The NFL Superbowl and Disrespect

The NFL's showcase game has again dawned upon us, the world-renowned, roman numeral carrying "Superbowl", in this case Superbowl XL (or 40, not extra large - that joke's been done to death). Under the shadow of an Indianapolis Colts team that started a 16 game season 13-0, then crashed in the playoffs, most teams in the playoffs were crying out for more respect, or at least more TV exposure.

In the black-white-and-yellow corner, the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Coming from the sixth (and last) seed in the playoffs, they took out the Bengals, Colts and Broncos with big performances from QB Ben Roethlisberger and RB Jerome Bettis. Their explosiveness, plus the fact they went 15-1 last season, has put them three to four point favourites. Unfortunately, they're a gamble. Roethlisberger is only in his second year and performed well below-par last year when breaking new ground in the playoffs. I wonder if the Superbowl nerves could get to him. I should also mention Pittsburgh is the only team in the NFL to have less than two players on their roster with Superbowl experience, and that one guy is a special teams player not worth mentioning. Experience may well be a factor in this big game. Pittsburgh's offense is cunningly coached with several trick plays, but their resources just don't strike as much fear into defenses. However, the Steelers defense, led by the big haired Troy Polamalu is superb and could do some scoring on their own.

In the teal-with-bits-of-green-and-white corner, the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks. With the best NFC record, Seattle cruised through, using their homefield advantage to outplay Washington and outwit the Carolina Panthers. Seattle were dazzling last week, stopping WR Steve Smith and Carolina's offense in their tracks. It's worth noting that Carolina torched the league leading Chicago defense for 434 yards the week before, but Seattle's no-name defense quickly built a name for itself (rookie sensation linebacker Lofa Tatupu is da man) and restricted the Panthers to just over 200 yards. Seattle are more proven on offense, sending at least 6 offensive players to the Pro Bowl (three fifths of the offensive line and the three guys in the backfield). The combination of QB Matt Hasselbeck and NFL MVP Shaun Alexander hasn't looked like being stopped all year, no matter which wide receiver Hasselbeck is turning to, be it Darrell Jackson, Joe Jurevicius or Jerramy Stevens.

Despite their amazing season, Americans agree that Seattle's isolated northwest location, away from the hype of East Coast or Californian teams, has shielded them from media exposure. They barely know the team at all. It's such a common theme that I think it's affected the American bookies, which Australian bookies turn to as a guide. It seems everyone wants to be on the Steelers bandwagon after they slew (that can't be right...) the Indianapolis dragon. Pittsburgh struggled in Roethlisberger's absence during the season and have been crying for respect since finishing the season with 5 straight wins to sneak into the playoffs after his return. They constantly find ways to get a result, but to me, that seems like a risk compared to the more consistent Seattle, who have barely been challenged in recent times.

The Superbowl doesn't normally come to a shootout, normally one team really turns up to play and the other desperately tries to invent a way to get in the contest. For me, I think Seattle will score early, take the lead and use Shaun Alexander The Great in the running game after that. Pittsburgh will try valiantly, but if Seattle can make sure they don't give up the big plays, they should stay in control and win. Given the $2.30 outright win odds on the Seahawks, I can't help but have a punt. I'm tempted to have a go at the margin at $6.75 for Seattle by 7-12 points or a dabble at $14 for 19+ points. An very obscure bet would be a small wager on Matt Hasselbeck to run in the first touchdown of the game: $41 for each $1 that's betted. Just a few ideas to keep my interest going. A few brewskis (not to be confused with Patriots linebacker Teddy Bruschi) might do the job just as well.

Expect a closely fought Superbowl between these two now respected franchises, but not a nailbiter. It rarely seems to turn out that way. I'm backing Seattle 24-13. But I assure you it's not due to a lack of respect for either side.