TAMPA, Fla. – The Steelers know all about the affinity Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has for trick plays. After all, the former Steelers offensive coordinator called one the last time they were in the Super Bowl.
That has everyone on the Steelers anticipating a gadget play on Sunday.
“Every time he gets near the 50-yard line, he wants to take a shot,” Steelers receiver Hines Ward said. “That is his M.O. The trick play that they ran against Philly, they were near the 50-yard line. He likes to do those trick plays. He likes to take shots around the 50. Just as well as he knows us, we know him as well.”
Whisenhunt called trick plays for touchdowns against the Eagles and the Falcons in the playoffs. Back in 2006, he had receiver Antwaan Randle El throw the ball for a score to Ward.
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The Giants and Jets may both be home, but this Super Bowl still has New York representation. Steelers tackle Willie Colon grew up in The Bronx and then went to Hofstra.
“I was a project kid, growing up on the streets and running the streets in New York,” Colon said. “But I’m just sticking to my dream and am staying good to myself. It’s a blessing. I give much credit to my mom for sticking by my side through the rough times. I know people from back home are cheering me on. . . . I’m proud and I’m glad they’re proud of me.”
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Amani Toomer on his own Web site tried to downplay Wednesday’s harsh words he directed at the Giants.
“I absolutely did not intend nor did I criticize the coaching staff’s game plans,” Toomer wrote. “I do however feel I was underutilized in the last few games.”
Eli Manning, who made an appearance inside the Media Center, said he wants Toomer to return and dismissed Toomer’s belief there was an agenda to phase him out of the offense.
“We had other guys in there also so everybody can’t get playing time,” Manning said.
As far as being here without his team, Manning added, “You remember the time we had last year and it sinks in, the disappointment of not being here. It was such a fun adventure last year. It wasn’t meant to be this year. I try not to torture myself by watching news about the Super Bowl.”
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Giants defensive quality control coach Andre Curtis was hired by Steve Spagnuolo as a defensive assistant with the Rams.
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General David H. Petraeus, commander of the United States Central Command, will toss the coin in a special ceremony moments before the start of Super Bowl XLIII. . . . The crew of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, led by Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger, in a pregame ceremony will be recognized on the field for the safe landing and rescue of 150 passengers in the Hudson River.
