This one really was super; Update:Yes, they reviewed the fumble
posted at 7:59 am on February 2, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
I recall that headline on a magazine after the Steelers beat the Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII, 35-31. Since I’m old enough to have seen and remembered all six of the Pittsburgh Super Bowl victories, I can say that last night’s come-from-behind win tops them all. In fact, it may top all previous 42 games for drama and gut checks on both sidelines.
Yesterday, I wrote that the Arizona Cardinals couldn’t keep up with the more experienced Steelers, but they proved something last night. They came back from 13 points down to take the lead against the top-rated defense in the league in the biggest game of the year. No matter what, that should make the Cards and their fans proud of their performance. On that penultimate drive, they looked like champs, and Pittsburgh fans started using those Terrible Towels as crying rags.
But a funny thing happened afterwards. People had written off the Steeler offense as a mere adjunct of the defense, and analysts talked endlessly how Ben Roethlisberger’s success came from not losing games. The defense last night got beaten for 400+ yards, although they scored a critical touchdown on their own with James Harrison’s 100-yard interception runback. When it looked like the Steelers had lost, Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes won the game with what will be a legendary 4th-quarter comeback drive, topped by an impossibly perfect pass and catch. In fact, it was so impossible that Roethlisberger told ESPN’s Chris Berman that he thought he’d thrown an interception into triple coverage.
The Steelers have won four-point victories in Super Bowls before, in X and XIII, but in both cases the Cowboys crawled back into the game after nearly being routed. Last year’s shocker with the Giants beating the undefeated Patriots had great drama as well, but no one wrote off the Giants nearly as much as people had the Cardinals. If Super Bowl XLIII isn’t the greatest Super Bowl of all time, it’s close to it, and both teams deserve the credit for that.
Update: Yes, Warner’s final fumble was reviewed in the booth. The announcers noted the review during the game, and the league put out a statement afterwards confirming it. Warner didn’t have control of the ball when his arm started moving forward, which makes it a fumble:
According to NFL VP of Officiating Mike Pereira, the replay official upstairs did see the play clearly.
“We confirmed it was a fumble,” said Pereira. “The replay assistant in the replay booth saw it was clearly a fumble. The ball got knocked loose and was rolling in his hand before it started forward. He has to have total control.”
I’m not sure how the “no-review” meme got started, as Al Michaels reported that the review had taken place before the Steelers came to the line and upheld the call on the field. The rule is that the QB has to have total control of the ball after contact for it to be considered a pass and not a fumble, and that obviously wasn’t the case.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2
Another big disappointment?…those Seahawk colored super bowl champion hats.
What the hell was that?
awake on February 2, 2009 at 10:48 AM
So, last night’s game was the first time in 16 years that my husband and I watched a Super Bowl together. He worked the early shift and got off in time to see from the 2nd quarter on. The fact that he was rooting for Steelers, and I was pulling for the Cards made for an interesting evening.
I thought that the right toe was not down until I saw this morning’s sport’s page and there on the front in a rather large photo was proof that Holmes made one spectacular catch for a game winning touchdown.
This game reminds me of a mediocre movie with a great ending. You don’t remember much about the first 3/4′s of it, but the ending was thrilling.
Jvette on February 2, 2009 at 10:50 AM
There was nothing better to do, so I watched the game….even though I find American Football rather dull.
Gotta admit, that was a nailbiter – AZ almost clinched it.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 10:54 AM
The Steelers were pretty lucky to escape that one.
You have a 6 point lead in the 4th, backed up on your own 1 yard line. Steelers go incomplete, rush -1 (almost a safety) and holding in the EZ (safety). They burned maybe a minute off the clock, gave AZ 2 points and the ball. On the next drive, Warner to Fitzgerald TD. Steelers trail for the first time in the game.
Mike Tomlin owes Holmes and Roethslisberger Rolexes.
the_souse on February 2, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Great game, great teams Warner should have been MVP
EricPWJohnson on February 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I’m sorry about to hear about you hitting your girlfriend. Like I said, though, he should have been ejected. But a linebacker hauling his huge ass down the field for the longest play in Bowl history was the focus of the interview as it should have been.
Like it or not, sportscasting, broadcasting and the Bowl game is a conspiracy of monied people celebrating their achievements. Recriminations come later. Deal with it.
