One reason the Steelers will win the Super Bowl

[WilliamPitt]

http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2006/01/24/seattles_big_problem_comes_to_the_front/

Seattle's big problem comes to the front
By Ron Borges, Globe Staff | January 24, 2006

For the next two weeks, the Seattle Seahawks' offensive linemen, perhaps the best in the NFL, will study what happened to them against the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season, because if they cannot change it, they cannot beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL.

Despite having the highest-scoring offense and most productive running back in the league, the Seahawks struggled to move the ball against Dallas's 3-4 front that night in October. For 59 minutes and 20 seconds, they could muster only one field goal and minimal rushing yardage before pulling out the game by scoring 10 points in the final 40 seconds with the assistance of some egregious Dallas misplays.

The Cowboys limited Seattle to 72 rushing yards on 22 carries, less than 3.5 yards a rush. On third downs, Seattle was 3 for 13, a success rate of 23 percent. Or is that a failure rate?

What makes that game so significant is that it is the only time Seattle faced a 3-4 front all season. But on Feb. 5, the Seahawks will be staring down the barrel of perhaps the best 3-4 defense in football, the one belonging to the AFC champion Steelers.

...more...

[Ravenseye]

1. It's not talked about often

but playing against a 3-4 is very different than against a 4-3. Doesn't seem like it should be, but it is. Also something that the article doesn't mention is the fact they have Dick Lebeau back there running the defense, calling the formations and blitzes. he's the one who makes the adjustments, changes the attack, etc. Great defensive coordinator, who deserves much of the credit.

[kick-ass-bob]

2. BUT - they have 2 weeks to look it over.

That cannot be underestimated. If it were this weekend, I don't think they could overcome it.

I'm not saying that they WILL overcome it, but the chances are better with the extra time.

[friesianrider]

4. I don't think anyone underestimates Seattle...

But in my opinion, they haven't really been challenged by a solid, confident, well-rounded (and peaking) team like Pittsburgh.

There isn't a doubt in my mind that if Pittsburgh plays like they did the last two weeks, they will win easily. I think the outcome of the game rests more with how the Steelers play than with how Seattle plays.

[northzax]

5. if they haven't been challenged by anyone

how do you know what they can do? They already roughed up the number 2 and 3 defenses in the league in the last two weeks. Seems to me they play one step better than their opponent, whoever that is.

[friesianrider]

7. Because they haven't been challenged by a team like Pittsburgh...

And because thus far, Seattle has been unremarkable (in my opinion), I do not think they can beat Pittsburgh.

On the other hand, Pittsburgh has shown a remarkable ability to adapt, re-evaluate their strategies and plays to deal with (and beat) whatever their opponents have thrown at them, and they also have improved with each and every game. I don't see where Seattle has done any of those things; in fact, their wins seem to be based more on how the other team plays than how *they* play, by and large. They are a good team, but it's going to take much more than that to beat the Steelers.

[underpants]

3. Wow Parcells seems to be some kind of genius

This is the second time I have heard "Look what the Cowboys did to them"

The first was about Steve Smith. It seems that Seattle did exactly what Dallas did. Now this.

Hell you would think the Cowboys had made the playoffs or something.

[northzax]

6. hey, when the only two coaches to beat you

in the past 4 months are Parcells and Gibbs, you're in rare company.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

8. 10 points in 40 seconds?

:woohoo:

The Seahawks will score 900 points!

:woohoo:



As I noted in another post the Seahawks faced the 3-4 against Houston (I know, I know) and racked up 42 points. Pittsburgh only put up 27 against the same team.

[Berserker]

9. On any Sunday

Will on any Sunday.