East Carolinian

Issue date: 2/5/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: AP

Super Bowl XLIII will go down in history as one of the best. A David and Goliath match-up, the game pitted the highly favored Pittsburgh Steelers against the Arizona Cardinals, a team making their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. The game was four days ago, yet the post game talk will carry on until the Pro Bowl on Sunday evening. As I look back on Pittsburgh's heroic 27-23 victory over the Cardinals, I feel that each team had focal points that defined their success throughout the game.

Pittsburgh: Ben Roethlisberger had experience winning the big game and displayed his calmness and poise once again in Tampa Bay. Big Ben found third-year wide receiver Santonio Holmes nine times for 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown. The touchdown was on the front page of sports magazines and newspapers across the nation as it sealed the 27-23 win, giving the boys from Pittsburgh their sixth shiny ring. Holmes was awarded Super Bowl MVP honors. I predict his name will climb up the list of elite receivers for the 2009-2010 season.

Arizona: I truly believe the Cardinals have the best all around receiving corps in the NFL, making up the heart of their explosive offense. These wide-outs simply make plays causing problems for opposing defensive backs. Second-year receiver Steve Breaston had six receptions for 71 yards and a huge punt return, giving the Birds life when they needed it the most. He showed that he could keep up to the high level of play by his fellow teammates, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. I can confidently say that Larry Fitzgerald is hands-down the best wide-out in football and was a huge part of the Cards' success against Pittsburgh. Fitzgerald had seven receptions for 127 yards and two key touchdowns on Sunday. If Boldin decides to stay in Arizona next year, expect the Cardinals' offense to remain primarily pass-oriented.

Steelers defense: The Steelers are a team defined by their defense and Dick LeBeau had his boys ready for the big game. Though they slipped on a couple deep coverage situations, the defense eliminated the Arizona run game and forced Kurt Warner to beat them through the air. James Harrison's record setting pick for six before the half said it all. Defense does in fact win championships.

Cardinals defense: Though Pittsburgh's defense was in the limelight leading up to the Super Bowl, I believe the Cardinals' defense also came into play on Sunday. Adrian Wilson moved up from his safety spot to help limit Willie Parker to only 53 yards and the Steelers' ground game was put to rest. The defense also had a key interception and a safety, keeping them alive late in the game. Hats off to the Arizona defense.

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