in the end. As they say, "that's why they play the game."  All in all, I hope it is an enjoyable game to watch, with some great commercials. 

My prediction for the final score is Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 21. You heard it here first, remember that! 

Thanks for continuing to read and I will write next about the talks I had with my new head coach and offensive coordinator.

Drew Stanton is a quarterback with the Detroit Lions. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.drewstanton.com.