The game was good, almost erasing memories of SB XL. The Steeler defense held the vaunted Arizona offense in check for most of the first half, with James Harrison's 100-yd interception return for a touchdown the highlight. The Arizona O-line held off the Pittsburgh blitzers almost all day, except for crucial plays - a couple holding calls, a sack, and a forced fumble to end the game. Coach Grimm (ex-PIT) did a good job; ARI QB Kurt Warner also got rid of the ball quickly. Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald did a great job in their second-half comeback; he will be a star for years to come.
But - the star was Ben Roethlisberger, PIT QB. Even though he didn't shine like Warner, Big Ben came good when it counted - scrambling to avoid ARI defenders (the PIT O-line collapsed often, as expected) and making amazing throws. Hines Ward made some good catches at the beginning (he was obviously still hurting from his injury in the AFC game two weeks back). But slowly Santonio Holmes took over, and on the final drive, won MVP honors. The best play of the game - over the Harrison INT-TD - was Big Ben's pin-point throw to Holmes over three Arizona defenders, a replica of the previous incomplete play, except at the opposite corner of the endzone.
At the end, it was good to hear Mr Rooney (a strong Obama supporter) thank President Obama and Steeler fans for their support - something to cheer da 'burgh in these desperate economic times.
The Pittsburgh Steelers. The greatest franchise in football history, and we couldn't have better owners than the Rooneys. Here's to more rings under 37-year-old Coach Mike Tomlin, a great pick by the Rooneys.
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