Super Bowl Odds – the coaching and quarterback breakdown

• Super bowl odds: Coaching, quarterbacks are a huge key to victory

Super Bowl odds for the big game on February 1st haven’t moved much since the betting line opened with the Steelers as a seven-point favorite. While we’ve examined the line, the teams and their paths to Super Bowl XLIII, let’s take a look at two key aspects of the game: coaching and quarterbacking.

Arizona Cardinals head coach: Ken Whisenhunt

A lot of online sports bettors aren’t sure what to make of former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator and current Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt. He’s done a lot of things that the Cardinals would consider to be good.

He led them to a winning season, an NFC West Division crown, a playoff win, an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance.

At the same time, a lot of those things look good because the Cardinals franchise has been an absolute piece of garbage for the last quarter century.

Super Bowl odds don’t exactly reflect it, but the Cardinals have been an NFL loser for a while. This was only their second-winning season in the last 25 years and their playoff wins were the first in more than 50 years. In some respects, a lot of people could see Whisenhunt unemployed in a parallel universe.

Had the Cards not been in such an easy division, they likely wouldn’t be in the playoffs. And if they’re not in the playoffs, Whisenhunt is heading into next season on the hot seat.

But could-haves and would-haves don’t matter. The Cards are one of the teams playing on February 1st, 2009 in Super Bowl 43, and Whisenhunt is one of the reasons for it.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback: Kurt Warner

The Super Bowl odds on the Cardinals were pretty low to start the season. That’s because Matt Leinart looked like an immature quarterback and Kurt Warner was supposed to be over-the-hill. But Warner has been nothing short of spectacular, carrying the Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII.

This season, Warner garnered MVP votes and is a potential Hall-of-Famer to be. For the upcoming game specifically, he’s a pure pocket passer but he’s one of the sharpest minds in the game. He can read blitzes, adjust and make throws to expose opposing weaknesses.

One key thing to note is Warner played significantly better at home than on the road.

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

After the Steelers won the Super Bowl just three years ago, not many people had heard of Mike Tomlin. But he impressed the Steelers owners, the Rooneys, and beat out Whisenhunt for the Steelers head coaching job.

Tomlin hasn’t changed the Steelers much. They are still one of the toughest teams in the league and they are still one of the most successful. And, low and behold, Super Bowl odds have them listed as a favorite to take home yet another championship.

Even though he’s only been on the job for a couple of years, many people would name Tomlin among the best head coaches in the NFL.

Interestingly enough, there are only two head coaches in the NFL currently with a Super Bowl ring. After Super Bowl XLIII, either Tomlin or Whisenhunt will be No. 3.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers quarterback “Big Ben” was drafted after both Eli Manning and Philip Rivers in the 2004 NFL Draft but, so far, he’s been the most successful. Roethlisberger just leads his team to wins, regardless of how ugly.

He’s big and mobile, he can throw on the run and even though he’s made some mistakes this year, he has led his team to victory is several tight situations.

Roethlisberger may be working with the worst offensive line in this game, but he has adjusted to it. He knows he’ll be pressured, and being prepared for that has helped him make smarter reads and smarter decisions.

With another Super Bowl win, Roethlisberger, at 26-years-old, will be well on his way to Canton, Ohio.

For more insight and analysis on Super Bowl odds, check out the BetOnline.com Betting Edge daily.

Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.