Its finally here. Only two more days of waiting and the Super Bowl will be played and won, by one team or another. It should be a great game and hopefully you’ll have a chance to watch it. I know I’ll be cracking open the soda, chips and salsa and looking forward to a great contest!

If you’re looking to blow off some time at work today, join the ESPN Super Bowl chat today at 11:00am PST and give them your input on the big game.

This game will be one of match-ups. Roethlisberger vs. Warner, Fitzgerald vs. the Steeler Defense, Steeler Offensive Line vs. Cardinals Defensive line. Here’s a breakdown of how the EverdayQB thinks they’ll play out, followed by a Super Bowl Score prediction.

Roethlisberger vs. Warner:

I’m going to give a slight edge to Kurt Warner on this one. His experience and big play capability makes him a threat the whole game. Roethlisberger will be consistent and does a great job of giving his teammates a chance to win, but Warner can change the game at the drop of a hat with a nifty scramble or perflectly thrown long ball.

Fitzgerald vs. Steeler Defense:

The Steeler defense gets the nod on this one. As amazing as Fitzgerald has been in the playoffs he hasn’t faced a secondary as fast as he’ll see on Sunday. The Steelers will do an exceptional job of neutralizing Fitzgerald, so it will be up to the other Cardinal receivers and Edgerrin James to carry the load. Fitzgerald may get free once or twice, which, with Warner’s long play capability, could have an impact, but overall Fitzgerald will be stifled by the quality secondary of the Steelers.

Steeler O-Line vs. Cardinals D-Line:

Again the nod goes to the Steelers. There size and strength will wear down the Cardinal D-Line throughout the course of the football game. The Steelers play ‘hard-nosed football’ (i.e they run the ball a lot) which will wear down the Cardinals D-Line. Their hope is to create stunts and blitzs that will work into the Steelers offense, but their Steelers O-Line is experienced and talented enough to adjust.

Overall, I think it’ll be an exceptional Super Bowl game. The high-powered offense of the Cardinals will make for some exciting plays and the Steelers will impress savvy football fans with a controlled, precision offense and well-schemed defense. The game may be up and down, but the slow, steady, methodical work of the Steelers will prevail in the end. EverdayQB prediction: Steelers 24, Cardinals 17.

Here at EverydayQB we want to take the time to admire (and analyze) the two quarterbacks left standing in the NFL. These two men both have great stories, talents and a few weaknesses. Both will play important roles in their teams chances this Sunday for the ‘Big Game’. While football is one of the greatest team sports ever created, the Quarterback position is also one of the most important/high profile callings in all of sports. Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger will be pivotal in the game on Sunday. Here’s how they match-up:

Specs:

Kurt Warner-While the 6’2”, 218 lb 37 year old is one of the oldest quarterbacks to start in a Super Bowl, his long resume is worth the ‘extra’ age. His successful time with the St. Louis Rams rose him to prominence when he won two NFL MVP awards in ’99 and ’01 as well as the Super Bowl MVP award in Super Bowl XXXIV. Warner is ranked third all-time in career passing rating with a 93.8 and is the the second-most statistically accurate quarterback in NFL history with a career completion percentage of 65.7%

Ben Roethlisberger-6’5” 241 lb 26 year old has a little size on his counterpart but less experience. He did however win the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2004 and became the youngest Super Bowl-winning quarterback in NFL history. He currently ranks 7th all-time in NFL passer rating (89.4) and yards per attempt (7.86).

Skills

Warner-Warner is highly accurate and highly explosive. He can hurt you with a down the field pass at any point in the game. Especially with Larry Fitzgerald in the game, look for him to lay the ball up for Fitzgerald to go up and get. Warner’s experience is also one of his greatest skills. His age may slow him down in the pocket a little bit, but his experience allows him to anticipate and intuit what defenses are trying to do and make quick adjustments.

Roethlisberger-Has one of the best arms I’ve seen in the NFL. He’s most definitely a pocket-passer, meaning that he won’t be doing much scrambling, but when the Steeler Offensive Line gives him time to throw, he can really step up and deliver the football. His sense of poise and size gives him the ability to read defenses well. While he is young, he knows what it is like to play in a Super Bowl and win.

Special Intangibles

Warner-Warner’s faith and integrity have greatly contributed to his life and to the way his teammates view and respect him. At one point, Warner was bagging groceries at a Supermarket and the sense of privilege and humility/love for the game that he carries with him is infectious with his teammates. Again his experience plays a key role, since this is the first Super Bowl trip for the Arizona Cardinals and many on the team. His ability to relax and help focus his team will be a key part of the Cardinal’s success.

