Something is bothering me today.
That thing is how every one in the sports media is jumping all over the two performances by Kobe Bryant and Lebron James had in Madison Square Garden this week. Kobe had 61 points which is the high mark at the hollow MSG and then LBJ came two days later 55 points 11 rebounds 10 assists which was the first 50 point triple-double since 1975. Now the media is going nuts over these performances and according to ESPN "Sports Nation" said both of these performances were better than Willis Reed 1970 Game 7 and Reggie Miller eight point comeback with eight seconds left to win. That is insane.
For those who dont know the story of Reed, he was a star player for the Knicks in the 60s and 70s and in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1970 he had a torn muscle in his thigh which kept him out of game 6. No one expected him to play in game 7 at MSG but he came out to start and scored the first two field goals. BUUUT Kobe and Lebron are better than that, get outta here.
I really should have E tell the story about Reggie Miller but since he isnt here so here we go... Miller score eight points in eight seconds to beat the New York Knicks in game one of the Divisional Playoffs in MSG. Just watch the video and you will see that no one since Miller has been able to do that in a game, playoffs or not. But according to ESPN, Lebron and Kobe are better, wow.
Even Michael Jordan's 55 point performance was more impressive than LBJ and Kobe because he did it against a quality team. I could drop 15 on the Knicks defense right now and I will not tell you had a better performance this week because they dont deserve anymore attention than they have already got.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Marquette Wrap-up at DePaul
I dont know even know if I should call it "at DePaul" because according to my Big East correspdent Mach who attended the game it was 70% Marquette fans. The Golden Eagles kept the streak alive by beating the Blue Demons 76-61 and here's an analysis....
-I felt that this was one of Marquette more sloppier games that we have seen during this winning streak. There were times during the second half where it really didnt seem like the Golden Eagles were trying yet still maintains a ten point lead.
-Marquette jumped out to big lead early because of the first half play by Jerel McNeal... what a surprise right? McNeal is doing it all right now and was seemingly unconciusses from the three point line in the beginning of the game. McNeal stat line at the end of the night... 26 pts 6 assts 5 blks 5 stls 4 rebs. Unreal.
-Marquette at one time was up 30-12 and by the end of the first half it was 42-37. The reasons? Well one was Will Walker from DePaul who finished with 30 but he couldnt miss from anywhere on the court. The other big reason was Buzz Williams' lineup with Jimmy Butler, Mo Acker, and David Cubillian; that isnt the lineup we needed out there but I understand everyone needs rest.
-Speaking of Williams, not once during that run did he call a time out. He let his three senior assistant coaches take care of the team and battle through the adversty. I think that proves how tough this team really is and as Mach said, "Tom Crean-led teams were never that mentally tough."
-Lazar Hayward had another game of his where he just looks lost on the court. I dont know what happens but it just seems once every five games or so just doesnt look the same guy who killed Georgetown/Notre Dame. Hayward I am sure will be fine on Friday but his inconsistancy worries me.
-After bringing it as close as 5, Marquette locked down on defense and didnt let DePaul get any closer than 8 in the second half. That would definetly something Marquette should hang their hats for just shutting down Walker and the rest of the Blue Deamons in the second half.
-No floor slaps on Tuesday, they really werent needed but I did do two for Arizona on Sunday night.
-Big game on Friday in South Beach. That place is a death trap for anyone who comes there so lets hope its not that way for the Golden Eagles.
-Charlie.
-I felt that this was one of Marquette more sloppier games that we have seen during this winning streak. There were times during the second half where it really didnt seem like the Golden Eagles were trying yet still maintains a ten point lead.
-Marquette jumped out to big lead early because of the first half play by Jerel McNeal... what a surprise right? McNeal is doing it all right now and was seemingly unconciusses from the three point line in the beginning of the game. McNeal stat line at the end of the night... 26 pts 6 assts 5 blks 5 stls 4 rebs. Unreal.
-Marquette at one time was up 30-12 and by the end of the first half it was 42-37. The reasons? Well one was Will Walker from DePaul who finished with 30 but he couldnt miss from anywhere on the court. The other big reason was Buzz Williams' lineup with Jimmy Butler, Mo Acker, and David Cubillian; that isnt the lineup we needed out there but I understand everyone needs rest.
