All time records: The Seahawks lead the all time series that dates back to 1977, 8 wins to six. They have never met in the post season.

Steelers Fun Facts:

Through the Steelers first four decades, the team endured one of the longest droughts in pro sports history. In the first 39 years, Pittsburgh's pro football team had more head coaches (13) than winning seasons (eight). But in the past 37 years, the Steelers have been to six Super Bowls, including this one, and have had just two head coaches, Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. If the Steelers win on Sunday, Cowher will set a record by having lasted so long (14 years) in a job before finally winning a title.

Background:

Don’t ever bet against Lady Luck. Overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers have won three playoff games on the road and find themselves an AFC sixth-seeded favorite over the NFC’s top-seeded Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. Having matched the 1985 New England Patriots as the only team to win three straight playoff road games, the Steelers should distinguish themselves in a more appropriate manner by winning the big one (New England was destroyed 46-10 by Chicago’s Monsters of the Midway in SB XX).  In fact, these Steelers have not only defeated the AFC’s top three seeded teams, they’ve made it look downright easy.

Lady L. showed up in the Wild Card Playoff in Cincinnati when defensive lineman Kimo von Oelhoffen “accidently” drove his head into Bengals’ QB Carson Palmer’s planted left knee (“accidently” tearing all three knee ligaments and dislocating his kneecap). Thanks to a rusty Jon Kitna’s three turnovers the Steelers proceeded to wear down a Bengals team who blew a 17-7 lead.

The Lady’s next stop was the Divisional Playoff in Indianapolis where the Steelers, not the Colts had the horseshoe when they disposed of the dependably gutless playoff Colts with a dose of their own medicine—striking through the air twice, before the Colts offensive line could practice their version of Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s on him?” The Lady, however, didn’t make her appearance until the end of the show when Steelers RB Jerome Bettis did his best Joe Piscarcik impersonation, fumbling the ball away on the Colts 4-yard line into the waiting arms of  Nick Harper , who high-tailed it down the field for a potential game winning TD. Only problem was the night before the game his left knee had been the unwelcome target of a kitchen knife, courtesy of his loving wife, thus slowing his speed enough to be tripped up by the NFL’s QB de jour--Ben Rothlisberger. Naturally, the Colts missed the game tying field goal and the Lady was still smiling. 

The Lady then traveled to Denver for the Conference Championship. How she helped the Broncos drop three (or was it 4 or 5) interceptions is the mystery.  The not-so-comedic team of Shanahan & Plummer didn’t help their own cause, somehow concluding that valor was the better part of discretion by nixing the running game and counting on the hairy head of Plummer to win the thing (certainly wasn’t his arm). Only problem was when it came time to throw the ball when it mattered--a 3rd down and 10 from the Steelers twelve, down 10-0--Shanahan decided to forego an attempt for six points and ran the ball. Nice three points there, Mike. Oh, Plummer’s three picks and a fumble didn’t help. (Just as well, his doo seemed more appropriate for someone receiving a Grammy award instead of the Lombardi trophy).  So, the question is will the Lady represent herself against Mike Holmgren and his Seattle Seahawks, or will they implode on their own?

Steelers on Offense: 16^th overall (#5 run, #24 pass)

Here’s why Pittsburgh will win:

Ben Rothlisberger.

The Steelers have certainly not been afraid to open up their offense immediately. Although they haven’t taken a page from former QB Terry Bradshaw’s big game book, utilizing the deep pass, the supposedly run-first offense has been firing on all aerodynamic cylinders, jumping off to 14 and 10 point leads against the Colts and Broncos respectively--thanks to second-year phenom QB Ben Roethlisberger’s precision passing and poise in the pocket. Effectively taking the home crowd out of each playoff game early has helped the black and gold--a good thing, as the running game has started to sputter (2.7 avg. last 2 games). It will be interesting to see which approach the Steelers take at the start of SB XL. Bouncin’ Ben’s right arm, and his O-line’s ability to slow down the front four of Seattle, must continue to be the catalyst, with the Steelers scoring first. This may prove more difficult than in the playoffs as the Seahawks turned over almost 75% of their defensive personnel from last year and improved in nearly every phase of their defense.