Roethlisberger-Also has the leadership capability needed to help a team be successful. HIs presence is one of the foundations of his leadership. A calming influence and steady demeanor give his teammates confidence that, even through obstacles and adversity, he has the resolve and ability to lead them through it.

There’s the EverydayQB breakdown. Now you can impress your friends on Sunday with some quarterback commentary. It wil be a great match up between two great quarterbacks.

One of the busiest days during Super Bowl is Media Day. Its an opportunity for the media craze surrounding the NFL championship to be let loose and to go crazy. All sorts of questions are asked, last year Tom Brady was even proposed to on Media Day, and it can be quite a distraction for the players trying to focus on the game. After 16 to 17 weeks of a consistent work schedule and game days on Sundays, Super Bowl Week can be a difficult road block to the focus and preparation for the “Big Game”.

Aaron Smith, defensive end for the favored Steelers, said today that, “I think it does put a little bit of pressure, but it’s a good pressure to motivate you and drive you to do the best you can possibly do.” Its interesting that he states that the various pressures actually have a positive affect in motivating the players to be successful.

Often times we view pressures or stress as a completely negative force. When our schedules change and plans are adjusted, myself in particular, I have a hard time in adjusting to those changes and having a positive attitude. Those extra pressures seem to sometimes push me into the ‘over-stressed’ mode and my production throughout the day usually slows down. I like Aaron Smith’s quote because it helped me realize that those stresses that occur in the every day rythm of life can be used as a positive force instead of a negative one. With the proper attitude, I can channel that energy into being more productive in the change of plans or new adjustments.

Both the Steelers and the Cardinal’s success on Sunday will be based largely upon how they respond to the unexpected and how they deal with the obstacles they will inevitably face. Will they fold or be overwhelmed? Will they respond and rise above the obstacles? What will you do when stresses are thrown at you?

On every team there are natural leaders. Men and women who have been given gifts that are conducive to leading others in a positive and successful direction. Leaders shape and form vision and purpose, often get the majority of the fame and the shame. Leaders often get the most press, the most praise and the most criticism. Leaders enjoy privileges and opportunities that others may not have. Leaders on a football team are the driving force and shape the success of a team.

I was taught that with much power, comes even great responsibility. So is this truth portrayed and implored in the Pope’s recent letter to newly-elected President Obama:

THE HONORABLE BARACK OBAMA

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON, DC

ON THE OCCASION OF YOUR INAUGURATION AS THE FORTY-FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA I OFFER CORDIAL GOOD WISHES, TOGETHER WITH THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS THAT ALMIGHTY GOD WILL GRANT YOU UNFAILING WISDOM AND STRENGTH IN THE EXERCISE OF YOUR HIGH RESPONSIBILITIES. UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP MAY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CONTINUE TO FIND IN THEIR IMPRESSIVE RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL HERITAGE THE SPIRITUAL VALUES AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES NEEDED TO COOPERATE IN THE BUILDING OF A TRULY JUST AND FREE SOCIETY, MARKED BY RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY, EQUALITY AND RIGHTS OF EACH OF ITS MEMBERS, ESPECIALLY THE POOR, THE OUTCAST AND THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICE. AT A TIME WHEN SO MANY OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD YEARN FOR LIBERATION FROM THE SCOURGE OF POVERTY, HUNGER AND VIOLENCE, I PRAY THAT YOU WILL BE CONFIRMED IN YOUR RESOLVE TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, COOPERATION AND PEACE AMONG THE NATIONS, SO THAT ALL MAY SHARE IN THE BANQUET OF LIFE WHICH GOD WILLS TO SET FOR THE WHOLE HUMAN FAMILY (cf. Isaiah 25:6-7). UPON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND UPON ALL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, I WILLINGLY INVOKE THE LORD’S BLESSINGS OF JOY AND PEACE

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI  (ONE)

Fitting and appropriate that the Pope would remind President Obama to not only look after the needs of our nation (while they are great and numerous) but America’s responsibility to the world as a nation that has the means and ability to make a marked difference in restoration of the poor and a hand to prevent violence and oppression. Leaders have the responsibility to look out for and help those that cannot look after themselves or who are suffering persecution at the hands of an oppressor. As America deals with its own issues of economy, the environment and ethics, we must also change the way we view the rest of the world. We must seek to reach out and restore those who are poor, starving and in need in our world. That is what a leader does.

