The Super Bowl Pick

I'm going to attempt a pre-game post here, but I just haven't had time to read as much analysis as I'd like and frankly, I really don't know what to think after both teams dismantled their opponents in the conference title games. But here's the deal, since I started predicting games on this blog I'm a perfect 4-0 in choosing the winners and also 4-0 against the spread (in games where I actually wrote the predictions down that is) so I'm going to go for broke and see if I can make it five for five.

When Pittsburgh has the ball
I'll tell you think much, Seattle's defense has been a bit underrated this season. Without having a single player that a random person on the street would be able to recognize by name, they've gone on to dismantle every team in the NFC. Granted, they did so with six games against (arguably) the worst division in football. Their linebackers are quick to the corners, but their secondary can be suspect at times. If Pittsburgh can pass early and force Seattle into nickel coverage, they should also be able to run the ball very effectively.

BUT, I don't think the Steelers will surprise anyone with their passing attack anymore and their running game has not been the same as of late with Bettis putting on all kinds of weight and Willie Parker just being a young running back. The thing I like best about Pittsburgh is my boy Big Ben and how cool he remains under pressure. He's big, he's strong, he's mobile and he's intelligent...everything you would want in a quarterback. He might not have had the pedigree that Eli "cry baby" Manning did coming out of college, but Ben just seems to have a swagger that can't be broken. The guy hasn't had a losing season ever, to my knowledge, and he has an uncanny ability to feel the pocket around him and make the propper decisions to always give his team the chance to win.
Slight Edge: Steelers

When Seattle has the ball
Again, I think Seattle has been off everyone's radar all season and the majority of folks around the country will be overlooking them a bit. But remember this kids, they were the best team in the NFC all year. They have the NFL MVP in their backfield and one of the best offensive lines in football. Their strength is the ability to run the ball with a single setback and three receivers because their line is that good. Their receivers are solid but without game changing speed. In previous seasons they've had trouble catching the football, but they haven't had that problem this year and people are taking notice. However, the AFC is a much better conference right now and while they were only the 6th seed, Pittsburgh is one of the most physical defenses you'll ever see. Troy Polamalu is going to be the fastest player on the field when he is out there and the Steelers use him as the focal point of the best blitz package in the league.

And yes, Sports Guy, that includes your New England Patriots...so shut it. They weren't one of the best team's this year, period, and we're sick of hearing about them. (In today's article he mentioned that he didn't think Seattle was as good as the AFC's best three teams, the "Pats, Colts and Steelers." Um, are you forgetting that you got your tails whipped by Denver, who went 14-4 this year...and that your Patriots had the worst record of any team coming into the playoffs this January? I don't care that you won the Super Bowl three of the past four years...this year they just weren't good enough.)
Slight Edge: Pittsburgh

Special Teams
I would give the advantage to Pittsburgh here for one reason alone. Chris Gardocki. In 15 NFL seasons the man has never had a punt blocked and he has nearly 38 net yards per punt...very solid. He has also placed exactly half (and 28% for his career) of his punts inside the 20 yard line in this year's playoffs. Brilliant.

While Josh Brown (Seattle's kicker) has an extremely strong leg, he made just 18 of 25 field goal attempts this season. The Steelers' Jeff Reed was 24-29, slightly better, but 0-2 from beyond 50 compared to Brown's 5-8 from the same range. This seems like a wash to me, but if it comes down to a 50+ yarder to win the game, I'm going with Brown. Reed is accurate, but not that strong.

As for the returners, I have but three words....Antwan Randle El. This kid has only one speed on his motor: GO!
Edge: Steelers

Coaching
Seattle's Holmgren has been here before and won here before. Cowher has one of the longest tenure's of any coach in NFL history, but lost in his only Super Bowl appearance to the Dallas Cowboys of "the triplets era." Because of the ring, I should be handing this thing to Seattle, but Pittsburgh has been a different team with the maturation of Roethlisberger. Cowher seems more adept at changing his game plan now that he has a consistent passing attack to complement the run. In fact, one could argue that the run now compliments the pass in the Steel City.
No Edge

The Spread: Pittsburgh (-4)
The Pick: Pittsburgh 29 - Seattle 23

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Here is a list of all the predictions I've made on this site and the results of those games. Correct picks are in bold text, pending picks are in italics, home teams are in CAPS and overall record is posted below.

1. Ohio State 33 (-4.5) over Notre Dame 17 -- Final: tOSU 34-20
2. Texas over USC Trojans -- Final: UT 41-38
3. Steelers 23 (+3.5) over BRONCOS 17 -- Final: PIT 34-17
4. SEAHAWKS 27 (-3.5) over Panthers 20 -- Final: SEA 34-14
5. Steelers 29 (-4) over Seahawks 23 -- Final:
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Results
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Picking the winners: 4-0
Picking against the spread: 4-0