As for the incessant sh*t talking, juicing, etc…puh-fuckin-lease. You watched the game didn’t you? You just paid for more smack talk and doping. Until there is a public clamor for smaller, slower, less aggressive players there will be boundaries pushed and bent to our visual delight.
Let me know when your nuts drop. I’ll throw a party for you and pinoy.
The Race Card on February 2, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Shame about the commie half time craptacular
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 11:03 AM
I haven’t watched a super bowl halftime in years. I’m probably one of the few people in the free world who did not see Janet Jackson’s breast. Halftime is a good time to replenish the snack tray, go to the bathroom, have a smoke and get a beer.
Jvette on February 2, 2009 at 11:06 AM
That was League payback for the one they gave him in Detroit against the Seahawks.
TugboatPhil on February 2, 2009 at 11:06 AM
No need for a 2nd testicular reference. Just be honest and say they need to get rid of all those damn rules….oh yeah, and refs.
Myself, I can’t wait to see Hines Ward get crippled in the next couple of years, unless he chickens out and retires this year.
TugboatPhil on February 2, 2009 at 11:09 AM
The prospect of watching Dingus McTwangSteen encouraged me to do the dishes.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 11:09 AM
B.S. Steeler homers.
I know a reviewed call when I see it. The zebra announces the call on the field is being reviewed, then he trots over to the sideline sticks his head under a hood and looks at umpteen different views, then announces to the crowd that the call on the field has been upheld. That. Did. Not. Happen.
tommylotto on February 2, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Yeah, not near as exciting as all those 0-0 ties in soccer, er, football.
rivlax on February 2, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Bleh. A game for apprentice nancy-boys.
Rugger is where it’s at. They don’t stop every 10 seconds to ponce around in their figure-hugging lycra….and the best response to a personal foul is a punch to the head.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 11:17 AM
LOL, yes even washing dishes is less torturous than him.
Jvette on February 2, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Just to remind Stealer fans that the win in SuperBowl XL is tainted with black and white stripped blood. Last night should have been Pittsburgh’s 5th championship, not 6th.
Mallard T. Drake on February 2, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Harrison is a thug and punk who should have been tossed! What a loser!
sabbott on February 2, 2009 at 11:21 AM
All in all, a great game–with two lead changes in the last three minutes! A very ironic finish–Pittsburgh with its vaunted defense gives up a long pass play–who was playing the middle for Arizona’s last touchdown? Then Pittsburgh’s normally so-so offense, desperately needing a field goal to tie, suddenly completes a 50-yard pass and run down to the 7-yard-line, and one of the most spectacular catches ever for the winning touchdown. It was also Arizona’s defense that kept them in the game when Pittsburgh was on the AZ 5-yard-line with 1st and goal, and had to settle for a field goal.
The Pittsburgh interception at the end of the first half was a game-changer. Without that interception, the Cards kick a field goal and it’s 10-10, instead of 17-7 Pittsburgh. Although some might say that Harrison was down before going into the end zone, the defender near the goal line was called for a face-mask penalty on the tackle. Since the half can’t end on a penalty, even if Harrison was down short of the goal-line, Pittsburgh would have had one more play to try to punch it over.
Penalties did play a big role in the game, but Cards fans might forget about the holding call against Pittsburgh in the end zone, giving the Cardinals a safety and forcing the Steelers to kick the ball away. Without that penalty, the Steelers would have had a first down on their own 20 with about 3 minutes left, leading 20-14. The Steelers could have run out the clock with the ball if they got one more first down.
As for the “fumble” call on the Cardinals’ last play, the defender’s hand is on the ball, and the ball was moving sideways before Warner’s arm starts forward. Even if that play is called an incomplete pass, it would have been Cardinals ball at about midfield with 5 seconds left. Time for one Hail Mary pass, or one of those crazy short-pass-plus-improvised-laterals plays, rugby style, neither of which have much chance of success, since the Steelers would probably expect that and put 8 defenders on their own 5-yardline to make the tackle. It would make for more last-second excitement, but probably wouldn’t make a difference.
All-in-all, a great game.
Steve Z on February 2, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Exactly. This ‘the call was reviewed’ BS is just that: BS.
Michael in MI on February 2, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Instead, they should just run around chasing each other in striped polo shirts and booty shorts.