However, Roethlisberger has made at least three or more big plays in each playoff game. Even though the Steelers lack a true go-to receiver, it hasn’t hampered their offensive output. Rothlisberger’s average yards per attempt (8.9) was the highest in the NFL. The Steelers will use WR Antwaan Randle El on screen passes and quick routes, with Hines Ward over the middle on crossing routes. Look for No. 3 wide receiver Cedrick Wilson to be an integral part of the game plan as a deep threat. Although the Seahawks did a great job against All-Pro receiver Steve Smith in the NFC championship game, it will not be necessary to use the same scheme in the Super Bowl. Look for the Seahawks to jam Ward or Randle El at the line. When Ward and Randle El go across the middle Seahawks' rookie linebackers LeRoy Hill and Lofa Tatupu must be physical on every pass. Tight end Heath Miller can stretch the field and is used on go routes down the middle. If allowed a free release Miller is tough to defend.

Should the Steelers decide to run the ball early against a smaller-than-average Seattle front seven, look for their standard M.O. of using speedster RB Willie Parker on first and second downs, Verron Haynes on third downs, and Jerome Bettis taking over in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Because Pittsburgh considers itself a power running team, don’t look for many plays that start outside. The aggressive offensive line is led by Pro Bowler’s LG Alan Faneca and C Jeff Hartings, and tackles Marvel Smith (left side) and Max Starks (right). Smith and Starks are more effective run blockers when plowing straight ahead, and will be taking on undersized ends Bryce Fisher and Grant Wistrom. When the Steelers run outside, they usually go to a two-tight end formation, with Jerame Tuman on the line of scrimmage and Heath Miller split to Tuman's outside. Hines Ward’s ability to block his man is important to spring the speedy Parker. Also, the Steelers use reserve offensive tackle Barrett Brooks as an extra tight end in short yardage situations.

In the red zone look for tight end Heath Miller, who has hauled in six paydirt passes this year, to be a factor.  How the Steelers counter Seahawks tackle Rocky Bernard and his 8½ sacks will be pivotal. In Seattle's two playoff victories, Washington's Clinton Portis ran for 41 yards, and Carolina couldn't produce more than 36 yards rushing. Only the Giants' Tiki Barber rushed for 100 yards against Seattle the entire year. Therefore, look for Bouncin’ Ben to throw the ball at least thirty times.  Seattle hasn’t faced as hot a QB as Roethlisberger and the two Seahawks linebackers will finally hit the infamous rookie wall on Sunday.

Steelers on Defense: 4^th overall (#3 run, #16 pass)

The Steelers are superior to the Seahawks in every defensive category (except sacks—50-47) which will be the deciding factor in winning SB XL. Concentrating on stopping the Seahawks running game known as Shaun Alexander, who proved his mettle by gaining 132 yards last week coming off a mild concussion, is the key. Look for the Seahawks to power run off-tackle behind Pro Bowler’s tackle Walter Jones and guard Steve Hutchinson all day. The Steelers will win this battle as they are the NFL’s best 3-4 defense.  Ends Aaron Smith and von Oelhoffen, along with Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton will force the play to ILB’s linebackers Larry Foote and James Farrior. Hampton takes up two blockers on each running play and usually holds his ground at the point of attack.

On the outside runs, strong safety Troy Polamalu must fill the running lane quickly. Thanks to Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau, the Steelers are also the best blitzing team in the NFL—just ask the Indianapolis Colts. With Seattle coming out in 3 and 4 man receiver formations, LeBeau will have to mix together a new batch of schemes. As usual the Steelers X factor is the ubiquitous Polamalu, who will continue to wreak havoc and be named the game’s MVP.  Pittsburgh’s secondary may have a problem with size mismatches—as Seattle’s Bobby Engram, Joe Jurevicius and Darrel Jackson line up against CB’s Deshea Townsend and rookie Bryant McFadden. McFadden, a rookie, will be tried deep more than once. He will need help from free safety Chris Hope, who cannot be a step late. The Steelers usually play a cover-3 zone early in the game, allowing Polamalu to have the freedom to steal the underneath slant routes. Also, the Steelers typically rush three linemen and a linebacker but excel at disguising which linebacker is to blitz. OLB Joey Porter’s 10 ½ sacks have been the result. Because the Steelers do a good job of disguising coverage, Polamalu is the key to most of the schemes.

Finally, field position is always a key factor, and the Steelers have the stronger special teams.