-Speaking of Williams, not once during that run did he call a time out. He let his three senior assistant coaches take care of the team and battle through the adversty. I think that proves how tough this team really is and as Mach said, "Tom Crean-led teams were never that mentally tough."
-Lazar Hayward had another game of his where he just looks lost on the court. I dont know what happens but it just seems once every five games or so just doesnt look the same guy who killed Georgetown/Notre Dame. Hayward I am sure will be fine on Friday but his inconsistancy worries me.
-After bringing it as close as 5, Marquette locked down on defense and didnt let DePaul get any closer than 8 in the second half. That would definetly something Marquette should hang their hats for just shutting down Walker and the rest of the Blue Deamons in the second half.
-No floor slaps on Tuesday, they really werent needed but I did do two for Arizona on Sunday night.
-Big game on Friday in South Beach. That place is a death trap for anyone who comes there so lets hope its not that way for the Golden Eagles.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Rest of the Week in College Basketball
Once again, I have been very slow to get things out to the wonderful people who read this blog but I will probably give another article after this one too. I am hoping to get out an NBA mid-season review started in the next couple days as well. I will recap shortly about last night and my insights on the upcoming big games this week.
Monday:
1. Connecticut 68 7. Louisville 51- I was happy that this game was a snoozefest so I could watch 24 right on schedule but anyways I am starting to believe in the Huskies more than ever before. I always believed that Hasheem Thabeet is softer than a roll of Charmin paper towl but in the last couple games, he has come on strong. Last night also proved why Terrence Williams cannot do it all, if the Cards want to go deep in the tourney they will need guys like Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels to step up.
24. Kansas 75 Baylor 65- Dont look now but the defending National Champs are now 7-0 in Big 12 play riding a seven game winning streak. Sheron Collins is the fastest player not named Ty Lawson and is becoming impossible to stop off the dribble. Baylor on the other hand has looked like paper tigers in the last couple weeks and their hopes for a tourney bid could be dwindling.
Tuesday:
13. Purdue at Ohio State- A pretty solid Big Ten matchup tonight as the Boilermakers who are playing very strong right now take on an up-down Buckeye team on the road tonight. I can only hope Mark "the Shark" Titus gets interviewed tonight but as with a lot of my Ohio State predictions, it will come down who steps up tonight other than B.J. Mullins and Evan Turner. I think they lose tonight by a slight margin, just not having enough. PURDUE 68-62
Wednesday:
West Virgina at 20. Syracuse- The Orange have hit some tough times in the past couple weeks being without superb bench player Andy Rautins and a banged-up Arizine Onauku and with a big game with Villanova looming, they need this win so they could use a big day out of one/two of the Big Three. The Mountaineers pushed Louisville to the edge last week and have the talent to beat the Orange. But Jim Boeheim will have his boys ready and they pull away late. CUSE 74-70
6. Wake Forest at Miami- You can tell that Wake is a young team because they are not able to handle big wins. After beating North Carolina and Duke this year, they have laid eggs the next game against both the Techs (Virgina, Georgia) and the U has been the most disappointing team this year for me personally. While I think this will be a good game, I think the Demon Deacons will come fired up and win this one. WAKE 79-70
16. Villanova at Providence- Another great Big East matchup as the Friars try to prove they belong with the big boys in the conference. Keno Davis has done a great job so far but after seeing them get stomped by the Huskies I had some concern if they were legit. They will need a big effort out of their backcourt if they want to win this one and I see them coming up short against a red-hot Wildcat team. NOVA 82-72
19. Minnesota at 13. Michigan State- The premier Big Ten matchup this week and the Spartans are the most confusing team in college basketball. They have a five game winning streak on the road but have lost two in a row at home. Now if Raymar Morgan doesnt play, I dont like State's chances but if he does, I think they will win. I am guessing in a big game like this, Morgan will be a go for Wednesday. MSU 69-64
3. Duke at 10. Clemson- What a Wednesday night lineup this is, holy crap. Another great game that showcases a team in Duke who needs to find a third scorer while this is the type of game the Tigers have to win to prove that they are legit. I think what will happen is this game will be a battle throughout but in the end, Travis Booker is too much for the Blue Devils. CLEM 84-82
Thursday:
20. Illinois at Wisconsin- This is really the only game I care about on Thursday and I agree with Doz that if the Badgers can win, they may be able to turn around their season although this game will be a battle. In round 1, the Badgers couldnt penetrate to save their souls and Demetri McCarney couldnt miss so if Wisconsin can figure out both situations they can win and I will give them a little love, they break the streak. UW 54-51
-Charlie.
