Wishful Whims

Today’s NFL ticket calls for two grudge matches in the making. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the San Diego Chargers in the late game and the Philadelphia Eagles land a third installment against New York at Giants Stadium.
I am looking forward to the feature matchups because I am a fan of Pittsburgh and New York. I want both to meet in Tampa for the Superbowl on February 1st. Is it wishful thinking to have both home teams advance to the conference championships games next weekend? Perhaps.
Take a look at Pittsburgh. Their quarterback is on the mend after suffering another concussion two weeks ago. Nobody expects him to ride the bench this afternoon, but how healthy is he? The Steelers need a strong offensive line to protect Ben or the Chargers will administer an authentic annexation. The line play for Pittsburgh is the team’s evident weakness. No matter how much the defense contains the Chargers and Phillip Rivers’ arm, the Steelers have to hold on to the ball long enough to compete. They have the home field advantage, and I am sure the weather in the Steel City does not favor the visiting warm weather team. As long as Mike Tomlin’s offense can carry the load, Pittsburgh should win this game. They are the better team despite the talent on San Diego. The Steelers beat the Chargers in a memorable 11-10 game earlier in the season. The game was close, but the Steelers were able to hold the ball longer, and that seemed to be the real difference. Say what you want about the momentum and charging Chargers. They were hot last week in putting Peyton’s Colts to shame. San Diego’s defense deserves a lot of credit for being able to stop the Indy attack. However, the Colts are not the Steelers. They have a lackluster running game. The Steelers are more effective rushing if Willie Parker sees touches. I think he will with the forecast and the fact Ben has been somewhat unstable. Rivers is a scary quarterback when he starts to throw downfield and he is very capable of the long-sustained drives. Long drives are what the Steelers should focus on for themselves in order to prevail. I think this game will be close in the first half. The Chargers may even hold a steady lead. But the Steelers will win this one handedly after all is said and done. They will be Superbowl bound again.
As for the showdown at the Meadowlands in the snow covered blue seats, it will be a battle. No if, ands or buts, this game will be a three point victory for one of the NFC teams. I am just unsure which one. I am rooting hard for Big Blue, but the Eagles make me nervous. I think they are the only team stopping New York from earning a second Superbowl appearance. Donovan McNab is a veteran and will come to play. New York seems to be concentrating solely on stopping Brian Westbrook. Westbrook is a big time runner when given room to pace downfield. Justin Tuck and Antonio Pierce have to be on their game and not allow Westbrook to gain yards. The Giants are not playing well when stopping third down attempts on defense as of late. Tom Coughlin’s team must improve quickly if they hope to make this a game. McNab can scramble out of the pocket and has the protection to find receivers. Defensively, Philadelphia ranks among the league’s best. Eli Manning I believe will have a big game. Brandon Jacobs running the ball is crucial, but no more than Manning passing effectively. If Manning can manage the game like rookie, Joe Flacco, did for Baltimore yesterday, the Giants have the upper-hand. If, however, he makes mistakes and shows the carelessness Jake Delhomme displayed last night, the Eagles will win a close one. Westbrook is not the Giants’ only concern. They need to remember the Eagles have other ways to beat teams and will be looking to put points on the board from the defense. I want to say the Giants will win but I can’t say for sure. I am pretty confident this won’t be a blowout either way though.

Parting points: “I’m the king of wishful thinking”.