6. The Cardinals can confuse the Steelers' offensive line
Pittsburgh’s big men up front have improved in the playoffs, but they struggled during the season to recognize blitzing linebackers. Dallas did a great job pressuring the Steelers up the middle by disguising their intentions. Baltimore also effectively confused the Steelers in their regular season matchups.

No team is more creative and varied sending pressure than the Cardinals, led by mad scientist defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Some critics say Arizona is too creative, but they will mentally test Pittsburgh’s line.

7. The Cardinals are at their best when things look worse
The Cardinals coughed up a 10-point lead in the final three minutes against Dallas before calmly winning the game in overtime. They lost two December games by a combined score of 82-21, and then ripped off four straight wins. The Eagles tied a record for the greatest comeback in NFC Championship game history, so the Cardinals responded with a slow fourth-quarter march for the ages.

What more can happen to this team? They may lose on Super Bowl Sunday, but they won’t shrink when the going gets tough.

8. Arizona has their own Troy Polamalu
Adrian Wilson has been the NFC’s best safety over the last five years. He’s a physical specimen that is less rangy than Polamalu, but his intelligence and strength are awesome.

Video   Air Wilson Jan 21: Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson shows off his jumping skills with a 66-inch high jump.

This season wasn’t Wilson’s finest campaign, but he’s playing his best when it counts. Wilson recorded seven tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in the NFC Championship. As an eight-year veteran who has only played for the Cardinals, this game will mean something extra for him.

9. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt and Offensive line coach Russ Grimm know the Steelers well
Jon Gruden was the last coach to face his former team in the Super Bowl. Many players in that game claim that Tampa’s defense called out Oakland’s plays before they happened. While that isn’t likely to happen this time, Whisenhunt knows how to frustrate Ben Roethlisberger.

Whisenhunt won’t waste time learning the strengths and weaknesses of Pittsburgh’s personnel; it’s all in his head. And Whisenhunt’s offense will be prepared for Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau’s zone blitzes because Whiz faced them every day in practice. If the Cardinals could beat Pittsburgh last regular season with an inferior team, they can keep it close this time.

10. No upset is too great
Haven’t we learned anything yet? The Arizona freaking Cardinals are in the Super Bowl! In the last three years alone, two wild card teams have won the Super Bowl.

The Steelers have a historically good defense, but they aren’t a historically good team. And David Tyree’s ghostwriter will be happy to remind you that historically good teams don’t always seal the deal.

Forget the “worst team in playoff history” thing already. The Carolina Panthers were undefeated at home, and lost by 20 to Arizona. The Cardinals are rightful underdogs against Pittsburgh, but don’t get carried away. We have no idea what is going to happen. That’s why we watch.

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