Monday:
1. Connecticut 68 7. Louisville 51- I was happy that this game was a snoozefest so I could watch 24 right on schedule but anyways I am starting to believe in the Huskies more than ever before. I always believed that Hasheem Thabeet is softer than a roll of Charmin paper towl but in the last couple games, he has come on strong. Last night also proved why Terrence Williams cannot do it all, if the Cards want to go deep in the tourney they will need guys like Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels to step up.
24. Kansas 75 Baylor 65- Dont look now but the defending National Champs are now 7-0 in Big 12 play riding a seven game winning streak. Sheron Collins is the fastest player not named Ty Lawson and is becoming impossible to stop off the dribble. Baylor on the other hand has looked like paper tigers in the last couple weeks and their hopes for a tourney bid could be dwindling.
Tuesday:
13. Purdue at Ohio State- A pretty solid Big Ten matchup tonight as the Boilermakers who are playing very strong right now take on an up-down Buckeye team on the road tonight. I can only hope Mark "the Shark" Titus gets interviewed tonight but as with a lot of my Ohio State predictions, it will come down who steps up tonight other than B.J. Mullins and Evan Turner. I think they lose tonight by a slight margin, just not having enough. PURDUE 68-62
Wednesday:
West Virgina at 20. Syracuse- The Orange have hit some tough times in the past couple weeks being without superb bench player Andy Rautins and a banged-up Arizine Onauku and with a big game with Villanova looming, they need this win so they could use a big day out of one/two of the Big Three. The Mountaineers pushed Louisville to the edge last week and have the talent to beat the Orange. But Jim Boeheim will have his boys ready and they pull away late. CUSE 74-70
6. Wake Forest at Miami- You can tell that Wake is a young team because they are not able to handle big wins. After beating North Carolina and Duke this year, they have laid eggs the next game against both the Techs (Virgina, Georgia) and the U has been the most disappointing team this year for me personally. While I think this will be a good game, I think the Demon Deacons will come fired up and win this one. WAKE 79-70
16. Villanova at Providence- Another great Big East matchup as the Friars try to prove they belong with the big boys in the conference. Keno Davis has done a great job so far but after seeing them get stomped by the Huskies I had some concern if they were legit. They will need a big effort out of their backcourt if they want to win this one and I see them coming up short against a red-hot Wildcat team. NOVA 82-72
19. Minnesota at 13. Michigan State- The premier Big Ten matchup this week and the Spartans are the most confusing team in college basketball. They have a five game winning streak on the road but have lost two in a row at home. Now if Raymar Morgan doesnt play, I dont like State's chances but if he does, I think they will win. I am guessing in a big game like this, Morgan will be a go for Wednesday. MSU 69-64
3. Duke at 10. Clemson- What a Wednesday night lineup this is, holy crap. Another great game that showcases a team in Duke who needs to find a third scorer while this is the type of game the Tigers have to win to prove that they are legit. I think what will happen is this game will be a battle throughout but in the end, Travis Booker is too much for the Blue Devils. CLEM 84-82
Thursday:
20. Illinois at Wisconsin- This is really the only game I care about on Thursday and I agree with Doz that if the Badgers can win, they may be able to turn around their season although this game will be a battle. In round 1, the Badgers couldnt penetrate to save their souls and Demetri McCarney couldnt miss so if Wisconsin can figure out both situations they can win and I will give them a little love, they break the streak. UW 54-51
-Charlie.
