This matchup is completely in the favor of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[Sandan]

Per Dilfer on Sando

Dilfer: "This matchup is completely in the favor of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I understand the incredible playoff run that [Larry] Fitzgerald's had. I understand what the Cardinals are doing offensively. They've found balance and Todd Haley is calling great plays, but, as I watch the tape, nowhere do I find an area where the Arizona Cardinals have an advantage -- not in talent, but in scheme.


"Everything the Pittsburgh Steelers do matches up great against the Arizona Cardinals. They don't fear the huge vertical threat by Larry Fitzgerald because they understand how to play this type of defense. ... If they can only commit seven to the run game and play two safeties, they know how to take away the perimeter receiver. If Kurt Warner wants to try to force him the ball early, this game can get away from the Cardinals real quick.

 

[Hughc]

There have been many teams that were far larger underdogs than the Cards in the Super Bowl era; from the Jets in SB 3, to Denver vs Green Bay, to the Patriots vs the Greatest Show On Turf, to the Giants last year, that had 'no chance' to win. As far as his analysis, did Dilfer even watch any of the playoff games?

 

[Jersey Girl]

Dilfer = Cardinals hater

 

[Jersey Girl]

You know, I had a conversation with my brother (an Eagles fan) today. (First time we really spoke since Sunday.) He is not dumb and is a Cardinals sympathizer.

We talked about the calls (PI possibility on Hood with Curtis and the botched kick outta bounds call). Then we talked about teams in general. We talked about the importance of a running game. And I mentioned how, yeah, a running game is important to win, but, wow, what other team has had wide receiving core like the Cards? This is something new to the SB.

I think that is part of the reason why the sportcasters can't/don't give us a chance. Yeah, I am concerned about Polamalu. Yeah Ike Taylor is dangerous. So is Hines Ward and Big Ben. But welcome to my team, world. We have weapons, too.

Better recognize. Or don't. The latter is better for us.

 

[SteelersDave]

You should just not even show up, you have no chance at all. Just give us the trophy so I can be saved from a potential heart attack lol.
Dilfer is a moron.

 

[red desert]

You know, I had a conversation with my brother (an Eagles fan) today. (First time we really spoke since Sunday.) He is not dumb and is a Cardinals sympathizer.

We talked about the calls (PI possibility on Hood with Curtis and the botched kick outta bounds call). Then we talked about teams in general. We talked about the importance of a running game. And I mentioned how, yeah, a running game is important to win, but, wow, what other team has had wide receiving core like the Cards? This is something new to the SB.

I think that is part of the reason why the sportcasters can't/don't give us a chance. Yeah, I am concerned about Polamalu. Yeah Ike Taylor is dangerous. So is Hines Ward and Big Ben. But welcome to my team, world. We have weapons, too.

Better recognize. Or don't. The latter is better for us.

Great post.

You are rapidly becoming one of my favorite posters.

Go Cards!

 

[IAWarnerFan]

You should just not even show up, you have no chance at all. Just give us the trophy so I can be saved from a potential heart attack lol.
Dilfer is a moron.

Thanks SD and well put too!

 

[TheHopToad]

Didn't they also say the matchups were in favor of the Falcons, and then the Panthers, and then the Eagles?

We got them right where we want them...

 

[VaBeachGuy]

Go to the bank on this one, this one is 100% the truth...

The Patriots will defeat the Giants and go 19-0. The greatest football team in all history!! No way Eli Manning can beat the Patriots! Book it!

 

[Preacher]

Dilfer is correct in the Steelers knowing how to scheme against the stretching the field.

But it is quite foolish to diminish the talent of Warner, fitzgerald, and others.

Heck, I remember a NUMBER of teams my Steelers weren't supposed to beat either. Neither in 2005, nor this year.

That is why the game is played.

 

[rode kardinaal]

In the Atlanta game there was 1 deep ball, in the Carolina game there was only 1, as well as in the Philly game. This guy acts like all we do is throw the ball as deep as possible. How many times have we seen a short crossing route by Fitz go for 20+ or more? Against guys like Asante Samuel?

To quote SteelersDave: Dilfer is a moron.

 

[LukesDad88]

The other problem is that Dilfer is only concentrating on one side of the ball. Your O vs. our D. The bigger question will be Steelers offense vs. Cardinals defense. Our offense has had a spotty history this year. So has your defense. Yes, both have shown up in the playoffs, but you can't just toss everything from the regular season out the window.

 

[Perfectionist]

The other problem is that Dilfer is only concentrating on one side of the ball. Your O vs. our D. The bigger question will be Steelers offense vs. Cardinals defense. Our offense has had a spotty history this year. So has your defense. Yes, both have shown up in the playoffs, but you can't just toss everything from the regular season out the window.

Thank goodness the Cardinals pretty well did!

 

[LukesDad88]

And thank goodness the Steeler offense did as well. Still, that is the same defensive unit of the Cardinals that faltered and gave up huge numbers of points to lesser teams. It's also the same Steelers offensive unit that screwed up and gave away games that it should have won to Tennessee, the Giants, and Indianapolis. Both teams have gotten past that, but both teams fans should have concerns that those respective units could revert back to their earlier performances as well. If both units maintain what they've done, it's going to be a heck of a game. If one or the other reverts, not so much. If both revert... well that would be interesting, too.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

LOL Dilfer probably said the same thing before the Cardinals and Steelers played last year!

 

[Trophytown]

There have been many teams that were far larger underdogs than the Cards in the Super Bowl era; from the Jets in SB 3, to Denver vs Green Bay, to the Patriots vs the Greatest Show On Turf, to the Giants last year, that had 'no chance' to win. As far as his analysis, did Dilfer even watch any of the playoff games?

The one thing those teams (underdogs) had in common was that they had balance on offense and in the case of Denver, NE vs St Louis, and the Giants is those teams had very good defenses who were lined up across the ball from very potent pass-oriented offenses.

 

[TigToad]

The Cardinals 'vertical' passing game that is so different and hard to defense isn't the deep bomb down the field... its the fact our receivers are tall, have great hands and can JUMP (vertically). The yards after the catch is bonus.

I agree the Steelers match up very well against the Cardinals. I'll go ahead and watch the game anyway and we'll just have to see

 

[Spielman]

The other problem is that Dilfer is only concentrating on one side of the ball. Your O vs. our D. The bigger question will be Steelers offense vs. Cardinals defense. Our offense has had a spotty history this year. So has your defense.

Yup. That's where the wild swings are gonna happen. I think the Steelers D will do a very good job against the Cardinals O, but the Cards will generate some points anyway since they're also very good.

The other side... the Steelers could gash them with several big plays, have a huge day and have a blowout, and I wouldn't be surprised. Ben could throw two pick-sixes among four turnovers and I wouldn't be surprised by that either. That part is very unpredictable.