I think you will know all you need to know about this game, by the end of the first quarter.
Can the Steelers knock Warner down consistently?
Is Warner able to beat the pass-rush, and get the ball off?
Pittsburgh has played single coverage on receivers all year… allowing them to keep more defenders in the box to stop the run…. if they double team Fitzgerald, does that allow for more running room for James?
If Pittsburgh double teams Fitzgerald, does that even stop him? Do they get torched on the other-side with Boldin?
Can James give you 20+ carries for 60 yards?
I think you will have answers on all of that by, the end of the first quarter.
Ultimately, I see Pittsburgh scoring at least 24 points… I do not think the Cardinals will be able to stop the Steeler offense… but I could see them forcing a few turnovers… (A Rogers-Cromartie INT return?)….
If these teams had played each other 16 times during the regular season… Pittsburgh would have won 10…. but this is a different Cardinals team… they beat three good teams to get here… and have established a running game.
Arizona can win tonight… but if I believe Pittsburgh will score at least 24 points, I have to believe their defense can hold Arizona to under that total.
I’ll say Pittsburgh 24-Arizona 21.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.