Michael Phelps Swims in Bongwater
Everyone is making a big deal of America's Golden Boy Michael Phelps taking a rather large bong hit out of a smoking pipe usually for smoking marijuana. That was a song about smoking weed and now here are the pics... According to the article source said, "You could tell Michael had smoked before. He grabbed the bong and lighter, knew exactly what to do." They also said he was just hammered every night visiting a lady friend in South Carolina.
I think this just another issue of the media is making a big deal out of something that isnt really that critical especially now that the Columbia, South Carolina Police are thinking of charging Phelps with a crime is just absurd. This an absolute PR nightmare for Phelps whose been in trouble before as he was picturing groping women in Las Vegas as well. In my opinion, here is what should happen.
This will contradict something I will say later in this article but for a person to blindly think that marijuana use doesnt happened around 97% of college campuses across America is ridiculous. Thats not to see every one is Cheech and Chong, but it does happen. It was stated in the article that Phelps was hammered drunk and the center of attention. People wanted him to everything and anything so it only seemed right to these students for him to take a bong hit. Phelps being on the suds team that night went for it. You do stupid shit when your drunk, it happens.
Phelps is arguably the best Olympic athlete in the last twenty years since Michael Johnson for sure plus he might even be the best US Olympian ever and because of that the IOC/endorsements have supported him so far. If I were Phelps, I would just hit up as many media outlets as I can and admit that it is wrong thing to do plus add in a speaking tour explaining the dangers of drugs to children anywhere from elementary to high school. No punishment if when drug tested it comes up negative nothing to the extreme.
-Charlie.
I think this just another issue of the media is making a big deal out of something that isnt really that critical especially now that the Columbia, South Carolina Police are thinking of charging Phelps with a crime is just absurd. This an absolute PR nightmare for Phelps whose been in trouble before as he was picturing groping women in Las Vegas as well. In my opinion, here is what should happen.
This will contradict something I will say later in this article but for a person to blindly think that marijuana use doesnt happened around 97% of college campuses across America is ridiculous. Thats not to see every one is Cheech and Chong, but it does happen. It was stated in the article that Phelps was hammered drunk and the center of attention. People wanted him to everything and anything so it only seemed right to these students for him to take a bong hit. Phelps being on the suds team that night went for it. You do stupid shit when your drunk, it happens.
Phelps is arguably the best Olympic athlete in the last twenty years since Michael Johnson for sure plus he might even be the best US Olympian ever and because of that the IOC/endorsements have supported him so far. If I were Phelps, I would just hit up as many media outlets as I can and admit that it is wrong thing to do plus add in a speaking tour explaining the dangers of drugs to children anywhere from elementary to high school. No punishment if when drug tested it comes up negative nothing to the extreme.
-Charlie.
The Ultimate Super Bowl Wrap-up
Once again, a bit late but trust me it was worth it because this Super Bowl had everything that a casual sports fan would ask for in the last thirty minutes but honestly, the third quarter was worst than my roommate's state of mind on Friday. It was a rollercoaster... not of love but of a emotions as the Steelers win 27-23
-What can be said about the quarterback play for both teams? Kurt Warner who couldnt complete a pass if his life depended on in through about the first two and half quarters but all the sudden, he started looking like Teen Wolf out there. Just a man possessed. Big Ben (no last name because i dont feel like looking up that last name) is one of the best scrambler without actually running and he made every big pass needed. I mean when the holding was called he made a very nice pass to Santonio Holmes.
-One thing we talked about in the Super Bowl Preview was would the Cardinals be able to run the ball and it was the same thing with the Steelers. Neither happened, both teams could barely run the ball and it hurt both teams.
-The matchup we looked at all week was Larry Fitzgerald versus Troy Polamalu and the rest of the Steeler secondary. They were playing a cloud over Fitz most of the first half and it didnt seem like they would be able to get him the ball. Then when Warner started turning into Teen Wolf, it was Fitz who benefited. He just started catching everything in sight and he has became a superstar overnight.
-The craziest thing about the game was the fact Fitz wasnt the best reciever... that was Santonio Holmes who caught all four passes on the final drive including one of the toughest touchdowns I have seen in awhile. Holmes had three defenders surrounding him and Big Ben placed it perfectly so only Holmes could catch. My buddy Brett being the leader of the LBJ Fan Club announced Holmes is a special guest after his endzone celebration. For most of the game, he made the talented rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromatrie as Clifford Franklin would say his "ho." He would of had another TD catch if Big Ben throws a good ball. Holmes is a gamebreaker and proved that to the fullest last night.
