View from the Corner on the Super Bowl

The Corner’s view of the Super Bowl

By TOM WOERNER

Editor

There are going to be people all over the world picking the Super Bowl winner this week, many with large sums of money riding on the game. The Corner doesn’t endorse gambling but one thing is a sure bet, this will be one of the best games in recent memory and I see the Steelers winning a squeaker.

I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to put hard earned money on that prediction but I think it is a good one. Both teams in the big game are riding emotional highs. 

The Steelers proved they are the best team in the very weak AFC this year. They are an outstanding defensive squad and will hold the Packers to less than 17 points. As he usually does, Troy Palamalu will make a big impact either through an interception or a series of violent hits, or both.

The problem is I don’t think Ben Roethlisberger can orchestrate that many points for his offense. The man better known as “Big Ben” is overrated. He is a good quarterback, worthy of a starting position in the National Fooball League. He is a step behind Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and others in the top tier of snap takers. I don’t think he will have what it takes to stop the momentum the Packers have continued to build.

He is even a rung lower than Aaron Rogers who will lead the Packers. Rogers has quickly over come his first role as the man who replaced Brett Favre. This is now his team, not Favre’s old team. He has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the game. The final score next week will be 17-13 with the Packers taking the Lombardi trophy home to the land of cheese.

My other perspective on the Super Bowl is that the game continues to grow as a commercial and party event. There are people in this world who plan their social calendar around Super Bowl parties months in advance, regardless of who is playing in the game. 

There are some who will sit through the game and not be able to recall the winner, much less the score. Some will know the stars of the commercials better than those in the actual game. 

Even as an observer of the game I am also guilty. I remember years when the outcome of the Bud Bowl was as important as the winner of the real game. Not that anyone at East Carolina is interested in Budweiser products!

There is no doubt the Super Bowl is an American phenomenon. This year’s game will be particularly entertaining with two closely matched teams.  Regardless of the outcome it is going to be a lot of fun for everyone except those with real money riding on the Steelers, or the Packers with a large point spread. Enjoy the game!