Over the past forty seasons, the Steelers have advanced to the Super Bowl five times, losing only once.
Since joining the league thirty years ago, the Seahawks have never made it this far.
The last time we saw a franchise in its first Super Bowl appearance, the Buccaneers easily handled the Raiders. Coincidentally, the Bucs entered the League in 1976, the same year the Seahawks settled in Seattle. John Gruden, like Mike Holmgren, was hired away from a good program to resurrect a struggling franchise. Let's see if Holmgren achieves the same success that Gruden saw -- albeit only briefly -- in Tampa Bay.
My prediction is that the Pittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl XL. We're all entitled to an opinion until the game ends, but to help assure you that the prediction I'm offering is sound, let's take a look at how the teams match up in a few key areas.
Quarterback:
Having to choose between Matt Hasselbeck and Ben Roethlisberger is a difficult task. Hasselbeck is a smart pocket passer with plenty of talented receivers to throw to, but Big Ben's strength and concentration should give him a slight edge. (If you think referring to him as "Big Ben" was a cop-out, try typing his last name without looking it up.) Hasselbeck may have more football experience, but in his sophomore season Big Ben has already led the Steelers to four playoff victories. Advantage: Pittsburgh.
Running back:
Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis are two of the more reliable tailbacks in the league, but no one is better than MVP Shaun Alexander. This will be a crucial part of Seattle's game. If Alexander gets enough space to run for 100+ yards, the Steelers will find themselves in a very difficult hole out of which to climb. A big performance from Parker will certainly help the Steelers, but in order for that to make any difference, the defense will have to find a way to slow Alexander down. Advantage: Seattle.
Defense:
Both teams have strong linebacker and secondary units, but the Steelers' workhouse defense deserves the benefit of the doubt. Noticing a good defender takes some concentration, but the great players are great because they will be in on almost every play. You might remember Troy Polamalu for that incorrectly overturned interception against the Colts, but if you watch his highlights you begin to notice he is everywhere on the football field. He gets knocked down, comes up running and still makes the tackle. Seattle's group hits hard, but that tenacious Steelers' defense should be the perfect remedy for keeping Alexander at bay and the game close. Advantage: Pittsburgh.
Coaching:
While Bill Cowher might not have a Super Bowl ring yet, his accomplishments over the past 12 years in Pittsburgh are incredible. What might slip under the radar is the quality of his assistants. Ken Whisenhunt is an unpredictable and effective play caller, so we can expect to see a few creative plays, especially on third down. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau proved he could come up with a game plan to stop the "unstoppable" Peyton Manning. The Steelers will need to show up with a similar strategy to keep Seattle out of the end zone. Mike Holmgren and his staff may have put on a good "How to Stop Steve Smith" clinic a week ago, but slowing the Steelers balanced offense should prove a harder task. Advantage: Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh, the first sixth-seeded team to ever make the Super Bowl, may be the statistical underdogs, but destiny seems to be favoring their cause. The Steelers have made it clear they want to send Jerome Bettis into retirement with a ring on his finger, but it's going to take a smart game plan to keep Seattle from running away with it. Pittsburgh is very capable of doing just that. Super Bowl champion: Pittsburgh.
Whether or not you like either team, be prepared for a good football game. And if that doesn't work out? At least be prepared for a few funny commercials.