-I felt that the officiating was shotty at best. The refs made some very questionable calls on the Cardinals... see Adrian Wilson running over Mitch Berger (he couldnt stop!) or Karlos Dansby roughing the passer (Big Ben won an Oscar for that one). I thought the fumble was the right call though; LaMarr Woodley swipe the ball from his hand and Warner was beginning to launch the ball although he never came forward therefore it was a fumble. I really think this is the outlet for non-Steeler fans to bitch, get over it.
-I dont know if I want to be mad at all of the personal fouls or just realize that the emotions were running so high that it was just natural. I thought that Ike Taylor who went to Swagger College if you didnt know, sideline punch on the Cardinals bench was worse than James Harrison plowing over his man on Special teams. I think both of them deserve a definite fine and one of them could use a suspension for the first game of the 2009 season.
Some other great Super Bowl Moments...
-Watched them game with five buddies of mine and one of them, E is proving to me why he isnt a true American after falling asleep in the first half because he had too much soda the night before. Second straight year this has happened, second straight year its been a classic. Keep feedin' him soda!
-My buddy Brett said this game was over a bunch of times and every time something big would happened. Brett was spot on with his predictions.
-Best commercial of the night: Careerbulider; If a Koala gets punched with glasses saying "Oh Dear!" it has to be funny.
-Some people didnt like Bruce Springsteen but the Boss brought the house down in my opinon, just great. The Boss pelvic thrust into the camera was the most intentionally funny thing of the night by far.
Until next year...
-Charlie.
-What can be said about the quarterback play for both teams? Kurt Warner who couldnt complete a pass if his life depended on in through about the first two and half quarters but all the sudden, he started looking like Teen Wolf out there. Just a man possessed. Big Ben (no last name because i dont feel like looking up that last name) is one of the best scrambler without actually running and he made every big pass needed. I mean when the holding was called he made a very nice pass to Santonio Holmes.
-One thing we talked about in the Super Bowl Preview was would the Cardinals be able to run the ball and it was the same thing with the Steelers. Neither happened, both teams could barely run the ball and it hurt both teams.
-The matchup we looked at all week was Larry Fitzgerald versus Troy Polamalu and the rest of the Steeler secondary. They were playing a cloud over Fitz most of the first half and it didnt seem like they would be able to get him the ball. Then when Warner started turning into Teen Wolf, it was Fitz who benefited. He just started catching everything in sight and he has became a superstar overnight.
-The craziest thing about the game was the fact Fitz wasnt the best reciever... that was Santonio Holmes who caught all four passes on the final drive including one of the toughest touchdowns I have seen in awhile. Holmes had three defenders surrounding him and Big Ben placed it perfectly so only Holmes could catch. My buddy Brett being the leader of the LBJ Fan Club announced Holmes is a special guest after his endzone celebration. For most of the game, he made the talented rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromatrie as Clifford Franklin would say his "ho." He would of had another TD catch if Big Ben throws a good ball. Holmes is a gamebreaker and proved that to the fullest last night.
-I felt that the officiating was shotty at best. The refs made some very questionable calls on the Cardinals... see Adrian Wilson running over Mitch Berger (he couldnt stop!) or Karlos Dansby roughing the passer (Big Ben won an Oscar for that one). I thought the fumble was the right call though; LaMarr Woodley swipe the ball from his hand and Warner was beginning to launch the ball although he never came forward therefore it was a fumble. I really think this is the outlet for non-Steeler fans to bitch, get over it.
-I dont know if I want to be mad at all of the personal fouls or just realize that the emotions were running so high that it was just natural. I thought that Ike Taylor who went to Swagger College if you didnt know, sideline punch on the Cardinals bench was worse than James Harrison plowing over his man on Special teams. I think both of them deserve a definite fine and one of them could use a suspension for the first game of the 2009 season.
Some other great Super Bowl Moments...
