From NFL.Com’s Jason LaCanfora via Twitter:

JasonLaCanfora: Steelers making retaining DT Casey Hampton and S Ryan Clark an offseason priority. Would be shocked if either hit the open market.

Both Hampton and Clark would have been attractive free agent signings for the Chiefs given they need significant upgrades at both positions. With the whole collective bargaining disaster and the uncapped year, it looks increasingly like the free agency pickings are going to be extremely slim. Pioli will have to work some serious offseason magic if he wants to fill a majority of the Chiefs roster holes

The Old Chief: Adam,

Everyone is missing the obvious on this Super Bowl. While everyone is focusing on Larry Fitzgerald, I feel the most important player on the field is Casey Hampton. Yes, Casey is at bat again. The eight-year veteran from Texas is responsible for up the middle push as well as stopping the run. Why is this important? Kurt Warner steps up in the pocket, often avoiding the rush from linebackers and defensive ends. With a strong push up front, it will decrease Warner’s ability to make plays and get the ball downfield.

Overall, I think dick Dick LeBeau’s outfit will be more prepared than the Eagles were. It has recently been discovered that defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has metastatic cancer (skin) to the spine, which has limited his involvement. This might be in part responsible for the Cards fast start against the Eagles. The toughness, the balance of offense and defense of the Steelers, as well as the push up front from the three lineman plus one linebacker will be too much for the Cards.

Too tough. Too balanced. Too experienced. Plus, as someone who grew up in St. Louis, I know better than anyone that the Cardinals are born losers. After all, this is still Bill Bidwell’s team. There has never been anything “super” about that man. Meanwhile, Mr. Rooney and his Steelers have five Lombardi trophies. The Steelers win this one decisively.

Remember the name Casey Hampton.

Oh, remember the name Santonio Holmes, too. Very underrated player.

(Adam’s rebuttal after the jump…)

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