Super Bowl XLIII
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM ETNFL.com
158 comments
Veteran analysts Gil Brandt and Pat Kirwan went five-plus hours in NFL.com's live Super Bowl chat before, during and after the game. Here's the complete transcript.
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NFL.com
06:00 PM
Okay, folks, we're about an hour away from the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIII. Pat Kirwan and Gil Brandt have some good initial observations they'd like to share. In the meantime, feel free to submit your questions now and throughout the game. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Great to be here at Super Bowl XLIII!
Arizona has been a different team in the postseason in a number of ways. Edgerrin James averaged 10 carries a game in the regular season, and he's averaged 17 in the postseason. Counting the last regular-season game, Arizona has score 129 points in its last four games. They also have scored 28 points in the first quarter of their three playoff games. Pittsburgh has only scored 13 points in the first quarter of their playoff games. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Some interesting notes about colleges represented inthe Super Bowl: The two teams that played this year in the BCS title game, Florida and Oklahoma, are represented in the Super Bowl by one player -- former Gator Max Starks. That's as many as Brown University (Sean Morey). And it's half the number of alums from Northern Iowa (Kurt Warner and Brandon Keith). Michigan has the most players in this game (7), followed by Florida State (5). -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Six of the eight officials are officiating their first Super Bowl game. The referee, Terry McCauley, and line judge Mark Pearlman are officiating their second Super Bowl game. It's highly unusual that you have so many first-time Super Bowl officials. But this is an all-star crew -- they have been selected not by the crew they worked in during the season but by their individual rating during the season. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Arizona has six receivers active. Pittsburgh only has four receivers active. That tells you a lot about the personnel groupings. Expect Arizona to use four WRs and one RB well over 50 percent of the time, in an attempt to spread the Pittsburgh defense. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, with three TEs active, should be using a heavy dose of run personnel groupings.
What always amazes me -- last year and this year -- is that both teams have seven O-linemen active. Gone are the days of eight OL active. They run the risk of injury . Last year they had an injury early for the Pats' line and there were no substitutions in the third quarter. We'll keep an eye for line injuries early. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
During the pre-game warmups, it's unusual to see Ike Taylor exclusively at right CB. That tells me there will be some form of rolled coverage to Larry Fitzgerald, with Taylor isolated on Anquan Boldin. We'll keep a close eye on that as the game goes on. When these teams played two years ago, Bryant McFadden lined up on Fitzgerald and they ran a lot of slant routes. Look for that. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Brian St. Pierre is the third QB for the Cardinals. He used to play for the Steelers and was the player that gave Todd Haley the time and place to call the throwback gadget play against the Eagles. He helps Haley with that study, and it helps that he is familiar with Pittsburgh. Best time for a trick play is when the offense is in positive territory -- midfield on in. -
Asad Hashim, Toronto
5:56 PM ET
is heinz ward 100% ? is he wearing any protection on knee...and is Big Ben wearing any protection on his ribs??