-Watched them game with five buddies of mine and one of them, E is proving to me why he isnt a true American after falling asleep in the first half because he had too much soda the night before. Second straight year this has happened, second straight year its been a classic. Keep feedin' him soda!
-My buddy Brett said this game was over a bunch of times and every time something big would happened. Brett was spot on with his predictions.
-Best commercial of the night: Careerbulider; If a Koala gets punched with glasses saying "Oh Dear!" it has to be funny.
-Some people didnt like Bruce Springsteen but the Boss brought the house down in my opinon, just great. The Boss pelvic thrust into the camera was the most intentionally funny thing of the night by far.
Until next year...
-Charlie.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Your Late Marquette Wrap Up versus Georgetown
Sorry to all who have been waiting for my blog posts. I was trying to get alot of homework out of the way today and didnt really find the time. So lets start with the Marquette game and a great song....
-First off, this game not being on ESPN/ESPN2/Classic/The Ocho whatever channel it could be on, it was a crime. My feed for the game on ESPN360 finally came in when Marquette made their original run in the first half so consider me good luck.
-Jerel McNeal is playing like the Big East Player of the Year and at best, a second team All-American. He is doing it all right now for the Golden Eagles and I havent seen many players that have been better than McNeal in this current streak. McNeal's line... 26 pts. 11 asst. 3 blks 5 stls, good God.
-Wes Matthews seemed to always happens to have huge second half whenever he is needed. He had 18 pts in the second half plus made some clutch plays on the defensive side of the ball. Once again, he really had an all-around good game.
-Lazar Hayward is proving to be a matchup nightmare for teams in the Big East right now. Guys like Greg Monroe and Shrek get wore down by the end of the game plus you really cant play their second best big man on Hayward.
-A quick note on the Hoyas... I havent seen a better passing big man than Monroe in a long time. He is a complete stud in the major facets of the game and will be a top ten draft pick next year if he comes out.
-The crowd according to my dad and Mach was completely electric and even on my shitty computer feed I could tell it was rockin'. Probably the best its been in awhile.
-My dad sent me an email with his own report of the game and he quoted the late great Al McGuire "Regardless of wins/losses, my job is to fill the 4 corner seats in the upper level – a totally packed house today."
-Charlie.
-First off, this game not being on ESPN/ESPN2/Classic/The Ocho whatever channel it could be on, it was a crime. My feed for the game on ESPN360 finally came in when Marquette made their original run in the first half so consider me good luck.
-Jerel McNeal is playing like the Big East Player of the Year and at best, a second team All-American. He is doing it all right now for the Golden Eagles and I havent seen many players that have been better than McNeal in this current streak. McNeal's line... 26 pts. 11 asst. 3 blks 5 stls, good God.
-Wes Matthews seemed to always happens to have huge second half whenever he is needed. He had 18 pts in the second half plus made some clutch plays on the defensive side of the ball. Once again, he really had an all-around good game.
-Lazar Hayward is proving to be a matchup nightmare for teams in the Big East right now. Guys like Greg Monroe and Shrek get wore down by the end of the game plus you really cant play their second best big man on Hayward.
-A quick note on the Hoyas... I havent seen a better passing big man than Monroe in a long time. He is a complete stud in the major facets of the game and will be a top ten draft pick next year if he comes out.
-The crowd according to my dad and Mach was completely electric and even on my shitty computer feed I could tell it was rockin'. Probably the best its been in awhile.
-My dad sent me an email with his own report of the game and he quoted the late great Al McGuire "Regardless of wins/losses, my job is to fill the 4 corner seats in the upper level – a totally packed house today."
-Charlie.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Super Bowl Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Here it is what we have all been waiting for the past two weeks: The Super Bowl. A matchup between two teams; one that was expected to make a run at the World Championship and the other who no one would have guessed would be here so I will hit a few quick points to watch and give a final prediction.
Arizona:
Havent we learned our lesson yet?
-Kurt Warner has always been able to defy the odds that everyone puts in front of him and its foolish of us to bet against him after all this time. When no one expected St. Louis to do it, they did and they were a field goal from winning the Super Bowl again, this time being the favorite. Warner is the underdog in this situation again and could have another ring on his finger. No matter what happens on Sunday night; Kurt Warner is a bonafide Hall of Famer.
