sharpjuice

That's a Wrap

That puts a wrap on Sharpjuice's first season, and what better way to end it than with a Steeler Super Bowl win.  I am kinda of sick of the complaining, a win is a win. The Steelers have been on the short end of mistakes and bad calls many times in the past. Gene Wojciechowski somes it up best on ESPN.com, just shut up already.

For those of you counting, we went 9-2 in the playoffs and 59-43-1 for the NFL Season plus 11-6 in the preseason. That is 70-49-1 in the NFL, I'll take that any time. College was not quite as good at 52-55-1. The grand total for the season is 122-104-2, a 58.7% winning clip which will put you in the black.

To send you out, check out the Steelers Moshing video from their Super Bowl celebration parade. Troy Polamalu cuts loose for once.

I will check back in around the Draft in April. Until then, I will wind down on football...at least until the Combine in 2 weeks!

Prop Pick of The Week

I laid down my money on the game and the total, and now I am looking for some prop bets. I found 1 bet that looked interesting.

Shaun Alexander UNDER 89.5 yards (-110)
The Steelers gave up an average of 84 yards per game this year, and only only Edgerinn James has had 100 yards or more this year (in week 11).  More impressive, the 100-yard game the Steelers allowed to James is the only 100 yard game they have surrendered in the last 31 games that they have played. The Steelers have only allowed 13 100-yard games in the last 6 years! If you think the Steelers win, Shaun won't go over 90 yards.

Tmoney Super Picks

We are closing in on the biggest game in my last 10 years and I am so ready to go.  I have to go with my heart.

Seahawks vs Steelers
It concerns me a little that literally everyone is picking the Steelers. It seems like a trap. I am also a little concerned about the Steelers' health. If you watched Cowher press conference this morning, his body language wasn't that strong when asked about Troy Polamalu. He's going to play, but it sounds like his ankle is going to be tender. You don't get an MRI on a "tweak". Danny Kreider didn't practice either, which will change what the Steelers do on 1st and 2nd down. Additionally, the Superbowl trends favor the dogs as they have covered the last 4 games.

Seattle concerns me when they have the ball. The O-line is solid and it is hard to ignore Alexander. The key will be if Holmgren can keep the Steelers off-balance with his play calls. The Steelers make no bones about their strategy of shutting down the run. They did this throughout the playoffs. If Hasselbeck can be effective with play action and waggles, they will be able to move the ball.

When the Steelers have the ball, I see advantage to Pittsburgh.  Seattle has good numbers, but the talent is not nearly as deep. Pittsburgh will be able to move the ball and score.

This game will go one of 2 ways. If both teams don't turn it over, both teams will score and it will be close.  If Steelers play the D they have been playing, the Steelers will pull away. It will come down to turnovers as it always does.

In the end, I have to go with my heart. Pittsburgh will score a plenty and move the ball at will. Seattle will keep it close, but in the end Pittsburgh D will cause a turnover or 2 and I like Pittsburgh to cover.  Additionally, I like the under for a small bet. 47 is too steep in a game like this.

Tmoney says Steelers 27 - Seahawks 17, Steelers -4.5 and UNDER 47

In the end, all I care is that the Steelers win.  Enjoy and see you next year.

Superbowl Picks Around the Web

Superbowl "expert" predictions from around the web:

Sports Illustrated Experts

Chris Carter on Yahoo

USA Today

ESPN Experts

Sportsline Experts

And Some interesting Superbowl Trends

Covers.com Superbowl Trends

Random Thoughts from Motown

Just some thoughts after watching this 24 hr/day media blitz.

• Did you see Michael Irvin on ESPN last night?  That guy is such a homer, he sits there and defends his boy TO and blasts McNabb. Hey Michael, go get some blow up on 8-mile Road and Woodward.
• Speaking of Homers, Chris Mortensen is the SEC's biggest homer.  Just because his son is at Arkansas, he thinks Matt Jones was the steal of the draft and the next Jerry Rice. Now he thinks Jay Cutler is the second coming. Listen, Jay Cutler is good, but he is a 2nd round pick at best that will get drafted about 30 spots too high. This happens every year, the stars stay home and then someone picks Philip Rivers #4. Come on.
• You have to enjoy Joey Porter. He is playing for the crowd and uses it to get fired up. It's pretty damn funny and reminds me of Shaq rambling on.
• Have you seen the Drunk Big Ben photos yet? Those are just too damn scandalous. Word in the 'burgh is that they were doctored on Photoshop.  They look pretty real to me.  I was doing much worse at 23. I hope they were taken last week, not this week.  But why would anyone wear a Drink Like A Champion shirt? That is a little suspicious.
• If you can't get enough, NFL.com has the Sirius NFL channel playing all day, as well as the press conference video clips. ESPN Insider has all the morning shows archived.
• Do you get the sense that TO has and had some supporters in the Eagles locker room?  Listening to McNabb whine on TV, I am pretty sure he didn't have everyones support, and for sure not Hugh Douglas.
• Are you sick of Chad Johnson wondering around Detroit saying "I should be in the dome right now, only if Carson Palmer didn't get hit". Shut up already.
• I am so ready for the game.