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Hines Ward has taken all the necessary reps here in warmups, though he's been very cautious in his routes. He is wearing a brace, and I did not see him go full-speed in warmups once. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
He's staying inside the numbers, and really was just playing catch. Hard to tell. No braces for Roethlisberger. He's fine. We saw him sprinting out onto the field. -
Chris, San Antonio
5:59 PM ET
The warm-up period is different for the players at the Superbowl. Any signs that one team is "peaking" with their energy too early?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Normally during the regular season or playoffs, the elapsed time between awarmups and coming back out is 15 minutes. In the SB it's probably closer to 45 minutes, and players take their pads off. Pittsburgh went in about 5 minutes earlier than Arizona. It's hard top pass time when you're waiting for something to happen. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Couple other notes: Arizona QBs and WRs worked extensively before the official pregame warmup and did a number of their routes at 3/4 to full speed. It was a good sign that Boldin, who was in long sweats while others were in shorts, looked ready to go. The one player that Gil and I both thought was doing too much was Pittsburgh's Mitch Berger, who took 2-3 times more punts than he usually would. That's a sign of nerves. -
Trent, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
6:05 PM ET
Don't you think the steelers offense is coming into this game a little underrated?.. nobody is talking about them, and willie parker has the best chance of winning the MVP
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
I do think they're underrated because of the electrifying offense of the cardinals. The cards in the postseason still gave up 4.1 yards per carry and Parker has a chance for a 100-yard day. As long as the Steelers don't turn the ball over in the first quarter, Willie will get to his 25 carries. -
Mark, Delaware
6:07 PM ET
Do you think that if Kurt Warner wins tonights Super Bowl he will retire?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
No, I don't think Warner will retire if he wins this game. I sat down with him twice this year. He feels great. his body is younger than his age. He feels he can play three more years and so do I. It'll be a challenge to come up with the right contract for him, but I do believe he'll return as the Cardinals starter for 2009 and 2010. -
Rick Calenberg, Yabus, Sudan
6:08 PM ET
Given the propensity of big games to turn on miscues or special team play, which team has the edge as far as special teams go?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Pittsburgh was a much better cover team all year. Arizona improved significantly in the postseason. I go back to 2007 when Steve Breaston had the biggest play of the game to beat the Steelers on a 70-yard punt return. I will say that neither coverage unit is good enough to think there's not a big play waiting in this game. -
ronnie, el paso
6:11 PM ET
Who will dominate the trences , o line or d line?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think Arizona's offensive line will do better than Pittsburgh's, but they will have a bigger challenge, because the Steelers' front three on defense is very good at keeping linemen away from their linebackers, freeing them up to make plays.
In my opinion, the Pittsburgh DL -- Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel -- will be a key factor in this game. Smith, I believe, is one of the most underrated lineman in the NFL. Hampton is very good at stuffing the run and often needs two men to block him. FYI, Hampton will be going against Cards C Lyle Sendlein, his former teammate at Texas. -
Jim Lockwood, Missoula, Montana
6:11 PM ET
With all the hype about Larry Fitzgerald, could you see Anquan Boldin ending up with more catches and yards today and Arizona still winning the game?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Yes I could. It was interesting in pregame that the Steelers flipped Bryant McFadden and Ike Taylor in the warmup, which could be a clue that they're going to roll and double Fitz all night. If that happens, Boldin's in for a 10-catch game. -
Matt, Oklahoma
6:13 PM ET
Will arizona be able to move on the ball on pit tonight?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
I had an interesting conversation with LaDainian Tomlinson about the run game against the steelers. He felt that James is the perfect back to chip away at them. He's not a breakaway runner, but does see the cracks and takes them with authority. He's not here for a 100-yard game but he'll be effective enough for play action. The Steelers have only given up three 100-yard rushers in their last 82 games. Edge was one of them. last year, when the Cards beat Pittsburgh he rushed for 77 yards. -
Brian M, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
6:18 PM ET
If the cards win, how many other quarterbacks have won the superbowl with different teams? And what quarterbacks and teams?NFL.com
None. In my mind Kurt is already on his way to he Hall of Fame, but this will take all of the doubters off the fence. -
Bryan, Cleveland, Ohio
6:24 PM ET
Do you seriously think the Cards O can move on the Steelers D?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Yeah, Bryan, I think they can pass on Pittsburgh, and I think they'll run just enough to keep the Steelers honest. The thing about Kurt Warner is that he is now throwing about 80 percent of his passes less than 10 yards. He gets the ball away quickly and it's hard to get to him. I don't think they can get more than 60 yards rushing, but they haven't averaged much more than that in the playoffs. -
kurt asmussen, springfield ill
6:24 PM ET
Will the Steelers play press coverage to disrupt the Cardinals timing?NFL.com
I do think they're going to make some attempts to Fitzgerald's side to jam his release to buy time for the pass rush to get there. The first way Warner will go is to Boldin. They can't press both side. is that's not effective look for them to put Larry off the line of scrimmage and eliminate the jam. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Teams that win the coin toss have a losing record in the Super Bowl: 20-22. Pittsburgh has a record of 1-5 in the coin toss -- make that 2-5 now that they just won this toss -- but they are 5-1 in the game. And no team has ever won the toss and deferred. -
Jay, Orlando
6:31 PM ET
What Will Be The Diffrence Maker Of This Game If Not Fitzgerald Or BenNFL.com
Jay, I think Steelers WR Santonio Holmes can be the difference maker in this game. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Steelers opened the game with three tight ends, as we speculated on earlier. Two went off after first play. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Santonio Holmes made a nice crackback block on that Parker run. Made that play go. -
Rick, Texas
6:36 PM ET
Hey Gil, I think Cards won the toss.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
You're right, Rick. There was some confusion about it up here. But this marks the first time in Super Bowl history that the coin toss winner has deferred. And clearly it didn't pay off!