Do they have the Edge?
-The reason the Cardinals are in the Super Bowl plain and simple is the improved running game all of the sudden with the re-emergence of the Edgerrin James who said he almost quit the team because he wasnt getting carries. Pittsburgh has the best defense especially on the aspect of running. They dont need a big carries tomorrow but just a couple big gains to open up the pass game.
Can O-Line Handle the Rush?
-They have no big name lineman but that might not matter. They are coached by Russ Grimm whose one of the best coaches in the business so who knows. They havent seen a rush quite like this one though. Warner has had great protection all throughout the playoffs and will need it badly tomorrow.
Pittsburgh:
Does Big Ben step up?
-This is something that Pittsburgh will need to win this game tomorrow. If Big Ben is on, I really find it hard to pick against the Steelers. If he takes over the game instead of manages the game; it will be a blowout trust me.
Does the running game show up?
-Its basically the same thing with Arizona as they will need somewhat of a running game and if they dont have it they are in trouble. The Steelers had it in the divisional playoff but they didnt have it in the championship. Willie Parker is another huge key to for success.
The best secondary versus the best receiving core.
- This could go in either category but seriously this is what I am most excited for is to see Larry Fitzgerald (who has made himself into a superstar) and Anquan Boldin versus Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. It will be the best matchup of the Super Bowl and if Polamulu can hold these guys in check, it will be game over.
Prediction:
In my opinion, this will be a better game than people think it will be. I think the media including me didnt believe in Pittsburgh all year (look at all picks on how I ripped them) or how people didnt believe Arizona in the playoffs so the "No Respect" aspect is out the window. The receivers of the Cardinals and the secondary of the Steelers will even out. Finally, my pick... I think the Steelers will win because they will be able to contain the running game of Arizona and Parker will be able to run the ball resulting in a win. PITT 24-17
-Charlie.
Arizona:
Havent we learned our lesson yet?
-Kurt Warner has always been able to defy the odds that everyone puts in front of him and its foolish of us to bet against him after all this time. When no one expected St. Louis to do it, they did and they were a field goal from winning the Super Bowl again, this time being the favorite. Warner is the underdog in this situation again and could have another ring on his finger. No matter what happens on Sunday night; Kurt Warner is a bonafide Hall of Famer.
Do they have the Edge?
-The reason the Cardinals are in the Super Bowl plain and simple is the improved running game all of the sudden with the re-emergence of the Edgerrin James who said he almost quit the team because he wasnt getting carries. Pittsburgh has the best defense especially on the aspect of running. They dont need a big carries tomorrow but just a couple big gains to open up the pass game.
Can O-Line Handle the Rush?
-They have no big name lineman but that might not matter. They are coached by Russ Grimm whose one of the best coaches in the business so who knows. They havent seen a rush quite like this one though. Warner has had great protection all throughout the playoffs and will need it badly tomorrow.
Pittsburgh:
Does Big Ben step up?
-This is something that Pittsburgh will need to win this game tomorrow. If Big Ben is on, I really find it hard to pick against the Steelers. If he takes over the game instead of manages the game; it will be a blowout trust me.
Does the running game show up?
-Its basically the same thing with Arizona as they will need somewhat of a running game and if they dont have it they are in trouble. The Steelers had it in the divisional playoff but they didnt have it in the championship. Willie Parker is another huge key to for success.
The best secondary versus the best receiving core.
- This could go in either category but seriously this is what I am most excited for is to see Larry Fitzgerald (who has made himself into a superstar) and Anquan Boldin versus Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. It will be the best matchup of the Super Bowl and if Polamulu can hold these guys in check, it will be game over.
Prediction:
In my opinion, this will be a better game than people think it will be. I think the media including me didnt believe in Pittsburgh all year (look at all picks on how I ripped them) or how people didnt believe Arizona in the playoffs so the "No Respect" aspect is out the window. The receivers of the Cardinals and the secondary of the Steelers will even out. Finally, my pick... I think the Steelers will win because they will be able to contain the running game of Arizona and Parker will be able to run the ball resulting in a win. PITT 24-17
-Charlie.
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