Something that President Obama said in his Inaugural Address yesterday has been marinating in my mind. “The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.”

The concept of analyzing programs and agencies to see if there are working correctly or not and approving and continuing those that do is one worth considering. As we start a new year, a new presidency, potentially a new future in American history, it is good to look back and examine what is working and what is not.

Here at EverydayQB we’ve tried to give you a Game Plan For Your Life, steps during the week that you can take to be effective in your business and family life. These days are designed for you to do the things during your week that are necessary in the flow of human life. While they mimic the work week of a college or pro football player, the flow of the week is intentional to prepare you for upcoming events and consistent production needed to be successful.

But it is always important to step back and critique what you are doing. To see what is working and what isn’t. I have been attempting to do so in my own life, hoping that as I continue to tweak and improve my schedule, that I will be more effective in my everyday life. Some important questions to ask are:

-Am I being as effective as I can be, at home, work, etc.?

-If yes, how do I create a sustainable schedule to maintain efficiency?

-If no, which aspects of my day or week need to change to be more efficient?

-Are the priorities in my life getting the majority of my time, both quantitative and qualitatively?

-Am I reaching and moving towards any long term and short term goals laid before me?

This questions can help as you analyze your productivity and evaluate your priorities and goals. There is no limit to your potential and success when you focus on a game plan and effectively carry it out.

As I sat and watched the Inauguration of our 44th President today, I reflected on the words our our new President and the overall theme of his message. I was encouraged and inspired by his words and his determination, not to tell the people of America that ‘everything would be okay’ or that ‘things are not as bad as they seem’, but instead, the admonition to the American people to “choose hope over fear”.

Choosing hope over fear is not easy in time of uncertainty. It is not simple when jobs are being lost, when children are starving, when families are broken. It is not easy when there is pain and strife within the borders of our nation. When hatred and greed are tolerated, when corruption is overlooked.

President Obama’s appeal to the American was plain: “greatness is never a given, it must be earned.”

America became great not from an ideal or concept, not a wish or a flimsy creed, but from the sweat and work of those who fought and labored to be great. Those who, “struggled, sacrificed and worked until their hands were raw. America was bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions”. America’s greatness came from men and women that met challenges head on. In the face of despair and defeat, they chose hope over fear. We must do the same.

Their is no limit to “what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined with purpose” as President Obama has now said. That when we choose hope over fear, to move forward instead of retreat, to embrace love rather than violence, we find that, “our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken”.

Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals have accomplished what was thought to be impossible. The Cardinals will be heading to their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The Cardinals have been successful because of a passion and drive to be successful and they have stayed committed to production and winning even through turmoil and trial. While their team is an interesting blend of characters and individuals, they might just have the team chemistry and drive needed to overcome the solid Steelers in the Big Game.

Warner is no stranger to surprise success. His Super Bowl season with the Rams gave him the experience he needs the next few weeks as he prepares to help his team be successful. Warner is proof that no team or player, can ever be discounted and that focused intensity over time can produce some amazing results.

Warner exemplifies an important quality of the EverydayQB, he has spent more time and more effort than anyone on his team to be successful and to will his team to win. This focused intensity and hard work has paid off. I am confident there were points in this season and others where Warner felt like throwing in the towel or calling it a career. But his desire to win and to make a difference on his team has brought him to this point.

Warner has the desire, and the ability to help his team win. With a balance of experience, dedication and really hard work, each of us has an opportunity to have a impact on our ‘teams’ just as Kurt Warner has proved.

With the college football season at a close, its now a chance for many NCAA stars to make a decision: Do I stay and finish my four years or make myself eligibile for the NFL Draft? Its a tough decision that is debated by many players and people have differeing views on whether it should even be allowed.

But one thing is for sure, for those who decide to take the next step, their whole world is about to change. They are going from campus to celebrity, from the books to the spot light and it is no doubt a challenging transition, albeit an exciting one. It is a time of great transition in their lives and some handle it well while others crash and burn.

Often times we have opportunities to move up a ‘ladder of success’ or take a new job, a new opportunity, to take our ‘game’ to the next level. It can be exciting and anxious, invigorating and exhausting. Here are some things to remember as you prepare to take the next step.

1. Remember what got you there: The reason you’re being put in the position that you are is because you’ve been doing something right before this. Don’t get away from the things that have helped you be successful up to this point.

