Here it is, the classic matchup that noone wanted to see at the beginning of the playoffs. Offense vs Defense, New coach vs Old team, Young vs Old, Retirement Community vs The Steel City...What more could you ask for?
Breaking it down:
Defense: Pitt has an obvious advantage here, but you cannot dismiss the Arizona defense that has been playing absolutely remarkable. With that said, Warner is money against the blitz and you know that the Arizona coaches know whats up, they'll scheme properly.
Running: Pitt has another obvious advantage here. They have a surprisingly good backup in Moore. Like the defense, the Cards have shown improvement in this category in the playoffs. Despite a balanced attack, their running game is still dismal, average less than league average in ypc (needs verification). I don't see them fairing much better in this game.
Special Teams: Both have potential to be explosive on the return game, and both have really good place kickers. I don't really give the nod to either team, I think both play really well on this side of the ball.
Receiving: As obvious a choice this seems to be, don't dismiss the play of the Pitt receivers. Ben has played well and his wideouts play their "non-spectacular" role as good as anyone else. Washington is almost always good for at least 1 50+ yard bomb. Still, the core that Arizona has may be one of the best collections of receivers ever assembled. It's a shame it's as good as gone after this year. Boldin seems healthy, but I don't know how much the whining and bitching will effect playcalling. Advantage still has to go to Arizona though.
Quaterback: Warner has an amazing playoff record. He's lost what, one playoff game ever? Ben is the same way however. Ben is the clutch that Jake Delhomme wishes he could be. It's hard to pick here. Warner is obviously more explosive, great against the blitz, and has the better surrounding peices. I'll give the advantage to Warner
Final Score: Arizona - 24, Pittsburgh - 17
inb4 "Always take defense". I know