GL Elvis - hope we're on the same side
Was just in the middle of typing a very long analysis of this game and somehow or another it was all erased - not going to go through all over again so here is the juicy stuff
Special teams - huge advantage for Pitt - Reed has rarely missed in the postseason and the kick and punt coverage teams are really good - Berger one of many Steelers who will continue to benefit from extra time off and he will be fine if Pitt is forced to punt ; ) - Zona gave up 13.1 yards per punt return this year, good for 3rd worst in the league, and were 4th worst in kickoff return coverage - Pitt is 4th and 1st in those categories respectively - again, HUGE advantage for Pitt in special teams for this game
Defense - do we even need to discuss this? Zona's defense has been HOT, Steelers defense has been consistently great, even when they were missing BOTH starting cb's for a while - the unit is extremely healthy and very good - once Philly settled in in the NFC Ch game they absolutely scorched the Zona D - the Panthers were completely unprepared to play so I can basically throw that effort out as though I were capping a horse race - also keep in mind that Zona played those 2 games at home where they had incredible crowds - think the D may be in for a tough go today
Offense - a push at best but I give a decided edge to Pitt here as well - Zona put up good #'s against crappy competition and Warner had a great year, but Pitt D may have something to say about their performance today - Pitt as good as they had to be all year but are way healthier now and Fast Willie gives the Steelers a huge advantage in the running game - Big Ben an underrated passer and has a big arm and a lot of targets - granted no Fitz or Boldin but Holmes, Miller, Nate Washington and yes even Limas Sweed (if he can actually hold on to a ball) are all assets Pitt can use to exploit weak Zona pass D - Ward will be a bonus if he can go - Warner will struggle if Pitt can get any pressure at all
Basically we have the best team in football this year (Pitt) up against the flavor of the month (Zona) - seems like people are lining up to throw $$ down on the flavor of the month as well - really don't understand that and is just another in the long list of reasons that I think this may even turn into one of those ugly SB's
So as always, good luck to all no matter which side you're on here - I just hope everyone decides to get on the right one, b/c there will be a LOT of luck needed for NFC backers today imho
LA Burns
