It has been a great run for Arizona and I've enjoyed watching them throughout the postseason.
A few things of note:
--Ben Roethlisberger has a case for most elusive and aware quarterback, behind the line of scrimmage, in the NFL. He is up there with David Garrard and Donovan McNabb at their best.
He proved it several times, tonight. On the Steelers' second drive, he rolled left, then rolled right, then threw back to his left, for a Heath Miller 1st down, while escaping a tackle. He also showed his prowess when he had to dropback in his own endzone, in the 4th quarter.
A great asset for a quarterback is to be able to keep your eyes downfield while using peripheral vision to survey occurances behind the line of scrimmage. Roethlisberger has that capability.
--Also about Ben, he definately wasn't nervous in this Super Bowl like he was in Super Bowl 40. Ben showed poise and the ability to manage a game. On the first drive, he came out on point; throwing that strike to Hines Ward (another play that displayed his awareness behind the line) and zipping one to Heath Miller, near the goal line.
--It appeared that Arizona's gameplan - at least early on - was to let Pittsburgh double team Larry Fitzgerald, and utilize their other receiving threats. Steve Breaston caught 4 passes, in the first half, and Anquan Boldin snagged 3. Overall, he was thrown to 5 times, in that half. However, those two lack the big play ability that Fitzgerald has. Larry Fitzgerald can create his own offense because of his length, speed and focus. He is superior to any receiver in the league in those categories. Thus, the Cardinals' gameplan effectively worked against them. That's what happens when you outthink yourself.
Do the Cleveland Cavaliers let their opponents double LeBron James and run the offense through Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas? No, because, like Fitzgerald, James is a complete player, and can score or create scores regardless of the number of players defending him. Don't take the ball out of your best player's hands.
That was the primary downfall of the Arizona Cardinals. Chalk it up to overanalyzing by Ken Whisenhunt during the two week hype period for Super Bowl 43. They committed a 'cardinal' sin. Haha. I'm a regular Punsie McHale.
--This Super Bowl is, without a doubt, in the ballpark of Super Bowl 42, with the Giants and Patriots, in terms of excitement. It could very possibly be better. The plethora of exciting and suspenseful plays and situations for both teams made this game one of the best. Three outstanding facets in the game were Larry Fitzgerald's second half breakout, Roethlisberger's scrambles, and Santonio Holmes' astounding catch just one play after letting a wide open pass go right through his hands.
It was simply great football, which is the most you can ask for.
--The last and most important thing out of Super Bowl 43, that I will divulge, is that Pittsburgh Linebacker James Harrison resembles the best dunker in the history of the NBA: Darryl Dawkins. You be the judge.
I think so.
I'll be filling in for Jordan Lauterbach on The Edge today (Feb. 2) at 9pm EST on WCWP. It should be interesting, to say the least.
Max Caster
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