This game ranks up there

This game ranks up there
February 2
Arizona Republic columnist Bob McManaman

"Unreal. Unbelievable. And for the Cardinals, unfortunate.

In a game that exceeded expectations, Super Bowl XLIII will be remembered because of its twisting, turning, exhausting and exciting outcome.

The Steelers outlasted the Cardinals 27-23 on an emotional Sunday night at Raymond James Stadium in a game that had just about everything.

It could have gone to overtime, had a Kurt Warner sack and fumble been ruled an incomplete pass in the waning seconds, the Cardinals still within a prayer of having one last shot.

"I wish it wasn't so close, because it probably took a couple years off my life," Steelers safety Troy Polamalu said. "But it's amazing and it ranks up there with last year's (Super Bowl). That's what the fans want and that's what they got."

The Cardinals beat themselves in many ways, ruining their chances with 11 penalties for a Super Bowl-record 106 yards. But as great as they played at times, from Warner to Larry Fitzgerald, from Darnell Dockett to Karlos Dansby, the Cardinals also showed a lot of inexperience, especially on Pittsburgh's game-winning, eight-play, 78-yard scoring drive.

After taking a 23-20 lead on a stunning 64-yard touchdown catch and run by Fitzgerald, the Cardinals' defense - a defense that had registered a safety its last time on the field - got a little too comfortable in the end, perhaps celebrating a tad too soon.

Offensive stars of the game

The Most Valuable Player Award went to Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, who caught nine passes for 131 yards, including the game-winning, 6-yard touchdown with a fantastic catch in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds left to play.

"This is a wonderful blessing," said Holmes, who will be presented with a new car today.

The MVP voting was so close, however, many voters had to change their selections three times before handing in their ballots.

For the Cardinals, Warner finished with 377 yards and three touchdowns on 31 of 43 passing attempts. He set a postseason record with 1,147 yards and his 11 touchdowns in the postseason tied Joe Montana's record from 1989.

Fitzgerald, meanwhile, finished with seven receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns, setting playoff records for most catches (30), most receiving yards (546) and most touchdowns (seven) in one postseason."
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