2. Use your intangibles: What are the things about you that are hard to articulate, but that make you exceptional at what you do? Maybe you have a uncanny ability to simply get the job done, or you make the people around you better because of your attitude and commitment. Whatever your intangibles are, use them in your new position.

3. Don’t be afraid to take a risk: People that play it safe will never make progress. They’ll never be leading in the front or making new discoveries, progress or growth. Have a confidence and assurance they you have the ability to make an impact.

4. Develop your strengths AND your weaknesses: Improvement can only come by acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses. If you don’t develop the things that you are not particulary good at, someone or something will come along that will use your weaknesses against you.

Taking your game to the next level is an important step in any person’s life and one worth taking. These young men entering the NFL Draft have an opportunity to make a name for themselves in their field (and a lot of money). They got there by taking the gift of their talent and working hard to improve and hone their skill. They will have to continue to work even harder and longer hours at the ‘office’ to be successful at their craft.

One of the most interesting wildcards of any sports game is the concept of momentum. When things seem to be going your way, or the way of the opposing team, its seems like there is almost a force working against you and it is difficult to stop. Newton’s Law that objects in motion tend to stay in motion seems to somehow apply. To control momentum or maintain it is a sports trick that many have tried to master.

Big plays always create momentum. At times, a game hinges on it. Drawing the crowd to its feet with cheers or giving your team hope that they will succeed, that hope can be deflated just a quickly when the other team makes a great play.

I once heard that focused intensity over time will create momentum. The momentum changes that I watched in the Florida, Oklahoma game last night made a significant difference in the game. But what was impressive to me was the focused intensity of Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators. Even though the game did not start out the way they wanted it to, Tebow had two interceptions and they were tied at half time, their focused intensity eventually gave them the chance to break through the wall of the formidable Oklahoma Sooners.

The breakthrough came in the third quarter when Tim Tebow took over and had two hard nosed running plays for first downs. He ignited the crowd with his excitement and created momentum for his team. He led them down the field for a score to go up 14-7. Equally impressive was Sam Bradford who then talk the ball and marched down the field. But the key to the game, and my prediction, was the defense and special teams of Floriday. On 3rd and 1, after the Sooners had been consistently driving, the Gator defense said “no more” and shut the run down, forcing a field goal attempt. The Gator special teams then blocked the field goal attempt, stifling a return score by the Sooners.

Oklahoma tried to steal momentum after a fourth quarter touchdown, but Percy Harvin and the Gators responded with a huge drive that gained the momentum back. An amazing interception by the Gator defense essentially sealed the Sooners fate.

Florida was able to control the majority of the momentum in the football game by making big plays when they needed to and keeping Bradford and the Sooners from responding. While my score prediction was a little high, the defense and special teams of the Gators were the important pieces put together for a BCS National Championship trophy. What a finish to the NCAA college football season.

Tonight is the big game. Oklahoma and Florida square off to earn the title of national champion. A great match-up of two teams, two great offenses and two great coaches in Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer. In predicting games like this with such great teams involved, its difficult to pin point enough reasons why one team might win over the other. Both teams have great quarterbacks in Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford, both Heisman trophy winners and born leaders. They will each lead their teams to impressive days offensively. Both teams will put points on the board and make plays.

The keys of the game will come down to Defense and Special Teams. The little things down on each side to prevent big plays and game-changing moments from happening could very well decide the game. Even as a former quarterback, offensive minded and confident that offenses are what drive football teams, it truly is defense and special teams that win championships.

The Florida Gators have one of the best defenses in the country. But Oklahoma has faced charges of their league being the weakest defensive league in Division I. Look for OU to come out tough and aggressive at the beginning, looking to shot down the shotgun running game. OU will be motivated to make a statement. Florida, on the other hand, will start out brusing Oklahoma like they haven’t felt all year. Florida puts heavy hitters in the middle of the field in linebacker Brandon Spikes and safeties Major Wright and Ahmad Black. They will attack Bradford and get the OU receivers to think twice before coming over the middle.

In Special Teams, the Gators have the advantage, as the Sooners have been poor on kickoff return coverage this year, ranked 106th nationally. “Florida, meanwhile, ranks eighth nationally in net punting and punt returns and has missed only one field goal and one extra point. Return man Brandon James has taken two punts to the house this season and has had eight kickoff returns longer than 30 yards.” According to ESPN.

But when all the numbers are crunched, the hype overhyped and the lights set, it comes down to the game itself. And its going to be a good one. My prediction…Flordia 38, Oklahoma 24.