NutSAK Analysis: Super Bowl XLIII

In analyzing several matchups, I'll hope to find a clear winner in what is a very intriguing clash of philosophies and styles.

PITTSBURGH RUN OFFENSE VS. ARIZONA RUN DEFENSE

As good as Willie Parker was two weeks ago against San Diego, he was horrible against Baltimore. I get that the Ravens have a great defense. But 47 yards? That on top of a year where he ran for under 800 yards doesn't bode well against a unit that isn't tremendous, but one that has improved for the past several weeks. Also, look for the Arizona blitz to throw off Pittsburgh's mediocre line, their only true weakness.

ADVANTAGE: Arizona

PITTSBURGH PASS OFFENSE VS. ARIZONA SECONDARY

On paper, this should be a mismatch in Pittsburgh's favor. However, Hines Ward is questionable, and there have been rumblings of Ben Roethlisberger not being 100%. Fortunately, the Steelers have a ton of depth. Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller are both reliable targets, and while Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is no slouch, he can't be everywhere.

ADVANTAGE: Pittsburgh

ARIZONA RUN OFFENSE VS. PITTSBURGH RUN DEFENSE

Pittsburgh is the Steel Curtain for a reason. As good as Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower have been lately, the Steelers present a completely-different obstacle. Anything gotten out of those two tomorrow will be icing on the cake for the Cardinals.

ADVANTAGE: Pittsburgh

ARIZONA PASS OFFENSE VS. PITTSBURGH SECONDARY

There's a reason the Cardinals stunned the football world, and it's four-fold. Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston formed the league's most-feared passing attack, and Pittsburgh's zeroed-in on stopping it. However, as hard as their safeties hit, their corners are vulnerable, and the Arizona offensive line is pretty solid.

ADVANTAGE: Arizona

THE PICK

So much for finding a clear winner in this mess. Yet again, doesn't EVERY Super Bowl look great in the days leading up to it? Ultimately, though, I think that if Roethlisberger or Ward cannot be 100%, it'll be too much to overcome. I'll take the Cardinals in this toss-up.

FINAL SCORE: Arizona 27, Pittsburgh 24