It surprises me that they deferred. If wind was involvewd, that's one thing. But in a game like this where you have a chance to set the tone, I don't understand why you would not want to get the ball first.
Teams that score first in the Super Bowl are 27-15. -
Alex, WashingtonDC
6:36 PM ET
What do you think an immediate score by the steelers will do to the cardinal's psychology?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Well they just did on a 1-yard run by Roethisberger. The cards deferred on the coin toss and elected to play defense and this was their worst nightmare. Teams that score first win 64 percent of the Super Bowls. What Arizona has to do now is not get away from the game plan and panic. They have to continue their postseason combination of run and pass on the next series. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Well, looks like that was not a touchdown after all. We'll know later how this field goal will affect the game, but it's certainly a big psychological boost for the Cardinals. First series of the game for Pittsburgh they used four different personnel groupings. They started with three tight ends, a running back and a WR, which they went back to on the middle of the drive. they also used three WRs, on TE and had a very productive seam route to Miller. We had five runs and three passes. The passes were extremely effective. 38 yards to Ward on a bootleg right, 20 yard seam to Miller on the left and the third pass play was a bootleg Ben kept for the controversial no-touchdown. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Great use of the replay challenge by Ken Whisenhunt. Not only did it save them four points, but they still have that challenge for later. -
Mary, Marietta, GA
6:45 PM ET
I think the Cards deferred to get a bearing on what the Steelers were planning to do.NFL.com
Well, Mary, they ran it five times and passed three times on the drive. That's about their average, so not sure what the Cardinals learned. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Larry Fitrzgerald lined up to the left on first down, and Ike Taylor lined up on him. Same on second down. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think when you see the Cardinals run, you'll see a lot of that running to the left. They're trying to negate James Harrison's pass rush. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
We got a big adjustment on that last drive. Polamalu is lined up on Fitzgerald who was a way from a triple formation, singled up on the left side. Warner was out there to jam him, which was the right thing to do, but an errant pass. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
If the first series of downs means anything, Pittsburgh is going to do anything possible to take Larry Fitzgerald out of the game. They started by putting their best corner on him. And on third-and-17 they doubled him by bringing Polamalu right on the line, where he engaged him at the line. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Very conservative first series for the cardinals. four runs, two pass. They're going to take into account their field position. They have to go to the sideline and figure out what the real Steeler plan is for Fitz. on the run plays ineffective as it relates to yardage and killed by a penalty, but I like where Whisenhunt is coming from -- no turnovers or mistakes until they figure out Lebeau's package for the day. there are some different looks here. Right now it looks like Pittsburgh is more interested in coverage than pressure. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie just saved a touchdown. Came off his guy and made a great play with his long arms. Cromartie has really been terrific in the playoffs. -
Tony Mariaux, Plano, Tx
6:58 PM ET
Gil, Is it against the rules to help a teammate advance the ball by pulling him forward?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Yes, Tony, it is. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
First quarter is over and the Steelers have a 3-0 lead. Teams leading at the end of the first quarter win the game 67.7 percent of the time. Pittsburgh is a completely balanced team. 8 runs, nine passes. They;ve used the wildcat formation once -- not very effective. they've gone to Holmes for three big pass plays with two big completions and Miller has been effective on a deep seam route and a tight end screen when they were empty with no RBS. great blend of plays. one legitimate pressure on Ben in nine pass attempts and as predicted all week long, escaped to his left and then worked back to his right. Arizona needs more pressures and they need to corral Ben in the pocket. The Steelers held the Cards to just six plays in the first and only two pass attempts. that's the way they want to beat the Cards. Keep Kurt off the field. no passes to Fitz yet. -
James, China
7:01 PM ET
I was wondering if I could watch the Super Bowl online streaming? I am in China and it I am unable to watch it, I feel bad. Can I watch it anywhere?NFL.com
James, the Super Bowl is not streamed live in video, but you can listen to international radio feeds (including BBC in English). Here's the URL:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e69bb2&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true&icampaign=SB43_3column_1 -
Chris Moore, Lehi Utah
7:03 PM ET
PAT HOW CAN ARIZONA STOP THE TIGHT END OVER THE MIDDLE ?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, one time it was a screen and the other was a seam route. In the NFC title game, the Eagles' TE caught 11 passes.
