The NFL Network showed a replay of Super Bowl XLIII last night in its entirety. I was able to see a few things for the first time, since so much of the action came at the opposite end from my seat in the press box. This post isn’t remotely timely, but one of the most exciting fourth quarters in Super Bowl history should have a two-week shelf life … right?
A few final, random thoughts
It’s easy to say in retrospect, but Arizona went against their nature some by forgoing blitzes on Pittsburgh’s final two plays. The Steelers only left five in to block for maximum receivers, but Ben Roethlisberger felt virtually no pressure.
Before the winning touchdown, Pittsburgh had 15 plays inside the ten-yard line, and ten inside the five-yard line, with only one offensive touchdown. That nearly was the difference. Arizona’s defense made just enough big plays to keep them in the game despite the Harrison return.
Arizona’s best defensive players were Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett, who were all over the place. Adrian Wilson also played well. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will have to be strong mentally to forget that game.
Who says the Combine doesn’t matter? Ralph Brown’s vertical leap could force overtime with an extra inch or two.
It was fitting that Pittsburgh won this way. They weren’t a perfect team all year, but they were unbelievably effective on final drives this season. Ben Roethlisberger has more fourth quarter comebacks than anyone in football since 2004. That’s a trend.
Practically every late throw from Roethlisberger was on point and he overcame two key drops by his tight ends. His throw on the safety call was among his best.
Kurt Warner lost, but throwing for 213 yards to put up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl against the best defense in the league is still a memorable performance.
Tim Hightower shook Troy Polamalu for an improbable third-down conversion while driving late in the first half. Watching the game a second time, Cardinals fans have to think what if he just gets tackled and they settle for three points.
There have been a lot of wild fourth quarters in the Super Bowl this decade, as defenses appear to get tired after a long, intense day.
I’m still amazed that Cardinals put themselves in position to win after punting the ball down 13 points with 13 minutes left. And they had another punt left.
This Super Bowl was a textbook example of how overrated the running game can be. Both teams were poor in the Big Game, just like they were all season. One could make the argument, though, that Pittsburgh could have put the game away earlier if they ran better.
At the game, I thought Ben Roethlisberger should have been the MVP. Watching it again, Santonio Holmes was admittedly as worthy a pick. James Harrison wasn't far behind - those holding calls he forced were Arizona drive killers.
Okay, time to get back to the business of looking forward again
Comments