The Race Card on February 2, 2009 at 11:30 AM
American Football fans are the lamest whiners.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 11:30 AM
If there had been a review of the Warner “fumble” (which there clearly was not time to do before the Steelers had already snapped the ball) the refs would have seen all the different angles. Warner’s arm was clearly hit when cocked but not going forward, but he continues with his motion and continues with his grip on the ball FORWARD. The motion was diverted by the defender down then the ball comes loose. It was a forward pass.
We were deprived of seeing Fitzgerald going for a jump ball in the end zone, Actually with the personal foul, the ball would have been moved to the 30. With Warner’s arm, Fitzgerald 40″ leap, and Bouldin’s muscles, I’d give them about 25% chance on that final play.
Final point. What the hell was the hurry to have Ben go out there after a change of possession and take a final knee. There was no excuse not to have a full review of that play. It ruined an otherwise great game.
tommylotto on February 2, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Meanwhile, outside TRC’s lurid fantasy world…
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 11:32 AM
heh, sorry, I should have mentioned that that was my lame attempt at a joke. The guys at my Super Bowl party were making numerous ones like that after the Obama cultist Steeler owner made the comment thanking Obama for his support of the team.
Michael in MI on February 2, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Not in the final two minutes of either half. The ref in the skybox buzzes them if they want play to stop, and they decide on the call. In this case, they ruled it was a fumble and didn’t need to stop play. That’s been the rule for the past few seasons, dude.
Ed Morrissey on February 2, 2009 at 11:37 AM
tommylotto on February 2, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Agree with everything you stated here. What better exciting finish to the game could there have been other than a hail mary from Warner to his triplets — Fitz, Boldin and Breaston. What a way to end a Super Bowl that would have been, no matter the outcome.
Instead, they don’t do an official review and end with a hurried kneel-down. Absolute BS.
The way I remember seeing the ‘fumble’ play was that Warner was hit, he had his arm pinned against his body, the ball still in his hand, pinned against his body as well. Warner then pushed his arm forward with the ball clearly still in his hand, though pinned between his chest and his hand. He flung it forward for an incomplete pass.
Pretty sad that the NFL season begins with that lousy call by an otherwise good ref Ed Hockuly on the Denver-Raiders game and then ends with a similar bad call, but with no review this time.
Michael in MI on February 2, 2009 at 11:37 AM
***
A great game. The classic matchup of a better ground game team (Steelers) against a better passing game team (Cardinals).
***
Real keep fighting and win this baby game effort by both teams. One of the best Super Bowls I have seen lately. One of my Phoenix doctor sons got to watch it from “nosebleed country” in the stadium. He is probably not very happy today!
***
John Bibb
***
rocketman on February 2, 2009 at 11:42 AM
You’ve got a point there–rugby players have to keep running sometimes for several minutes at a time, and most rugby players don’t even wear helmets!
A couple of problems with rugby though–a team can make a long kick out of bounds, but then it’s a jump-ball far upfield, rather than losing possession. Also, most teams score more points on penalty-kicks than on tries and drops–why so many points for minor infractions like being offside or bobbling the ball forward? Maybe they should change rugby rules so that penalty kicks only count 1 point, and we’d get rugby teams actually trying to score instead of merely trying to lure the opponents into a foul.
Steve Z on February 2, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Actually a personal foul called against Pittsburgh would have put the ball inside the 30. A low chance of success is no reason to not make the right call.
The officiating was terrible. If the call on the Holmes TD was ruled out of bounds on the field, it is doubtful that it could be overturned. The replay was inconclusive. It was close and a great effort by Ben and Holmes, but the point is that the call on the field was everything there.
Whisenhunt has to burn two challenges to get the right calls in the 1st half? Then he gets a third challenge as a reward which he could not use on the Warner fumble? The second bad fumble call of the day?
awake on February 2, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Ed – What do you have to say about the blown call by the refs after Holmes’ TD at the end of the game. CLEARLY used the ball as a prop in his stupid TD celebration. That was an easy call for unsportsmanlike conduct, 15 yard penalty. Not called.
But yeah, the refs didn’t blow calls in favor of the Steelers at all. Naaaaah.