They can double Heath Miller, who is a big athletic TE that creates a tough matchup. But that leaves someone else with one-on-one coverage. -
eric tbo, sanford, me
7:07 PM ET
what adjustments does cardinals d need to make?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The Steelers just scored again -- a 1-yard TD by Willie Parker. Now the Cards are down 10-0 and PIttsburgh is in the driver's seat with the run game. they've got to address that first. almost 87 percent of the Steeler run game is to their right so it's time to start slanting the front to the left or run blitzing which Clancy Pendergast likes to do. they have to meet force with force or they're going to see the run for the rest of the half. In passing situations, Arizona has to take a good look at man under two-deep schemes, which means put a man on every receiver and put two deep safeties behind it. don't let Ben run the short passing attack where he drops the ball off. the more than can get him to hold the ball and bring it down, the better chance they have of getting to him and forcing some sacks. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Only one team in Super Bowl history has come back from a 10-0 deficit. That was Washington in Super Bowl XXII. The Redskins trailed Denver 10-0 and Doug Williams led them back to a 42-10 win. -
eric tbo, sanford, me
7:10 PM ET
how soon until the cardinals start abandoning the run?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Eric, first of all, with 16 minutes played, the Cards have only run six plays on offense. I don't think they'll abandon the run just yet. But if they don't do anything on this series, I think they'll abandon it in the next series. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Boldin not on the field for this possession. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
And it doesn't look like he'll be in soon. His helmet is off. -
NFL.com
Boldin back in -
Jim Lockwood, Missoula, MT
7:16 PM ET
What defensive adjustments should Arizona look to make now down 10 if any?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First of all, Jim, they've got to get off the field, Pittsburgh is mixing it up so well. Arizona moving the ball on offense is a big help, giving the defense a rest. -
Tim Irvin, Indianapolis, Indiana
7:16 PM ET
If the Cardinals don't score on this possession, is this game over?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
No, they're built to be a come-from-behind pass attack. they will abandon the run sooner or later, but they can run 4 WRs and get back in this game. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Ike Taylor is trying to frustrate Fitzgerald at the line. -
'Rock', Columbia, SC
7:19 PM ET
What does Kurt need to do to get on track??NFL.com
Warner is really doing a good job finding the open receiver on this drive, so he should keep doing what he's doing. -
Herbie, Pa
7:19 PM ET
Gil, Do you agree that Kurt Warner is probably one of the most accurate qb's of all time?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Yes, Herbie. He's got the second-best completion percentage of all time. There are only two players that have ever had three perfect games as far as passer rating: Warner and Peyton Manning. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
They came out on a long drive and blended play action pass. deep in their own territory they used a short passing attack with checkdowns to James. very safe, conservative and got themselve into good field position. as soon as they did that they took their shots down field, with the Boldin pass again off play action. Four play actrion passes on the drive. you go back to the first series and even though the run was not effective, it was four runs, two pass. This was a great drive. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That was a big, big drive right there! The Cards were really struggling, and that score changes a lot.
