Hey, "Steeler"...
WELCOME!! "Class" fans are ALWAYS welcome here! I have often referenced the Steelers as a starting-point. I've been a Cards' fan for 41+ years and I know that neither team was really successful in the 60's. BUT then came the 70's Noll-era w/Bradshaw, Swann, Harris, Lambert, Ham, and the list goes on. Everything changed in the 70's and the Steelers have never looked back. I consider them a dark-horse every year for the Championship. That's why I look at the Cards now and see a similar starting-point. Stability in the front-office, a core group of hard-working players, and MOST important, EXCELLENT leadership on the side-lines. Add in a beautiful stadium to play in, a run to the Super Bowl, and ALOT of free-agents will be considering playing for the Redbirds. It's no longer, GOD HELP YOU, you're going to Arizona and your career is going to die. THANKFULLY, those days are gone.
As for the game itself?? I don't think the Cards are playing over-their-head. I think they have talent on both sides of the ball and they came together at the right time. Alot of this is about momentum and we clearly have it. Get the snowball up the hill (which is a bear to do) one more nudge, and when it starts rolling down-hill?? Well, you couldn't stop it if you tried. That being said, the Steelers are a force. It might be a close game or the Steelers may win by (10-20). Their "D" is that good! But the Cards have a shot. You can say you can STOP Fitz' but easier said the done. Add in that you've got an angry Boldin playing and he luvs' to hit. He's got (2) weeks to heal now and I think the old "Q" will take the field Sunday.
...And if you forget about Steve Breaston he'll keep the chains moving. The other thing I see is leadership at "key" spots. Warner @ QB/ "Edge" in the backfield/ Adrian Wilson @ safety/ and Karlos Dansby @ linebacker. We've got alot of young guys BUT leadership at the right spots.
For me, personally, it's all a little anti-climactic. Don't get me wrong. I am thrilled beyond words that the Cards in the Super Bowl. ...And I know NO ONE remembers who lost the BIG game. BUT...I grew up in CT. The years of taunting and abuse I took from the NFC EAST fans there was brutal. ...And that's an under-statement. So, to beat the Eagles was particularly satisfying for me. My point is, if the Cards lost to Philly the sentiment would've been, Hey, nice season, etc..... BUT, we WON the NFC!!
We now have a Halas trophy for the showcase. We have (2), possibly (3) banners, that will be hanging from the rafters at UofP. We have ACHEIVED something! ...And it's especially sweet because EVERYONE said we couldn't do it! The confetti "celebration" at the end of the game will forever live in my memory. Life, and sports, is about "moments". So, win or lose, I've already experienced a dream come true. I will say this. The Steelers can make "history" with their 6th Super Bowl Victory. THAT IS AMAZING!! BUT if the Cards win?? They will be mentioned in the same breath with the 69' JETS. KOOL, huh?? Anyways, WELCOME. You'll find ALOT of GREAT people on here. Take Care! Mark