Michael in MI on February 2, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Well, dude,
The refs in the box can and often do call for a full review if they think the call is questionable or even if not questionable but critical. There was no excuse for not calling for a full review in this situation. There was a change of possession and it effectively ended the game. The refs got caught up in the pandemonium and forgot to do their job.
tommylotto on February 2, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Agreed, but the booth absolutely blew it. That “complete control” exuse was such nonsense.
awake on February 2, 2009 at 11:47 AM
the giants closed as a 12.5 pt underdog
cards were only 6.5
saL on February 2, 2009 at 11:48 AM
You seem to know your rugger, buddy :)
Don’t forget that there are significant differences between Rugby Union and Rugby League.
I’m a traditionalist Rugby Union man myself – better rules for a harder-fought game.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Just hang in there….the WAAAHHHHmbulance is on its way.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Because of Olby, Obomber, Lauer and Springsteen, I couldn’t bear to watch the pre-game or half time, and just watched bits of the game itself–and most of the bits I saw were dull. Those of you who toughed it out were reworded in the 4th Q, but I already see way too much of the aforementioned 4 horsemen of doom and socialism, so I took a pass.
james23 on February 2, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I never played rugby, but watched it sometimes on TV when I lived in France in 1985-95. I’ve watched some games in the French league, and some international games between France and other countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Which rules are used in France and in international rugby matches?
Steve Z on February 2, 2009 at 12:12 PM
I’m not a Steelers fan. I’m a Bears fan. I just want to see a good game. The refs clearly blew many calls in favor of the Steelers. (1) Roughing the passer call (2) no penalty for Holmes’ TD celebration (3) no review after the non-fumble. (4) arguably Harrison should have been ejected for his BS personal foul(s).
But of course I know no Steeler fan is going to admit that the team benefited greatly from those blown calls.
Were they the difference in the game? No. But they were obvious blown calls.
Michael in MI on February 2, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Let’s not forget the illegal block in the back on the interception at the end of the first half. That was a blown call. Hightower was about to tackle Harrison when he was blocked from behind. The half should have ended on that penalty with no touchdown.
This game had some of the worst officiating I have ever seen for both sides but Pitt sure did get the benefit a a whole lot of more bad calls against the Cards.
azcop on February 2, 2009 at 12:19 PM
No call on this??
SnarkVader on February 2, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Hey, I’m just razzin’ ya for sport ;) No offense intended.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 12:33 PM
You’re a personal hero.
Saltyron on February 2, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Just to remind Stealer fans that the win in SuperBowl XL is tainted with black and white stripped blood. Last night should have been Pittsburgh’s 5th championship, not 6th.
Mallard T. Drake on February 2, 2009 at 11:21 AM
And yet, it wasn’t! Six pack biatch! You want to ref the game, apply for the job, son!
I think we have a bitter Seahawks fan here. Pour the whine, baby! Or maybe one of the other loser teams the Steelers stomped all over on the way to the gold they themselves will never have (I’m lookin’ at you Bungles).
Saltyron on February 2, 2009 at 12:46 PM
To be blunt, Holmes admitted he was the go-to guy when it came to scoring on the corner on a key possession.
/SNORT!
Christien on February 2, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I’ll tell you how. The play occurred and was called a fumble on the field. Hence, there was a change of possession and the clock was stopped… therefore, there was no reason to rush the review. The Cards were not able to throw the flag because they were under two minutes remaining. Everyone, including Madden and Michael’s imo, expected an automatic review and play stoppage.
Most reviews take at least a minute to conduct. Heck, Santonio’s terrific endzone tip-toe catch (which looked to be a clear catch even in real time) took at least a minute to review and we were given about 5 or 6 different angles of the play in slow motion and freeze frame.
But this play? Nope, the officials immediately placed the ball for the Steelers to do a kneel down.
Meanwhile, Madden went very quiet, as if he wanted to say something about the play but felt he couldn’t criticize the officials. Al at first acted like he didn’t know there was a review, then must have received a communication saying the play was reviewed.
From the replays I saw with my TIVO (since the network only provided one replay as I recall), it looked like a forward pass. It certainly looked close enough for a thorough review. Instead, they rushed it.
The Cards may have even lost the review decision, but the appearance was that there was a rush to finish the game without the usual multi-angle review process. I think it was a shame for them to end the game on that note.
