It's now game day. It's SuperBowl XL. Extra Large.
All week I've been listening to and reading people saying the Steelers are going to win. It's about a 3-1 ratio of those who lay it on the line and explain the Xs-and-Os analysis behind their vote of confidence.
Wait, there is no analysis.
The only football-related reason that's been given - and I mean the only reason - is that the Steelers have an edge on defense. An edge.
It’s also not true.
The Steelers have played well these last few games, after a mid-season sleep-walking episode. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have played at a much higher level all season. They've played weaker teams? Sometimes, yes. They've also done what they're supposed to do - beat them. 13-3, including a late-season loss to the Packers after they had every advantage cinched up.
And they've scored more points than any other team in the NFL.
And they led the league in sacks.
And Matt Hasselbeck was the least-sacked QB in the league.
And they have the league's MVP.
And they have the league's rushing leader.
Many people can be forgiven during the season for not knowing about the Seahawks. They haven't seen them all year. Who knows, right? But, that excuse no longer applies and it really never applies to sports reporters and those others whose job it is to pay attention to the game.
Well, these same people know little about the Steelers. However, they KNOW Pittsburgh is going to dominate (37-10 was one prediction). These are the reasons I've heard for picking the Steelers and thinking they're going to win:
- These things are cyclical
- It just seems like it's their time
- The worst team in the AFC could beat the Seahawks.
- Coach Cowher deserves it
- It would be the perfect cap to Jerome Bettis' career
- Pittsburg is a better football town.
- Real winners don't wear teal.
Ok, I made the last one up, but all have the exact same attachment to reality. None.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Joanie
I'm all for the Seahawks. Craig Ferguson said, "don't most birds fly south for the winter?", meaning he predicts the Steelers will win. I will respectfully disagree with him.
2 - Temple Stark
Disagree with Craiggers? Wow.
Of coure, if it was any other year in the last 24 they would be in some warmer South city.
3 - Natalie Davis
I too am expecting a Seahawks win, for all of the reasons cited in the article. Of course, I am hoping for Seattle to take it for an emotional reason - the Pittsburgh Steelers, AFC or no, make me ill.
4 - MCH
Pittsburgh Steelers 27,
Seattle Seahawks 17.
5 - Temple Stark
good reasoning there MCH ;-)
6 - MCH
Oh, reasoning. OK, well, I'm still ahead after what I made on them in the '70s, I'm not gonna switch now.
7 - Temple Stark
Gawd, i would hope not.
Anyone sick of the Pizza Hut bite size Jessica Simpson commercial, yet. As I type, it's at least the fifth time it's been on.
I'm out until after the game now. Friends deserve to have their drinking skills photographed.
8 - Guppusmaximus
I still like that saying that anything can happen on Gameday!!! Me personally...I love the Steelers and it's gonna be a Kick ASS Game. Here's two real reasons why the Steelers may upset Seattle:
1.)First 6th seed team in NFL history to bury the 1st & 2nd seeded teams!!
2.)Troy Polamalu #43
9 - Matthew T. Sussman
I am on record in the L.A. Times calling a 21-20 Seahawks victory.
10 - RJ Elliott
14-3, Pittsburgh ahead, third quarter...
11 - RJ Elliott
BTW, I predicted the Steelers by 6...
12 - CK Johnson
After watching the first half of the Super Bowl today, it is clear that the huge gambling enterprise has once again bought and paid for the officials of the game. What a disgraceful way for the Steelers to have to win.
13 - Guppusmaximus
OH YEAH!!! Read it and Weep.... 21-10
Seahawks SUCK!!
14 - Temple Stark
G-max? Don't act retarded.
There wer some sh***ty calls. Every time the commentators said "bad call against Seahawks."
However, Seattle didn't score enough. They lost.
Does anyone really think the Steelers played that well?
15 - MCH
"BTW, I predicted the Steelers by 6..."
...after you predicted they wouldn't make the playoffs...
16 - Temple Stark
FLIP FLOP !!!!!!!!!
:-)
I am a past master at putting a brave face on disappointment. And I shall, again.
17 - RogerMDillon
Quite possibly the worst officated game I've ever seen, but I doubt that jackass Joey Porter will have a problem with the refs this time. They altered the game on two drives that would have led to 14 points for Seattle. It's an embarrassment to the league and has me thinking about blowing off next year's game. I didn't care about the outcome and won money on the game, so I'm not bitter.
18 - Natalie Davis
The game belonged to the Steelers before the kickoff took place. Yeah, there were some terrible calls. In the end, though, Seattle barely showed up for the second half, and let's not forget the blown opportunities in the first. The odds were against them from the get-go, but make no mistake, Seattle is the reason Seattle lost. Not that the Steelers have much to be proud of (though that 73-yard run, though painful for this Seahawks booster to see, was a beaut), but even winning ugly is a win in football. Having a hard time consoling the son-unit, though; the refs really offended his sense of justice.
19 - fos
Natalie, This is the only time I agree with you. You nailed it. Congradulations. Don't ever expect this kindness again from me. Temple Stark, did this cost you a few bucks? Hope not. If I was a gambleing man I think Natalie would be my go-to guy. Place your bets gentleman. fos
20 - MT
Uh, you were saying Temple? How about this -- Steelers 21 Seahawks 10! Put that in your pipe.
21 - Tom Cogley
seattwho seawho? Go Steelers.
22 - Ray
As a 'Burger and an Asian, Steelers ROCK and so does Hines Ward! WTG!
23 - Mark Saleski
i really enjoyed the burger king ad.
oh, and the game was kinda ugly.
24 - The Game
Ha ha ... wrong prediction! GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
25 - Guppusmaximus
Hey Temple... Don't use that word towards me you f*cking punk!! My brother has Down Syndrome and I don't appreciate the insult especially from a so-called pc blogcritic. As for your shitty Seahawks and your shitty prediction...."Insert Foot..."