Kurt Warner was superb in that drive. Championship-caliber. -
Damian, Melbourne, Australia
7:24 PM ET
What is the perception of Ben Graham over in the USA? It is big news over here with the first Australian to ever play in the Super Bowl.NFL.com
Ben Graham was really a good pickup by the Cards this season. He was waived by the Jets earlier in the season and he's done well for Arizona.
There are more and more Aussie kickers and punters in the NFL. Mat McBrier for Dallas was a Pro Bowl punter last season. -
Alex, Miami, Florida
7:26 PM ET
Who do you think is the best player on the field tonight.NFL.com
So far, it's been Ben Roethlisberger. But we've got a long way to go. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Another big play by Cromartie. First one saved a touchdown and this one prevented a long-gainer. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Interesting adjustment by the Cards on that third and long. knowing that Ben likes to escape to his left, they set up a pressure look on that side and made Ben uncomfortable. -
Rick, NC
7:29 PM ET
Is the Super Bowl being broadcast on the web anywhere? My TV just died as I turned it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!NFL.com
Try the radio, Rick. Or scroll up to see the link we posted for listening to international feeds here on nfl.com. -
Emmanuel, Montreal
7:29 PM ET
Gil after this drive from Warner should the Steelers brings more pressuer with the blitz or try to get to Warner with a 4 men rush to take away the big play downfield?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
They've been trying to get to him and have been blitzing. Warner gets rid of the ball quickly and the Cards offensive line has protected him. Mike Gandy is doing a good job on James Harrison. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Another nice adjustment by the Cards on third and long, going to three man rush. it takes away all the deep routes with soft coverage, forcing him into a checkdown. Pittsburgh is forced to punt for the first time today. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Look for gadget play or long pass here. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
From the touchdown to the defensive stop to the Breaston return, momentum really turned in this game. We'll see if this penalty slows then down. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Now we've got a Dick Lebeau adjustment. He's turned to his ILB to get Warner off that landmark where he likes to throw. Four yards behind the center. He flushed Kurt and forced him into a bad throw. -
Becky, Maryland
7:33 PM ET
I remember being able to listen to game audio in other languages on nfl.com last year. Will this be available again, and if so how do I access this feature?NFL.com
Hi Becky. You can click here to listen live to 11 international broadcasts of the Super Bowl. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's a new record for most sacks in one postseason. LaMarr Woodley now has 7. Richard Dent had 6.5 in 1985. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The inside pressure by Pitt set up the outside rush by Woodley who got the first sack of the game. In this series Lebeau has decided to disrupt Warner, who still has been unable to get to Fitzgerald. Arizona is going to have to consider a quck slant attack before half. -
Martin, Stuttgart, Germany
7:38 PM ET
Don't you think Edgerrin James might be the right weapon against the Steelers defense? He's a solid runner and a good receiver on short pass sitiuations while the defense concentrates on Fitzgerald and Boldin.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
I agree with you. They can be patient with the score 10-7. Edge, especially as a receiver is their most effective weapon. Keep you eye on Warner in the shotgun with both backs back there with him -- Hightower and Edge. They've been going to Edge in the flat, but soon they'll start screens to Hightower in the side. that's the natural sequence of the play.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think there's any question Edgerrin is a big factor. We've seen him run the ball and get yardage and make plays in the passing game. Unfortunately, he dropped that ball on the last series when it probably would have been a big game. He's the X factor -- he's touched the ball eight times already, including the drop. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
This should be a Steeler run drive here. no reason to take a risk down here. -
Troy, Canada
7:40 PM ET
Hey guys, what song are you looking forward to hearing during halftime?NFL.com
All of them! -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
What did I say, don't throw the ball down here. The nose tackle tips it and it's an interception. Now the Cards have a chance to take the lead into halftime. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I have always been a believer that when a team scores right before the end of the first half, it's a strong indicator they will win the game. The Cards are looking at a 52-yard field goal if they don't gain any yards right now. It's a makeable kick, though they can certainly move the ball. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
