We have the real America's Team vs. a newcomer to the Super Bowl fold. No, I am not going nuts. The Dallas Cowboys are not in the Super Bowl.
For those who are wondering what team is the real America's Team, I give you the Pittsburgh Steelers. What team, what city, what group of fans demonstrates the good ol' USA better than the Steelers? Not a one. Hard-nosed, great defense, down to earth fans. It doesn't get any more American than that. And if they win this Super Bowl, they would have won more than any other franchise. More than San Francisco, more than Dallas.
The opponent to the Super Bowl party on NBC Channel 2 in two Sundays will be a team that has never sniffed a playoff win, let alone the Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals. How did that happen? A 9-7 regular season, a quarterback that was considered over the hill 4 years ago, and a franchise that was known for being the laughing stock of the NFC. Remember when there would be less than 20-thousand fans in the stands when they played at a college stadium in Tempe? Yes those Cardinals.
On paper, its not a game. Pittsburgh better D. Steelers with more tradition, and an offense that is just about as balanced as you can get. That is, with a healthy Hines Ward. Ward is not, and that could be the difference. Throw in the big play capabilities of Cards WR Fitzgerald, and we may have a ball game.
Pittsburgh is currently a 7 point favorite. The game Feb 1st on Channel 2, 5:30.