Y-not on February 2, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Your name should be Y-Yes!
tommylotto on February 2, 2009 at 1:05 PM
This was the kind of game that turns someone who isn’t a football fan (aka, little old European me), into one. What an amazing game. Yup, stayed up until past 3 am to watch it, but it was well worth it. I think i just might start watching more football! ;)
madne0 on February 2, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Welcome aboard!
Pick a team.
jay12 on February 2, 2009 at 1:16 PM
A game worthy of the apellation of Super Bowl.
Remember back in the 80′s and 90′s when these games almost always sucked? The nadir I think was the San Franciso 49ers-Whales’ Vagina Chargers Super Bowl in 1995. That game was over on the second play of the 49ers first possession.
Mike Honcho on February 2, 2009 at 1:19 PM
I just picked up a Steelers Super Bowl cap. It’s blue and green, “Super Bowl colors.” That’s just wrong.
rightwingprof on February 2, 2009 at 1:26 PM
I believe it means Saint Diego!
abobo on February 2, 2009 at 1:36 PM
It was good music… from a libtard. If Bruce Springsteen wouldn’t fawn over Barrack Hussein Obama, I’d like the guy. Let’s face it – since 20 Jan. we know that President Obama has not one but two cabinet tax cheats, has totally botched the sensitive Gitmo situation, wants to spend like there is no tomorrow, and shift the tax burden from employees to employers. This is not the hopenchange NBC would like us to believe in – and we know damn good and well if it was President McCain right now there would be so much whining it’d be sickening. [/rant]
HotAirJosef on February 2, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Now, about the football game – great game. I think my Seattle Seahawks are going to have to rebuild and redeem a lot these next few years.
Sincere congrats to the Steelers.
HotAirJosef on February 2, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Too bad they didn’t review the illegal block by Steelers’ #66 on Cards’ #34 during the run back of the interception that ended the first half. Pushed him right in the back of his right shoulder. I saw it live. But hey, we all know the Steelers had to win. It’s all about the East Coast anyway.
\Flame On!
Mr_Magoo on February 2, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Well when you throw the party I want you to make sure that you invite James Harrison, Ward, Pacman, Michael Phelps (except he might smoke all the weed), Rae Carruth, Bill Romonowski, Mark Chmura, Michael Irvin, Barret Robbins, and hell even OJ Simpson if they’ll let him go for a while.
I’ll bring a duffel bag full of $20 bills, you just bring your “big brave balls”.
darclon on February 2, 2009 at 2:55 PM
First things first. the initial TD by Rothlesberger was an ILLEGAL play! Clearly Ben was pulled into the end zone by the offensive tackle. This is illegal assistance of a runner! Since that offensive lineman was laying on the ground, it is not possible in anyones imagination to see him blocking anyone. This was so blatant and yet ignored by the braodcasting crew that it became immediatly clear to me that the ‘fix’ was in.
There were several early calls against the Cardinals designed to stifle their ability to even play the game. In fact, some of these calls were so bad that the cardinals were forced to challenge them. It is rare indeed when an officiating crew has to reverse itself multiple times in the same game against the same team.
Then, on that last ‘drive’ there was a play that allowed a pass from Ben to Holmes that moved the ball from the 35 to the 5 yard line. If you looked at the replay, you could clearly see the Cards #90′s jersey being pulled up from his waist to his shoulders, yet the ‘officials’ IGNORED the obvious holding and let that play stand.
The officials then ‘closed the deal’ by making sure the Cardinals never got that last chance from what would have been the Pitt 35 yard line.
When the officials take over a game in this manner, it really puts a stink on the entire league.
And no, I am not a Cardinals fan.
Freddy on February 2, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Yeah, Mr. Y-not and I both saw that, too. We were surprised (sort of) when no one commented on it.
In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll admit that we were rooting for the Cards, although they are not “our” team. (We tend to root for underdogs.)
What I’d say is that the officiating was tilted somewhat in favor of the Steelers throughout the entire game. Outstanding play by the Cards across the board could have overcome it, however. I don’t think it was the most outrageously badly officiated game I’ve seen, in other words. IMHO, Warner was not at his best, particularly in the first half. His throwing motion was off, resulting in some short-armed throws and finger-tip misses by his receivers… and the Steelers’ strategy of taking away the deep balls worked well.