This is how the Cradinals got to the Super Bowl. 12 turnovers in three playoff games which resulted in one defensive touchdown, three offensive touchdowns and three field goals. This is just how the Cardinals got here. The Steelers, with enough time, needed to run the ball in traditional Steeler fashion. They didn't and they're paying for it. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
On first down, Cards brought Fitzgerald across the formation from right to left and Taylor did not go with him. I think that's the first time that's happened. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Bill Parcells is kicking himself right now. He loved Tim Hightower and was hoping nobody else knew who he was coming out of tiny Richmond. But Parcells was at a workout at Richmond, and when he saw Cards RB Maurice Carthon there, he knew he was in trouble. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Great call on the third down to Hightower on a swing route to Fitz's side. Fitz is going ot pull the corner and safety when he releases, leaving nobody to handle Hightower on the swing. it's an over under principle usually run with two WRs. Terrific use of Larry as a decoy. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Third time in the game they used the tow backs together. Every time so far we've seen Edge in the flat they release him again to the flat, but this time it opens up Fitz. Now the running back has become a decoy to open up Larry. -
Chris Moore, Lehi Utah
7:48 PM ET
GIL CAN THAT TURNOVER CHANGE THE GAME?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Sure. Turnovers have been the key for Arizona in the postseason. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, we said the team that scores before the end of the half has a good chance of winning. We just didn't see that score coming. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
When I was at camp this summer, they ran that play many times. it's their bread an butter. they put Fitz and Boldin together. Fitz releases outside on a fade and Boldin comes underneath. The Steelers were ready for it. Harrison goes 100. Game breaker! -
Carl Michie, UK
7:55 PM ET
What a run by harrison !
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Sure was. It all started with Harrison dropping back. He made a great run, and obviously great that he stayed in bounds. -
NFL.com
Great first half. We'll take a halftime break so you can all enjoy Bruce Springsteen. See you back here shortly. -
Mick, Minneapolis, Minn.
8:25 PM ET
I can't help but feel like this game is over. What do you think Pat?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
We were at this point in the second quarter when the Cards were down 10. What did they do? They answered with a 10-play drive for a TD and they didn't even have a third down in it. first and second downs all the way down the field. Remember, they deferred the coin toss, giving them an opportunity to get right back in this game. Late in the second quarter, the Cards find ways to open the pass game to Fitz. I expect them to return to that. The question for the Steelers, is did they learn their less on Ben's INT? An old fashioned Steelers team would sit on this lead and play defense. -
Matt, Melbourne, Australia
8:27 PM ET
Hi Gil & Pat, Who do you rate as the current MVP thus far, and who do you beleive would be in the running?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
You have to say that Harrison is the leader. He completely turned the game around, and his INT might go down as one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history, replacing the Tyree catch from last year. Roethlisberger is a candidate, but I don't know if he'll have good second-half numbers because Pittsburgh will try to run the ball and kill the clock. Of course, if Kurt Warner brings Arizona back, he's in the mix. -
Jason Bowdler, Uk
8:30 PM ET
Will we see more of Willie Parker in the 2nd half for the Steelers to take time off the clock?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Ya we should see a lot of him in the second half...Looks like Boldin just ran off the field with an injury to his shoulder. -
David Lum, Stockton,CA
8:30 PM ET
Can the Cardinals recover, Gil?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
They can, but this is such a critical drive to get some momentum back. -
Jerry Medrano, MX
8:32 PM ET
Gil, Pat: Isn't Harrison's 100YD interception the longest interception return to TD in Super Bowl history?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jerry, the previous record was 76 yards by Seattle's Kelly Herndon in Super Bowl XL -- ironically against the Steelers. -
NFL.com
Boldin's back -
Jeremy, Atlanta, G.
