That is why they will win the Super Bowl today over Arizona. That is why they won the Super Bowl three years ago over Seattle, despite a horrible game by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben was so bad in that one that his quarterback rating of 22.6 was actually worse than Jake Delhomme's 39.1 rating in the Panthers' loss to Arizona three weeks ago.

Pittsburgh could survive Roethlisberger's nasty game because, unlike Carolina, the Steelers are built around an unbelievably good defense. Pittsburgh has played the 3-4 alignment longer -- and has played it better -- than any other NFL team.

The Steelers know what they are. They embody the city of Pittsburgh -- a blue-collar place that loves its Steelers. The city loves them so much that a statue of Franco Harris making the Immaculate Reception stands in the Pittsburgh airport right next to a statue of George Washington. You can guess which statue attracts more camera flashes.

The Steelers avoid the big-name free agents and draft guys to fit their system. They employ a brilliant defensive coordinator in Dick LeBeau.

Let's assume for a second you're not a huge fan of either Pittsburgh or Arizona, that you are a neutral observer for today's Super Bowl. In that case, I think this game serves as a good litmus test for your lifestyle.

Do you prefer the more substantive team in Pittsburgh or the more stylish one in Arizona? Do you prefer defense or offense?

Troy Polamalu or Larry Fitzgerald?

Comedian Billy Crystal used to have a "Saturday Night Live" bit where he proclaimed: "It is better to look good than to feel good."

Arizona looks good. When I look at Kurt Warner, I marvel at his incredibly quick release. When my wife looks at Warner, she admires different attributes, but she also thinks he looks good. Fitzgerald, who can perform a ballet in midair, also looks good. The Cardinals are elegant. This is why my friend and colleague Tom Sorensen likes them, incidentally. Tom is all about looking good -- about hair gel and workouts and arm-wrestling Father Time.

I know Roethlisberger's offensive line is leaky. But Willie Parker is healthy again, and the running back that John Bunting once buried on the bench in Chapel Hill will be a huge factor today. Parker, in fact, will end up as the Super Bowl MVP.

Bottom line: Substance trumps style, as it usually does. Pittsburgh, already the winner of five Super Bowls, gets its six-pack.

THE PICK: Pittsburgh 23, Arizona 17