The Bottom Line: The Steelers played more powerful offensive teams in the playoffs than themselves yet won all three. Hasselbeck is a more polished quarterback than Jake Plummer, but not Peyton Manning, who received no mercy from the Steelers front seven. It will take almost a perfect, turnover free game from Hasselbeck to bring home a Seattle victory – a tall order indeed.  Interceptions, though, will prove fatal for Hasselbeck.  Bouncin’ Ben will do what Dan Marino tried and failed to do—win the Super Bowl in only his second year.

Pick: Steelers 24, Seahawks 23 ~ Rick Johnson

(An argument suggesting the Seahawks will win by Kurt Backert just below our crackpot staff predictions)

Rick Johnson on Madden’s Booms:  "Zero...he's really dead!"

Tommy C on Madden: "I’m calling it 12 Booms 34 Whaps!"

Quaz isn’t too sure about the Booms and malfunctions but says to “Keep an eye on the number of times ABC shows the Bus' parents, over/under is 7."

TL sees 1 malfunction for the Stones when Charlie Watts falls asleep and falls face first into his snare drum.

**********

The Seattle Seahawks...they're really osprey. 

Background : On June 4, 1974 department store tycoon Lloyd Nordstrom was granted the 27th. NFL franchise for Seattle, Washington. Beginning play in 1976, the team of course was nicknamed the Seahawks. The Seahawks were comprised mainly of draft picks, free agents, and older NFL veterans that no one wanted. Their first team captain was former Baltimore Colt linebacker Mike Curtis.  They played their first regular season game on September 12, 1976 in the Seattle Kingdome, losing to the 11 point favorite and defending NFC East champion St. Louis Cardinals 30-24. They were coached by former Minnesota Viking defensive line coach Jack Patera. While the Seahawks finished that first year with an expansion like 2-12 record, they played wide open entertaining football. Led by 23 year old left handed quarterback Jim Zorn and a 21 year old, 5’11’’ wide receiver that the Houston Oilers released by the name of Steve Largent, the Seahawks could score points, they just could not stop anyone.

The Seahawks enjoyed some early success, posting  9-7 records in both 1978 and 1979, earning Patera coach of the year honors in 1978. In 1979 playing in their first nationally televised game on Monday Night Football, the Seahawks came from behind to beat the Falcons, 31-28. They converted 4 fourth downs, holder Jim Zorn completed a 20 yard pass to kicker Efren Herrera on a fake field goal to set up one touchdown, then recovered an on side kick to set up the winning score. Howard Cosell proclaimed the Seahawks his favorite team in the NFL that night.

The success was short lived, the Seahawks posted losing records the next two years and Patera was fired after 2 games in 1982. Former Rams coach Chuck Knox took over and complied a record of 83-67 from 1983 to 1991. Knox won coach of the year in 1984. He led the Seahawks to four post season appearances including the 1983 AFC championship game which they lost to the Los Angeles Raiders.

Knox left after the 1991 season to return to coach the Rams and was replaced by former Raider coach Tom Flores. Flores could not recapture the success he had with the Raiders and resigned after the 1994 season with a 14-34 record. The Seahawks then turned to former University of Miami head coach Dennis Erickson. The Seahawks never made the playoffs during his tenure and he was fired after the 1998 season with a 31-33 record. In 1995 Largent became the first Seahawk elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen bought the team in 1997, after firing Erickson he hired Super Bowl winning coach Mike Holmgren from the Packers. Holmgren returned the Seahawks back to the playoffs in 1999 for the first time since 1988. He also led them to playoff appearances in 2003 and 2004. The Kingdome was torn down to make way for a new stadium after the 1999 season. The Seahawks had to play a couple of years at the University of Washington’s stadium. They moved into their new stadium, Qwest Field in 2002, and it now has the reputation of being the loudest park in the NFL. In 2005 running back Shaun Alexander scored 28 touchdowns and won the league’s MVP award while leading the Seahawks to a 13-3 regular season record. After two playoff victories the Seahawks are now making their first Super Bowl appearance and have a chance at winning their first NFL championship.

