Rapid Reaction: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23

[mesaSteeler]

Rapid Reaction: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation?tag=super%20bowl%20rr
February 1, 2009 10:21 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Pittsburgh Steelers got their six titles -- the hard way.

Pittsburgh needed a last-minute drive and some late heroics from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Santonio Holmes to seal a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. Roethlisberger and Holmes connected almost exclusively on the final game-winning drive, which included the final touchdown.

Roethlisberger erased doubts that he couldn't perform on the big stage after producing the final drive. He struggled in his first Super Bowl appearance but now has two rings at the age of 26. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, 36, also became the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl, doing it in just his second season.

The Steelers did not enter the 2008 season as the Super Bowl favorite but after thriving despite the NFL's toughest schedule and running through the postseason, it was clear they were the best and most battle tested team in the league.

The win marks the second Super Bowl win in four seasons for the Steelers. With very few big free agents this offseason, Pittsburgh will bring back most of its key players for a chance to defend the title.

Super Bowl 43, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl RR, Santonio Holmes, Ben Roethlisberger

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Rapid Reaction: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23

February 1, 2009 10:16 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Cardinals ran out of time, not heart, and this Super Bowl defeat will hurt even more as a result.

Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald cemented their legacies even in defeat. They seemingly had won the game, only to watch Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes win it back.

Some said Warner needed a victory to emerge from this game with Hall of Fame credentials. He played like a Hall of Famer when it counted in this game, minus that interception return for a touchdown right before halftime.

Earlier in the week, Warner admitted he still agonized over the Rams' Super Bowl loss to the Patriots following the 2001 season. That game has some unwelcome competition after this one.

Another unwelcome sidelight, at least for the NFL, is that we're sure to hear plenty about the officiating after this one.

Referee Terry McAulay arguably should have ejected the Steelers' James Harrison after punching and decking Aaron Francisco. And on the final play, replay official Bob McGrath should have issued a challenge just to be sure Warner's arm wasn't moving forward on the game-clinching forced fumble.

Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl 43, Super Bowl RR, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Ben Roethlisberger, Santonio Holmes, Rapid Reaction

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[I_Bleed_Black_And_Gold]

Cry me a river. Ben's touchdown was also a touchdown and the holding in the endzone thing was complete bullshit!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Harrison held the guy down after he cut blocked him. Sure he gave him a shot on the top of the shoulder pads.....but not any worse than was the Cards Adrian Wilson did taking a swing at Ward in the 1st quarter.

When francisco got face up, Harrison hit him with an open hand to the breastplate of his pads, just like a block. I dont see how that is an ejectable offense.......it happens hundreds of times a game.

These dummies are just reacting over what John Madden said and Madden is going senile.

In SBXL Madden clearly didnt see the hold on the Seahawks OT Locklear and said so, but when NFL director of officials Mike Pereria reviewed it on NFL network........it was clearly an arm across the throat of Clark Haggans and a hold.

The Crydinals fans need to just go home and lose like men instead of spoiled brats that had a good 3 week run.

[Godfather]

In SBXL Madden clearly didnt see the hold on the Seahawks OT Locklear and said so, but when NFL director of officials Mike Pereria reviewed it on NFL network........it was clearly an arm across the throat of Clark Haggans and a hold.


And Locklear wasn't the only one holding on that play. Another seabag had a fistful of Hampton's jersey.

Harrison committed a stupid penalty but the ref called it right.

[I_Bleed_Black_And_Gold]

Yeah, that penalty was stupid. That is why he didn't get my MVP vote, he lost his cool.

[BrandonCarr39]

Harrison held the guy down after he cut blocked him. Sure he gave him a shot on the top of the shoulder pads.....but not any worse than was the Cards Adrian Wilson did taking a swing at Ward in the 1st quarter.

When francisco got face up, Harrison hit him with an open hand to the breastplate of his pads, just like a block. I dont see how that is an ejectable offense.......it happens hundreds of times a game.

These dummies are just reacting over what John Madden said and Madden is going senile.

In SBXL Madden clearly didnt see the hold on the Seahawks OT Locklear and said so, but when NFL director of officials Mike Pereria reviewed it on NFL network........it was clearly an arm across the throat of Clark Haggans and a hold.

The Crydinals fans need to just go home and lose like men instead of spoiled brats that had a good 3 week run.

I like Madden's commentating b/c he's very fair, and shows no homerism towards anyone. However-he HATES the officials, period, which is why he tends to have alot of knee jerk reactions over calls that's iffy in his eyes.

[MasterOfPuppets]

I like Madden's commentating b/c he's very fair, and shows no homerism towards anyone. However-he HATES the officials, period, which is why he tends to have alot of knee jerk reactions over calls that's iffy in his eyes.
oh please.....madden hates the steelers !!! he's still whining about the immaculent reception...:doh:

[jjpro11]

Yeah, that penalty was stupid. That is why he didn't get my MVP vote, he lost his cool.

it was stupid.. but it was kind of like he took a whole season of getting choked and punched under his face mask out on that guy. he held his composure all season long after we all saw him get mauled time after time by blockers and never get any calls.

harrison was a huge part of the game for us.. between the int and drawing the penalties, but holmes was clutch for us and deserved the mvp honors. even the catch he made that got called back as a safety was unreal. nobody will talk about that catch since it was overturned, but holmes was in a zone tonight.