Super Bowl XLIII & The Steeler Dynasty

Argue it if you will but the Steelers will be the greatest franchise in NFL football history if they win Super Bowl XLIII. Even if they don’t come out of Tampa Bay with a win, which is unlikely according to the BetUS oddsmakers who have listed the orange and black as -7.5 point favorites, they still could be adorned with this title. With five Vince Lombardi trophies already to their credit, they sit atop the league and are second to nobody.

Although Tomlin inherited a team that was built to win, he has done a fantastic job of motivating his guys and will have the chance to prove he is as deserving as any Steeler that has won a championship if he leads his team to victory on the 1st. Not if, but when those terrible towels are waiving at the end of the game and the Cardinals are looking up at the confetti falling for their counterparts they will say to themselves “we got beaten by the better team”. It’s no shame to loose to a team that carries the title of dynasty

This year’s Steelers team is as much a symbol of what Pittsburgh football is as any past team through history. Their defense is the most feared in the league and they have a QB who has a knack for winning big games.  On February 1st, the Steelers and Cardinals will meet in Tampa Bay for Super Bowl XLIII and the majority of the sports betting public will have their money on Pittsburgh. BetUS has set the total at 42 ½ which should lead anyone to believe the respect that oddsmakers have for the defense of the Steelers.

Areas of Concern

Troy Polamalu is a beast and will be flying around the field like a super charged ball magnet but despite having two weeks off, his calf may still slow him down that crucial half step. I guarantee it won’t be noticeable throughout most of the game as he will still be busting up rush plays per usual, but if he gets caught in a wide receiver screen and can’t explode to the ball like he usually does, it end up being a big play. For all we know, Polamalu’s calf is fine and he we won’t have anything to worry about but this is the media and we have to scrutinize something.

The injury that has most Steeler fans really sweating involves former Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward and his bum knee. He is Big Ben’s favorite target and is the best big game receiver that will suit up for Super Bowl XLIII. Not only did he amount 1,043 receiving yards on 81 receptions and seven touchdowns throughout the season, he brings smarts and leadership to the field which is invaluable in such a big game. Adrenalin will allow Hines to play but look for him to be more effective in the short passing game. The BetUS sportsbook has props on everything relating to this game and has the over/under set at five catches for Heins for the game, which is low in my opinion. If I were a betting man I’d put some cash on him catching more balls than that, he’s to much of a beast to let the injury stop him from being a major contributor.

The AFC championship game against the Ravens proved something about the Steelers; they are more resilient and dedicated to winning than any other team in the NFL. They play hard nosed, in your face, beat me if you can football and that’s what wins super bowls. Giving the Cardinals only 7 points is a joke; I bet they beat the Cardinals by 14 points or more in an absolute lesson on football. If you want to put some money down on the Steelers, Bet on Super Bowl XLIII over at BetUS Sportsbook today.