2005: The Seahawks won the NFC West by 7 games over the second place Rams. NFL MVP Shaun Alexander gained 1,880 yards rushing and scored a total of 28 touchdowns. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed over 65% of his passes and threw for twenty four touchdowns with only nine interceptions. On the defensive side of the ball the Seahawks recorded 50 sacks and allowed just 3.6 yards a carry against the run. In the playoffs the Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins 20-10, although they lost Alexander to a concussion early in the game. Wide receiver Darrell Jackson caught nine of Hasselbeck’s passes for 143 yards and a touchdown to lead the way. In the NFC Championship game against the Panthers, Alexander returned and rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Hasselbeck threw for 2 touchdowns while completing 71% of his passes in a 34-14 victory. The Seahawks held the Panthers’ play maker Steve Smith to thirty three yards on 5 receptions. The Panthers only rushed for 36 yards with a depleted rushing corps and the Seahawks intercepted quarterback Jake Delhomme three times to advance to their first Super Bowl.

When the Seahawks are on offense, Seahawks offense, rushing 3rd, passing 13th. Steelers defense, vs. run 3rd, vs. pass 16th.

Seahawk offensive coordinator Gil Haskell will attack the Pittsburgh Steelers the same way he has attacked his previous eighteen opponents, run early and often. With league MVP Shaun Alexander being led by the NFL’s best offensive line this year they will test the middle of the Steelers defense. Alexander averaged over 5 yards a carry while the Steelers allowed just 3.4 yards a carry during the regular season.

In three playoff games the Steelers have allowed almost a yard more per carry yet they did face Rudi Johnson, Edgerrin James, and Mike Anderson in those three games.  Could the wear and tear of 19 games and playing the last three on the road be affecting Casey Hampton and company?

The Seahawks offensive line, led by future Hall of Famer Walter Jones should win the battle of the line of scrimmage.  Look for center Robbie Tobeck and left guard Steve Hutchinson to create the running lanes early. Anytime you have a running back who has averaged over 5 yards a carry during the year facing a defense that is allowing over 4 yards a carry in recent games, bet on the running back. Shaun Alexander should get 100 yards this game. If Alexander can be anywhere close to as effective as the statistics suggest, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck should be able to operate his proficient play action passing game.

In the Steelers three playoff wins this season, they made their opponents one dimensional. The Bengals, Colts, and Broncos were only able to average eighteen carries a game, 7 less a game than the Steelers faced in the regular season. The Seahawks goal will be to get Alexander 25-30 carries. This allowed linebackers Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, Larry Foote, and James Farrior to concentrate on pass defense and blitzing the quarterback, forcing sacks and early throws and presented more difficult coverage packages for Peyton Manning and Jake Plummer.  Look for the Seahawks to take that away from the Steelers this week, forcing them to honor Hasselbeck’s play fakes, thus opening up passing lanes and creating some one on one coverage situations for his over achieving receivers.

There are two keys that will develop from this situation that will help determine the winner of this Super Bowl. The first is all world safety Troy Polamalu will not be able to free lance once the running game has been established. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will be forced to have his most talented defensive player commit to the run, thus he will be not be able to help in most coverage schemes. With that accomplished, Hasselbeck can then attack what has been Pittsburgh’s weakness on the defensive side of the ball this year, cornerbacks Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor who combined for only three interceptions between them.  Expect the Seahawks’ receiving rotation of  Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram, Joe Jurevicius, DJ Hackett, Peter Warrick, and TE Jeremy Stevens to win this match up.

Back up quarterback Seneca Wallace got into the action in the NFC Championship game as well with a 28 yard reception. That move clearly was intended to make sure the Steelers had to contend with an additional look from the Seahawks in their passing formations. Holmgren will have Hasselbeck spread the ball around but look for Jackson who has fifteen catches and two touchdown receptions in the playoffs to again lead the team in receiving this week. The offensive key for the Seahawks is simple, establish the running game with Alexander to take advantage of play action and eventually attack the suspect Steelers cornerbacks – an attainable goal for the balanced Seahawks even against a quality defensive team.

When the Seahawks are on defense, Seahawk defense, vs. run 5th, vs. pass 25th. Steelers offense, rushing 5th, passing 24th. 

Power football, you have heard that for decades when mentioning the Pittsburgh Steelers, from Franco Harris to Barry Foster to Bam Morris to Jerome Bettis. The Steelers signature of success over the years has been their ability to pound the football with big backs behind talented offensive lines. This year’s version of the Steelers still has Bettis, as he bruised his way to nine short yardage touchdowns. He was complemented by the elusive Willie Parker who gained over 1200 yards and averaged 4.7 yards a carry. Logic would dictate that the reason the Steelers earned a trip to Super Bowl XL has been the running game.  But not in these playoffs!

