Pittsburgh Steelers Win Super Bowl XLIII
The Arizona Cardinals Play With Heart, but Come Up Short
Feb 1, 2009
Congratulations to the Steelers and their fans. Ben Roethlisberger hit Santonio Holmes for a touchdown with 35 seconds left in the game for a come from behind victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. This is Pittsburgh's 6th Super Bowl Victory in 7 tries and second in the past 4 years. Coach Mike Tomlin, 36, becomes the youngest coach in history to win a Super Bowl.
First Quarter
The Steelers offense was the story of the first quarter. They methodically marched the ball down the field on two drives, burned time off the clock and kept the potent Arizona offense on the bench. The Steelers only managed to score 3 points, but more importantly they only allowed the Cardinals 5 offensive plays.
Second Quarter
Seldom used RB Gary Russell scored on a one yard run 59 seconds into the quarter giving the Steelers an 10 – 0 lead. Arizona answered with 83 yard drive capped by a 1 yard TD pass from Kurt Warner to TE Ben Patrick to cut the score to 10 – 7.
With time running out in the first half, James Harrison, the defensive player of the year, made the play of the game for Pittsburgh. The Cardinals were on the verge of scoring at least a field goal to tie the game. Harrison, who normally rushes the QB, dropped into pass coverage. Kurt Warner tried to connect with Anquan Boldin on a short slant pattern for a touchdown. Instead of Warner finding Boldin, Harrison stepped in front and returned the interception 100 yards for a Pittsburgh touchdown. Several times it appeared that Harrison might be tackled as time expired. He eventually found his way to pay dirt to extend the Steelers lead to 17-7 at the half.
Third Quarter
Momentum was back on Pittsburgh’s sideline. Arizona could not sustain a drive to start the quarter and punted back to the Steelers. They marched the ball 79 yards in 16 plays and took 8:39 off the clock in their only possession of the quarter. The Cardinals should have twice stopped the drive, but penalties keep the Steelers offense on the field. The Steelers kicked a field goal to make the score 20 – 7. At this point it appeared the game was clearly in the Pittsburgh’s hands though Arizona refused to go down without a fight.
Fourth Quarter
The teams traded possession to start the fourth. The score remained 20 – 7 Pittsburgh with 11:30 left in the game. Then the Cardinals started to show some urgency and went to the no huddle offence. Quickly they drove the ball down inside the Pittsburgh 10 yard line. On 3rd and 1 Warner found Larry Fitzgerald in the back corner of the end zone to close the Pittsburgh lead to 20 – 14.
For the first time in the game the Arizona defense forced the Pittsburgh offense into a 3 and out. Arizona was unable to score in spite of good field position. Ben Graham, the only Australian native to ever play in the Super Bowl, made a spectacular punt that was downed inside the Pittsburgh 1 yard line.
After nearly stopping Willie Parker in the end zone for a safety, the Cardinals were the recipient of a gift from Pittsburgh guard Justin Hartwig on the next play. Hartwig was guilty of holding in the end zone. It not only negated a 19 yard pass completion to Santonio Holmes, but also gave the Arizona Cardinals a 2 point safety and possession of the ball. Arizona had the momentum back and had closed the gap to 20 – 16.
Kurt Warner did not waste any time getting the Cardinals into the end zone. Two plays later Warner connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a 64 yard touchdown pass and the lead, 23 – 20. The Cardinals were 2:30 away from winning their first championship in 61 years and their first Super Bowl ever.
Ben Roethisberger started the Steelers on their own 22 yard line. Pittsburgh managed a couple first downs and then Roethisberger connected with Holmes for a 40 yard pass play to take the Steelers down to the Arizona 6 yard line with 48 seconds left in the game. With 35 seconds left on the clock Roethlisberger found Holmes again in the end zone with a pin-point pass. Holmes made a toe dragging, falling out of bounds grab that will be replayed for years to come. Pittsburgh lead 27 – 23.
The Cardinals made a valiant effort. After the ensuing kickoff, Warner moved the Cardinals to the Pittsburgh 44 yard line, within reach of a game steeling attempt. On the last Cardinal play Warner was hit and fumbled. It was a questionable call and should have been reviewed. Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense kneeled on the last play and time expired on the Cardinals.
This game was as exciting as any Super Bowl ever played. The only thing that would have made this game better is if the officials had reviewed the Warner fumble and found that it was an incomplete pass. Then football fans could have witnessed a Hail Mary pass to end the game. What a sight that would have been, regardless of the team that came out victorious.
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