The thing that was disappointing was that because the NFL is such a product now, the announcers and analysts are very circumspect about how they report the game. There is no doubt in my mind that Madden thought the last play should have been reviewed more thoroughly — he was uncharacteristically quiet after the “fumble.” Al Michaels is a company man and is going to say whatever he’s told to say, but I think Madden thought that last call was questionable.
The fact that it was on NBC contributed to my feeling that we were given the game we were supposed to see, kinda’ like the election.
Still, the Steelers played well. I just wish that the coverage of the game had been more honest and that the officiating, particularly at the end, had been better.
Y-not on February 2, 2009 at 3:39 PM
azcop on February 2, 2009 at 12:19 PM
do you always spew such bs?
Jamson64 on February 2, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Freddy on February 2, 2009 at 3:02 PM
harrison was held almost all night
you have got to be kidding me
the selective outrage reminds of our liberal friends..you know the immature ones?
grow up people
Jamson64 on February 2, 2009 at 5:27 PM
don’t want penalties
don’t commit them
hint to so many rediculous children that are selective in their choice of good calls and bad calls
–grow up
go STEELERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jamson64 on February 2, 2009 at 5:30 PM
FIFY
__________________________________________________________________________
Cardinals got screwed so that Rooney/Obama could say “Yes WE CAN (cheat)!”
IMAO!!!
Obama might know this little chant from his buddies “Bombing Bill & Bernadine”:
“Hey, Hey. Ho Ho, Roger Goo Goo Clusterf@%khead Comish HAS GOT TO GO!”
Branch Rickey on February 2, 2009 at 5:31 PM
duh it was called
sheesh
Jamson64 on February 2, 2009 at 5:33 PM
+ 1
Branch Rickey on February 2, 2009 at 5:35 PM
I just went back and watched that play to end the half again on my PVR in glorious HDTV. You are correct. At the 32 yard line, Cardinal running back Tim Hightower, No. 34, took a conservative line of pursuit and was well positioned to make the tackle — or at least push Harrison out of the field of play — but right before making the tackle, Steeler Outside Linebacker, LaMarr Woodley, No. 56, threw a devastating block into Hightower’s back pushing him to the ground. That was an obvious illegal block in the back on the run back. What makes it so egregious is that it was an illegal block that was directly in the path of the play and without that illegal block, Harrison does not score. The half ends and Cardinals go into the half only down 3.
That play was a fluke to begin with (even with the missed penalty) and it ended up being the difference in the game. You put the fluke play, the missed penalty and the botched review on Warner’s fumble, and I think you have the worst officiated Super Bowl in the history of the NFL. It was a close game, but not a good game. It had some tremendous performances, but the overall experience was ruined by the atrocious play (too many dumb penalties) and the atrocious officiating (too many penalties, missed crucial penalties and botched calls). I rank this Super Bowl right below the time the Cowboys bitch slapped the Bills for the second time.
tommylotto on February 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM
And I believe there was an official right there. I was screaming, “block in the back!”
CRAP OFFICIATING ENCOURAGED BY THE COMMISH SO HE WON’T GET FLACK FROM OBOMABOTS, IMAO!
Branch Rickey on February 2, 2009 at 7:03 PM
You’re so transparent. Methinks you would feel differently if the offending player was caucasian. Say it was Bill Romanowski, would it have been “exuberance” or “thuggishness” then?
I’ll remember this game as the worst officiated Super Bowl since I started watching them in 1982. The roughing the QB call was pathetic. Not one, but two Roethlisberger intentional groundings not called was pathetic. Harrison essentially getting penalized 2 feet for his personal foul during the punt when he should have been ejected was pathetic. Roughing the holder after the ball went through the uprights, giving the Steelers an opportunity to score a touchdown (fortunately, they failed) was pathetic. Not calling the block in the back on the INT return was pathetic. Warner’s arm was moving forward when the ball was knocked out and yet ruled a fumble was pathetic. The half hearted review done by the replay officials when the result of the game was potentially in question was pathetic.
All in all, a pathetically officiated game that truly diminished the quality of play by both sides. As a Bengal fan, I truly hate the Steelers. But as a Buckeye fan, I was glad to see Santonio Holmes win the MVP. It was his efforts that gave Roethlisberger the decent numbers that he had. The Cardinals deserved to win this game. They shut down the Steelers running game for the most part. A few great plays by Holmes and a whole lot of bad calls/no calls gave the Steelers the victory.