Looking back upon the 2005 regular season, the Steelers employed their traditional offensive attack, averaging 4 yards a carry and just below 140 yards a game.  But the attack has changed in the post season where Bettis and Parker have averaged almost a yard less per carry than they did in the regular season. The Steelers success of late has been due to the play of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has completed 68% of his passes while throwing for 7 touchdowns and just one interception in the playoffs. His ability to move the Steelers with the pass, and the Steelers ability to pass protect with just their five lineman has carried them to this point.

Roethlisberger has had the time to look for his second and third option on passing plays. His play and that of his receivers has allowed the Steelers to build early leads in their last two games, making both the Colts and Broncos one dimensional.  This week that pattern ends!

The Seahawks allowed just 3.6 yards a carry and 94.4 yards a game rushing in the regular season. In their two playoff games, they have held the Redskins and Panthers to 2.6 yards a carry and 47.5 yards a game.  Defensive tackles Chartre Darby and Rocky Bernard are stuffing the run. While the Seahawks have been getting better against the run the last two weeks, the Steelers are getting a little weaker running the ball. While the Seahawks defensive tackles have clogged the middle, rookie linebacker Lofa Tatupu has been making plays on the perimeter. Tatupu and fellow linebacker Leroy Hill are playing their best football of the year. They should be able to contain Parker.

Tatupu has been a beacon of light for the Seahawks’ defense not just in his physical play, but in his mental preparation.  His teammates have been astonished at his ability to read opposing offenses and their tendencies at the line of scrimmage and make the correct calls to place his defensive teammates in the proper position to make plays. The chess game between he and Roethlisberger will go a long way in deciding who wins the battle on this side of the ball.  If the Seahawks can stop the run, the game will fall on Roethilsberger’s shoulders. His receivers Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El, Cedrick Wilson, and TE Heath Miller match up well against Seahawks cover corners Marcus Trufant and Andre Dyson.  If Pittsburgh is to have a chance to win Super Bowl XL, they will need a huge effort from this group – one that has combined for 34 catches in the post season.

Parker has been a big part of the Steelers passing game this entire year while Seahawks defensive end Bryce Fisher and outside linebacker DD Lewis have been effective containing the screen.  If Tatupu can continue his accurate defensive play calling the Seahawks should be able take that away as well.  Seattle has the perfect combination of strength and speed in their defensive front seven to pressure Roethlisberger and perhaps force a turnover or two, and if their secondary can limit the talented Steelers’ receivers, the Seahawk defense will win this battle against the Steelers offense. 

Notes: Mike Holmgren is the fifth head coach to take two different teams to the Super Bowl. The others were Don Shula, Dick Vermeil, Bill Parcells, and Dan Reeves. Holmgren has a chance to be the first coach to win the Super Bowl with two different teams.  The Steelers are the first sixth seeded team to reach the Super Bowl. The lowest seed prior to this year to make it to the big game was the 5th seeded New England Patriots in 1985 who lost 46-10 to the Bears in Super Bowl XX. The lowest seeded teams to ever win a Super Bowl were the 4th seeded Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII, and the fourth seeded Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV.  Ben Roethlisberger will attempt to be just the fifth second year quarterback in history to win a NFL Championship -- Tom Brady was the last to do it in 2001. There have been three rookie quarterbacks to win a league championship, the last being Bob Waterfield with the 1945 Cleveland Rams. Matt Hasselbeck’s father Don Hasselbeck and Lofa Tatupu’s father Mosi Tatupu were teammates on the New England Patriots during the 1980’s.

Prediction: The Seahawks offensive line should be able to control the line of scrimmage against the Steelers, allowing Shaun Alexander to get his carries and yards. This will open the passing lanes for Matt Hasselbeck’s play action game. On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks should be able to stop Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis. As long as Lofa Tatupu continues to make the right calls, they should be able to pressure Roethlisberger into some turnovers. While the Steelers should have some success coming from their wide receivers and TE Heath Miller, it won’t be enough as the Seattle Seahawks will surprise most football fans and control this game and win Super Bowl XL, 26-14.