8:34 PM ET
Hi Pat, what did you think about the halftime show?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
I'm a big Bruce fan, so I loved it. Wish they played Pink Cadillac, though! -
Dennis Paul, Maryland
8:35 PM ET
How many teams haven't made it to the super bowl Gil?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
There are five: Detroit, Cleveland, Houston, Jacksonville, New Orleans -
Adam Lowenthal, Long Island, New York
8:37 PM ET
Gil, Pat: Ben Roethlisberger is handling the pressure much better, Warner looks like a rookie! What is your take?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
There's no question Ben is playing well. He completed 11 of 13 passes in the first half. But I think Warner has played well. The INT was just a great play. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
I think Warner is playing better than a rookie, so I disagree. He's playing good. The Steelers have been playing well on offense, mixing it up and getting Ben into a rhythm. The Cards have to be more creative about where they go with the ball because Fitzgerald is being taken a way from him. -
scott, washington, pa
8:40 PM ET
Experience counts, and no one on the field has more experience then Dick LeBeau
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Lebeau has done a masterful job of first eliminating Fitzgerald as a primary target, forcing the Cards to look elsewhere with the passing game, and then applying pressure. shortly, Arizona is going to have to force a few balls into Larry. Phil Simms and I talked about this the other day. You break your own QB rule and throw into double coverage. Do not let Lebeau have his way with this package. Great job. -
Troy, Canada
8:41 PM ET
Followup to Dennis Pauls question, who do you think will be the first to make it?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I'll say Houston. They've got a pretty good offense, and if they can get a little better on defense they'll have a chance.
With both the Colts and Jaguars maybe descending a little, they have a shot in that division. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
This little quick passing calls by the Steelers are designed to not put Ben into position to make bad mistakes. And as long as Arizona is going to let Cromartie play off coverage on Holmes, the 5-yard gain is there. It's better than a run play. -
Adam Lowenthal, Long Island, New York
8:44 PM ET
Gil, I agree with you that the INT was a great play, and I read earlier that you said it was a better play then last year's Tyree catch, but how could that be? Tyree's catch was on the winning drive in the 4th quarter, this was in the 1st half! Do you agree? Whats your take Pat?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First off, it was potentially a 14-point swing on one play. And I stress my belief that a team scoring at the end of the first half is put in good position. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
I think it has a very good chance to be the greatest play in Super Bowl history. The Cards were going in for a go-ahead touchdown. That play was a game-changer. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Cromartie gives the Cardinals the opportunity to run pressure schemes because he can cover Holmes by himself. But if the pressure doesn't get there, it's too much to ask of him. case and point on that last pass to Holmes. -
Tim, Indianapolis
8:50 PM ET
That was not roughing the passer.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I thought it was very suspect. -
Gordon Johnston, Dallas, Texas
8:50 PM ET
The Cardinals are committing a lot of unnecessary penalties. Lack of discipline? Loss of composure?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
No Gordon, I don't think it's that. They had two holding penalties called against them in the first half, which is already more than the average. I think this crew is just calling the game a lot closer. Usually in the playoffs, they let the players play. But I don't think it's a lack of discipline or composure. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Interesting call there. second down and the Steelers are in field goal range, but they go empty backfield and don't run the ball. That means they don't think a 13-point lead is going to be enough. -
Teresa , Illinois
8:53 PM ET
My friends and i are having an argument bout what the GU on the jerseys and helmets mean. What does it mean?NFL.com
Teresa, its a tribute to Gene Upshaw, who passed away before the season. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, I'm not sure about the last penalty against Arizona, but maybe the Cards are starting to lose thier composure. -
Dennis, new jersey
8:56 PM ET
why are the steelers doing so badly in the redzone?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
First, a little credit to the Cards' defense. They've had a mix of pressure and good reactions to the run game. They are teasing the Steelers into trying to throw down here. The pass that's available is the bootleg. The Steelers don't have a tall WR so they don't get the fade route. Then they have to rely on Miller and there's a number of double coverages on him. If you think about teams like Arizona and other passing games, they have a tall WR you can throw to on the fade route. You would have hoped Limas Sweed could have been that player, but he's not ready. -
Dean, Tampa, Florida
8:56 PM ET
The Steelers are doing such a good job of keeping Larry Fitzgerald out of the game. So why aren't the Cardinals trying to get Bolden or Breaston the ball on deeper routes, instead of simply throwing to the flat every time?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Breaston and Boldin both caught three passes in the first half. What's happened is that Pittsburgh had another drive starting on their 10-yard line and held the ball for 6-7 minutes. Time of possession is becoming a big factor, and it's hard to get guys going when you don't have the ball. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
It doesn't look great for Arizona right now but holding Pittsburgh to a field goal after they got a secoind chance inside the 10 was big. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
This is where we usually see the Polamalu INT. He'll be lurking somewhere deep. -
Gordon Johnston, Dallas, Texas
9:05 PM ET
Amazing thought: Larry Fitzgerald might essentially get shut out of this game, yet still have the record for most yards receiving in a postseason.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
He has the record, Gordon. He's just looking for the TD record at this point. But it's amazing that the Cards are still in this game and Larry only has one catch. -
Darrin, Pittsburgh
9:07 PM ET
Why do you think the cardinals have not passed over ten yards per pass??/ Is Fitzgerald not a lethal weapon??
