So... did you know that the Steelers and Seahawks played each other in Super Bowl XL? And that the Steelers won? Yeah, apparently, Seattle fans are still pretty pissed about some calls that were questionable or something.
At any rate, I hope Sunday's game has the same result as Super Bowl XL (which the Steelers won, btw), but is a better game.
And, I know that a Super Bowl win is kinda like sex or pizza; when you get it, just enjoy it. But, that was a pretty crappy game. In the Super Bowl Review I wrote in February of 2006, I compared it to spending three hours with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and Jesus. My point was that it was surreal and life-altering. However, I didn't extend the metaphor far enough.
If you actually got to spend three hours with those three individuals, is there a chance in hell that you'd come out of it saying, "I thought Christ would be nicer. And the Easter Bunny gave me dental floss. What's up with that?" No chance. You'd most likely have the reaction of, "Holy shit! I shook Santa's hand a split a plate of nachos with Jesus!"
So, since this is a regular season game, I'm hoping for a good game that the Steelers win. Not a crappy, hotly debated game. Obviously, not a loss.
Here's the weird thing about this game: Even though Super Bowl XL was only played 18 months ago, a lot of stuff has changed for these two teams.
The Steelers are no longer coached by Bill Cowher, no longer have Russ Grimm, Ken Whisenhunt, Kevin Spencer, or Dick Hoak on staff. Bettis and Jeff Hartings retired, Ike Taylor signed a big contract, got benched, and made his way into the starting line-up. Max Starks is no longer the starting cornerback. Kimo, Randle-El, Joey Porter, Chris Hope, and Ben's appendix are gone.
Speaking of Ben, he almost died since then. Speaking of Bob O'Connor, he did die since then. That's right. No one knew who Luke Ravenstahl was when the Stillers got one for the thumb.
For the Seahawks, they no longer employ Steve Hutchinson, center Robbie Tobeck retired, they cut Marquand Manuel (the guy who took that shitty angle against Fast Willie on his record-setting TD run), they signed Julian Peterson and Patrick Kearney and got rid of Grant Wistrom.
And, Jim Mora now coaches the defense in Seattle.
Lots of changes, but the personnel isn't that different. Everything still starts with the running game for both teams. The quarterbacks haven't changed. The offensive lines still have the same stars and the defensive lines are basically untouched.
Since Holmgren is still the head man in Seattle, the same strategy on defense still applies. Stay disciplined in your rush lanes and make sure Shaun Alexander can't cut back. Pressure Hasselbeck with 4 or 5 guys as opposed to trying to blitz the hell out of him (the results are usually baaaaaaaad when teams try to bring 6 or 7 guys). Get into his head early, throw him off his rhythm, and hope that Seattle's receivers drop 2 or 3 critical passes.
On offense, we really just need to be patient. And execute. Those are two things that we didn't do too terribly well against the Cardinals (especially execution). Plus which, we should definitely come out throwing the ball. One because they won't expect it and two because it will open things up for the running game (which also didn't look too swift against Arizona).
Seattle has a very aggressive defense. They like to blitz. Their cornerbacks like to jump routes. We need to take advantage of that by picking our spots and trying to hit a big play deep. I'm thinking that Santonio Holmes will be able to get past the corner and behind the safeties if he does a double-move and Ben freezes the safety with a pump fake.
There will be opportunities. Seattle's probably a worse team than the one we beat 18 months ago. We're probably worse, too, but not as markedly as the Seahawks.
It's another case of us playing a decent team from an inferior conference. We can't come out sluggish, we need to execute, and we need to put the nail in the coffin when we get the chance. Efficiency in the red zone (how about no red zone turnovers this week, okay?) and being able to run the ball as well as hit a couple home run plays will be the key.
If we can beat them down quick enough, we should be good to go. If we let them hang around, we're most likely screwed.
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