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NFL - Turnpike to the Super Bowl

By Luke Busovsky
Saturday, September 7th, 2002
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Whether you are listening to 1020 KDKA in the Steel City or 610 WIP out of Philadelphia, not many people do not want to see these two collide in January. And there are reasons for both cities to be optimistic that this match up can and will happen. Yet, the regular season presents each team with its own challenges on their respective roads to the Super Bowl.

The Philadelphia Eagles go into this season with the highest of aspirations after a superb run to the NFC Championship Game last January. Around the Philadelphia area, some media outlets and avid fans of the Birds feel that anything short of a trip to San Diego and a Super Bowl victory would be a huge disappointment.

Although established run-stopping defensive tackle Hollis Thomas is lost for the year, the Eagles have a solid squad and a stellar defense that should roll through the NFC East and should only encounter a challenge once the postseason begins. Some critics say that the only difference between 12-4 and 4-12 for this team is a healthy Donovan McNabb.

After a phenomenal 2001, McNabb has another year of experience under his belt and should be ready to pass and run over and around the NFC with a healthy sidecar in Deuce Staley. The additions of former Packers Antonio Freeman at wideout and Dorsey Levens at tailback bring much-needed veteran leadership and experience to this young team.

The health of Deuce Staley is always cause for concern, but the play of former Villanova star Bryan Westbrook and Levens should ease those concerns if Staley happens to go out with an injury. Tight end Chad Lewis will be a strong presence in the passing game. Former Seahawk and Steeler Levon Kirkland is attempting to replace Jeremiah Trotter, who left for division-rival Washington.

The front office has one eye on the competition of the regular season and the other on the St. Louis Rams. By drafting three defensive backs, including first round selection Lito Sheppard, the Eagles are gearing up for that speedy and talented receiving core in St. Louis. Consensus Las Vegas odds list the Eagles as 11-to-1 favorites to win the Super Bowl, right behind the Rams.

Can they get through the NFC? Absolutely, but they won't be sneaking up on anybody anymore, and the offense must produce in order to keep up with the Rams, Packers, and 49ers.

Across I-76, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell short of expectations heading into last year's playoffs. Specials teams play took the blame for the loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game, and, as a result, Special Teams coach Jay Hayes was given his pink slip. A new general in Kevin Spencer was hired to command this platoon.

As is the case with Philadelphia, the Pittsburgh area is buzzing with Super Bowl dreams, and, realistically, why shouldn't they be? The Steelers have the easiest schedule by winning percentage in the NFL. They play only five games against 2001 playoff teams, and they will play two of those in the first two weeks of the season: the Patriots at the new Gillette Stadium on Monday Night Football, and the Raiders at shiny Heinz Field on Sunday night.

They also get the expansion Texans at home in kicker Kris Browns' much anticipated homecoming. Monday night games against Indianapolis and Tampa Bay should be an indicator of where this team stands within the elite NFL teams. Baltimore is rebuilding, and Cincinnati, though much improved, has been rebuilding for 11 seasons. The only real plausible threat in the division is the Cleveland Browns, a non-playoff team from a year ago, but whose defense must be feared and respected.

The only glaring weakness from last year's AFC runner-up, special teams play, supposedly has been shored up. Questions remain about Kordell Stewart and his ability to play in pressure-packed situations without choking. He is under heavy scrutiny from not only the coaching staff, but the fans as well to produce at the same rate as last season. How he responds to the expectations will either propel the Steelers to the Promised Land, or propel former XFL MVP Tommy Maddox or Charlie Batch into the starting lineup.

More than capable depth has been added. Quarterback Charlie Batch, a former starter with the Detroit Lions, second round draft pick Antwaan Randle El, and free agents Terance Mathis and James Farrior, who led the league in tackles in 2001, step in to add depth. In Farrior's case, this addition was made to set the starting defense.

The addition of Randle El to the receiving corps looks early on like a brilliant move, only adding to the already brimming confidence of the offense and the respectability of the receivers.

The passing game used to be a weakness in Pittsburgh. Now, with a lineup of potential stud Plaxico Burress, All-Pro Hines Ward, stellar rookie Randle El, and veteran free agent Mathis, Kordell Stewart has multiple weapons to choose from in this offense to go along with tailbacks Jerome Bettis, "Famous" Amos Zereoue, and Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala. A solid blocking tight end unit should put the running game back on track after an iffy pre-season showing.

This edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks ready to steam roll the competition, unless Stewart goes down in flames as was the case in 1998. Las Vegas has recognized them by installing the Steelers as the early AFC favorite at 10-to-1 to win the big one.

Once January rolls around, the Steelers and Eagles figure to be among the final four teams standing, as was the case in last year's playoffs. Unfortunately for them, neither team was playing in New Orleans. Both teams like their chances this year to get to San Diego.

I say, if both teams do make it to the bowl, let's truly make this an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl. Put that game in State College at Beaver Stadium, smack dab in the middle of Pennsylvania. It is large enough to house a capacity crowd of well over 100,000 fans, it is very accessible to the general Pennsylvania population, and makes the game have a little bit more meaning. Bragging rights would be on the line and may mean even more when the ultimate prize in football at stake.

Sure, I know this will never happen. Steelers owner Dan Rooney has been pushing for a New York or Washington Super Bowl by 2007, made especially appealing given the events of last September. That idea is having trouble passing through the other owners.

But think of it: a crisp January evening, light snow falling, the "frozen tundra" of central Pennsylvania hosting the biggest "frozen tundra" game since the 1960s in Green Bay. It would be an ideal setting for a Super Bowl and a unique ending for what promises to be a great season for both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Predictions? Knowing a lot of Eagles' fans, I may upset them, so I will keep that to myself.

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