Best Super Bowl Countdown - #2

Alright folks, we're down to the final two. If you like great Super Bowl endings, then you should know what two Super Bowls (post-1993) are in the top two spots. If you need a hint, both of the remaining selections involve Kurt Warner. But in what order you ask? Well, you'll just have to read and find out! My pick for best Super Bowl ever (post-1993) will be revealed before the Pro Bowl so make sure to check it out. But for now, let's go to the 1st runner-up.

#2 Super Bowl XLIII
Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23
February 1, 2009
Tampa, FL

There wasn't a lot of hope for this Super Bowl at the start. A lot of people anointed the Steelers the champ well before the game began. But it seemed as the game got closer, the Cards were given a chance. By time the game was over, it was evident that the Cards deserved more credit than they got.

It was a beautiful day in Tampa, FL for the 43rd edition of the Super Bowl. After an absolutely wonderful national anthem from Jennifer Hudson, it was on to the game. The Cardinals deferred, giving the Steelers the first possession. That may have been a mistake. The Steelers easily drove on the Cardinals defense, going 71 yards in 9 plays. On 3rd down and goal, Ben Roethlisberger looked to score on a 1-yd TD run. But AZ head coach Ken Whisenhunt has cancelled upon review, the call was overturned and ball placed at the 1-yd line. In a controversial decision, PIT head coach Mike Tomlin elected to kick the field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead that would stand for the rest of the quarter.

Just 51 seconds into the second quarter, the Steelers scored again. This time, they found the endzone. Gary Russell's 1-yd TD plunge capped off an 11-play, 69-yd drive in 5:12 that gave Pittsburgh a 10-0 lead. Questions were beginning to arise on whether Arizona would ever get in rhythm. Those questions would be answered quickly. On the ensuing drive, Kurt Warner helped drive the Cardinals 83 yards in 9 plays. That drive would end on a Warner to Ben Patrick TD that would cut the lead to 10-7.

After both teams had drive stall, the Steelers would get the ball with 2:46 on their own 16. Looking for more points before the half, the Steelers stayed aggressive. However, on 2nd down, Roethlisberger's short pass was picked off by Karlos Dansby, giving the Cardinals the ball at the Pittsburgh 34, ensuring themselves of at least a tie before the break right? WRONG. With 18 seconds left, 1st and goal on the 1, James Harrison stepped in front of Warner's pass and took it 100 yards the other way for a touchdown. It was the longest play ever in Super Bowl history but more importantly, gave the Steelers a 17-7 lead going into the half.

Wanting and needing to make a statement in the third quarter, the Cardinals drove the ball to midfield. But on 3rd and 6, Warner fumbled the ball with Harrison recovering. But for the second time in the game, Whisenhunt challenged and the call was overturned. The Cards would punt away and take a sigh of relief. But the Steelers had more points on their mind. With the help of 3 critical AZ penalties (including roughing the holder!?), the Steelers ran off a 16-play drive spanning nearly 9 minutes. It would only result in another field goal because of a strong Cardinals defense but at the end of 3 quarters, Pittsburgh led 20-7.

It wasn't looking good for the Cardinals, whose offense couldn't muster anything on the stout Steelers defense. But with 11:30 left, Warner and the Cards went no-huddle. In just 8 plays, Arizona went 87 yards for a crucial score. The touchdown was scored on a fantastic fade pass to Larry Fitzgerald and with 7:33 left, it was a one possession game. After a 3-and-out by Pittsburgh, the Cardinals had a golden chance to take the lead. But despite getting to the PIT 49, the Cards could not sustain a drive and with 3:26 left, the Cardinals were forced to punt.

Thanks to a great special teams play, the Steelers began the drive on their 1-yd line. On 3rd down, it looked as if Santonio Holmes had made an amazing first-down catch at the PIT 13 but the refs had a different idea. One yellow flag changed the game when holding was called in the endzone. Result of the play was a safety. And just like that, the Cards went from having to use timeouts and stop the Steelers on defense again to scoring 2 points and getting the ball back with 2:58 remaining.

So now it was up to the Cardinals to take advantage. And that they did. On 2nd down, Warner hit Larry Fitzgerald on the run. With the safeties not in position, Fitzgerald raced 64 yards for the touchdown and just like that, for the first time in Super Bowl XLIII, the Arizona Cardinals had the lead. Could a team that has been the doormat of the NFL for so long finally win its championship game? Not if the Steelers had anything to say about it.

While the touchdown was exactly what the Cards wanted and needed, it may have come too quick. With two timeouts and 2:37 on the clock, there was plenty of time for the Steelers to score a touchdown or at least get into field goal range. Going no-huddle and shotgun every play, Roethlisberger began to lead what may be called the best improvised 2-minute drill in Super Bowl history. On 3rd and 6, he found Holmes for 13 yards. Two plays later, he found Holmes for 40 yards, all but guaranteeing the team of a least a tie. But the Steelers were not playing for OT. After a first-down pass went right thru the hands of Holmes in the left corner of the endzone, the Steelers huddled up and called the next play. Just like first down, the pas was to Holmes. But unlike first down, this pass was complete. Roethlisberger's pass went over the hands of 3 Arizona defenders and somehow, Holmes caught it, maintained possessions and got both feet in. And with 35 seconds left, the Steelers had stolen the lead.

The Cardinals though still had two timeouts and two receivers in Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin who can make a big play. But with 15 seconds left and at the PIT 44, Warner ran out of time in the pocket, as LaMarr Woodley forced a fumble that would be recovered by Pittsburgh. After a kneeldown by Roethliesberger, Super Bowl XLIII was over.

Santonio Holmes won MVP honors, thanks in part to his 9 rec, 131 yds, and TD and his heroics on the final drive. Meanwhile, Warner notched another great passing performance in the Super Bowl (he has the top 3 passing games), throwing for 377 yds and a TD. Fitzgerald finished with 7 rec, 127 yds and 2 TD. But despite the great stats, the underdog Cardinals fell short. The Steelers had won their 6th title, the most of any franchise. And this one may have been their most exciting.