Enjoy the shallow victory Steeler fans. You almost earned it all on your own.
rmel80 on February 2, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Pre-game.. EFFING Cris Collingsworth called it for the Cards.
The Collingsworth KISS OF DEATH!!!
44Magnum on February 2, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Amazing how ‘the fix’ is in. The preordained won. OMG.
The officiating is always terrible when the outcome isn’t what you want. Why give these goofy people a venue?
Even if, like MikeMI you don’t know anything. Oh Mike, you genius, they don’t go under the hood if it is a booth review. Unreal.
I think the MI stands for Micro Intelligence.
PS. Someone should call the Pittsburgh Diocese about Dan Rooney the Catholic. Supporting The One.
IlikedAUH2O on February 2, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Mel80 Nobody will listen to you. But every news show and sports report will mention Pittsburgh’s six Lombardis. For as long as the NFL exists. Deal with that.
And..did you ever consider that it was a game? Before you start the revolution?
IlikedAUH2O on February 2, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Not a fan of the NFL, in fact the Super Bowl was the only game this season that I watched.
Personally, I can’t support the NFL’s business model of shaking down communities by threatening to move to provide wealthy owners with expensive facilities. And you can’t tell me that ten home dates a year bring enough economic activity to justify that investment in a stadium. At least a baseball stadium has a minimum of 81 home dates.
What I didn’t like during the game was how much the officials injected themselves into the game for relatively minor things. I guess the officials must think that the crowds come to see them perform. Let the guys play.
Second, there were too many way too long delays in ajudicating questionable calls.
I’ll go back to boycotting the NFL until SB 44
Dr. Bob on February 2, 2009 at 11:59 PM
That’s it for me watching the NFL, too many bought off referees going back to St Louis – New England in 2002, purely pathetic! I didn’t have a horse in the race but after one ridiculous call, or non-call, after another, Pittsburgh started looking like Democrats and the refs looked like ACORN!
Bring on BASEBALL SEASON!
nelsonknows on February 3, 2009 at 12:20 AM
1) the right foot wasn’t down on that last Steelers TD.
2) i’ve never heard of roughing the ball holder (called against the Cards)
3) Ben was down at the .5 yd line on first TD.
4) All the calls against the steelers resulted in zero benefit for the Cards (were either declined or half the distance to the goal from the 1 yd line)
5) two bad calls against Warner for fumble instead of incomplete pass (one overturned, one not)
I’m more a Steelers fan than a Cards fan, but this was a hollow victory.
Essentially, the Cards won.
anti-boomer on February 3, 2009 at 12:56 AM
anti-boomer
Nothing wnt right for your Cardinals did it? Oh that is right you are a Steeler fan. But nothing is right for you. I say, go watch chess or bridge. No, no, bridge may be a headache, too. Cheating and timing.
We shoule tell the Steelers about these hollow victories. Take the trophies away. All six. Yessiree.
But anyway, The last Superbowl the Steelers won (against Seattle) was questionable. Bad calls galore. Just ask any Seattle fan. Take the trophy.
Then there was the one Super Bowl against the Cowboys. Holding all over the place and a complete redoing of roughing penalties. The NFL even got sick. Take the trophy.
Then there was the Houston receiver who got both feet down in the end zone and instant replay came in after the bad call but not till after the Steelers got by them and won another Lombardi. Take the trophy.
Ok, how stupid do you want me to make you look?
Do you want to talk about the 1991 Redskins and their use of injured reserve and other stunts and questionable calls?
How about the 1976 or 1984 Raiders?
How about any NFL team? Except losers like the…
IlikedAUH2O on February 3, 2009 at 9:47 AM
well, your Cardinals.
IlikedAUH2O on February 3, 2009 at 9:49 AM
What is it with the Steelers and the officiating in the Super Bowl? Their game against the Seahawks a couple of years ago was probably the worst officiated game in the history of the Super Bowl with every marginal call going against Seattle. This one wasn’t quite as bad but it still seemed like the Steelers continually got the benefit of the doubt on marginal calls.
There’s no excuse for that last fumble call to not to have been fully reviewed. There’s no way that happened in the thirty seconds or so before the Steelers snapped the ball.
rsrobinson on February 3, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2