Super Bowl XLIII has come and gone and we were graced with one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever. We witnessed the Steelers start with an efficient first drive and proceed to dominate most of the first half. The Cardinals were able to muster a second quarter touchdown, but the first half culminated with the most memorable interception in Super Bowl history.
It looked as though the Steelers would run away with it in the third quarter, but the Cardinals defense came up with a game-changing red zone save. It was the spark that the Cardinals needed as Larry Fitzgerald carried them to 16 straight points and what looked to be their first title in franchise history. But then Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger happened. The game was capped with one of the nicest catches, if not the best catch in Super Bowl history.
There are the normal rumblings that the Steelers were carried to victory on the back of the referees, but there was only one call that was blatantly wrong, the roughing the passer call in the third quarter. There are also a few people out there that question whether Holmes’ had possession with two feet in bounds, but that looks to be sour grapes. It is clear when he tapped his two toes, and he did get two toes down, that he had possession of the ball and maintained that possession. Lastly, as NFL officials tell us today, the replay booth did look at the Warner fumble and confirmed it without needing to “buzz” the ref. However, I would rather focus on everything great about Super Bowl XLIII.
We watched a Steelers’ defense show why they were so great and then show that even the unflappable can be beaten. Larry Fitzgerald reminded us why he is considered a top-two receiver in the game (Yes, I do consider Andre Johnson on the same level). Kurt Warner demonstrated why he is Mr. February with a third outstanding performance. We saw a fourth quarter comeback and a remarkable game-winning drive. This game had everything for every type of fan. While it fails to be quite as exceptional as last year’s Super Bowl because of the undefeated Patriots; from a purely game play perspective, I give it a definite advantage.
With that said, I do have two complaints about the game. First, the refs called too much. I would have rather have seen the officials let them play a little more. Both sides were penalized with some pretty questionable calls. I would rather see a few more holds go uncalled than watch the refs try to micromanage the game. Second, they got the Super Bowl MVP wrong. Santonio Holmes played extremely well and was very deserving, but Big Ben earned the honor. Ben was by far the best player on the field last night. He escaped pressure and kept plays alive purely based on desire. His numbers weren’t overwhelming, but they were very good. While Santonio made an incredible catch, the throw was even more unbelievable. Ben found a hole and put the ball where only his receiver could catch it. It is silly how perfect the throw was. Plain and simple, without Ben, the Steelers don’t win.
Congratulations to the Cardinals on reaching their first Super Bowl and playing a great game. There is a great base of young talent for the Cardinals to build with and maybe make it back before another 43 years. Even greater congratulations to the Steelers and the Rooney family. This record-setting sixth Super Bowl speaks volumes about the Rooney family and their dedication to excellence. They are the model franchise in professional sports. Feel free to voice your opinion on the game, the Boss, and the commercials.
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