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, they've doubled him most of the time. Their gameplan is obviously to get the ball away quickly to keep Warner from being sacked.
I guess they have to take some chances now to get the ball down the field, but it's risky. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Antrel Rolle is in the game as a WR. Three man rush and they get a hold. That's the fourth holding call on the Cardinals today. What happens is, the other linemen are waiting for blitzers and they don't help out. Just the threat of the blitz is causing problems. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Key stat: Teams leading in the Super Bowl after three quarters are 35-6. Long odds for Arizona to beat. -
Brad Crossan, Bradenton, FL
9:10 PM ET
Do any of you think it's over now?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
No, I think the Steelers have to score at least a FG on this drive for me to think it's over. Larry can't get free, so you mine as well take advantage of him as a decoy, because there are two on him each time. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The way the Steelers are covering Fitzgerald is a lot like what the giants did with Randy Moss last year i nthe Super Bowl. The redeeming factor in that game for New England was that Wes Welker caught 11 passes in that game. -
Heath Johnston, Dallas, Texas
9:12 PM ET
By the Steelers keeping their two safeties in deep coverage (cover 2), has this taken away Warner's only hope of coming back? It does not seem that he has enough time to dink and dunk Arizona back into the game.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Sometimes they have a corner and a saftey deep as they let Polamalu take the CBs job to come up and jam. As the game goes on Warner is looking to go deep downfield, but there is time checkdown...and Breaston -- they need to use him more with Pittsburgh's coverage on Fitz. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
There's Dockett making a play. He had 2.5 last time they played. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
If the Cards can get a big play and score, they still have a chance. But they need a big play on this drive. -
cynthia, Bradenton, FL
9:20 PM ET
pitt hasn't used Polamalu at all. Will we see him in the last quarter doing his thing?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
His "thing" so far has been helping to double Larry Fitzgerald, and that's worked out pretty well. -
Bud Yost, State College, pa
9:22 PM ET
what is the record for penalties in the Super Bowl
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The record is 12, shared by Dallas in SB XII and Carolina in SB XXXVIII. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
If the Cardinals can score here, the pressure shifts squarely onto Ben Roethlisberger's shoulders. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
No runs on that drive! -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Warner his four different receivers on that drive: Fitz, Breaston, Urban, Hightower. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Warner showed a lot of poise on that drive. there was pressure on him all the way, and he delivered. Not sure why people have been questioning him. -
Dan, Orlando
9:28 PM ET
The Cards scored. They are down by 6 with a little over 7 minutes left. Is it too late?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
No it's not. The skill level of players in the NFL is so good, we've seen so many games won in the final minutes. The Cards did it in the NFC title game. But they've got to stop Pittsburgh from getting more than one first down. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Why were they doing that? -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The Steelers again go empty backfield. If you're going to throw, don't tell us beforehand. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
If they're going to pass, don't do it from empty set when they know it's a pass. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Pat and I both saw Hines Ward limping on that play. There's no doubt he's hurt. -
Jamie Anderson, Auckland, New Zealand
9:32 PM ET
What has been the biggest score gap in a superbowl? and how much chance would you give Arizona of a comeback
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Nobody has overcome a deficit of more than 10 points to win. I'd give the Cards a good chance right now.
The one detriment is that it will be very noisy down the stretch and will be hard to audible. Puts the OTs at a disadvantage. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
What a poor play selection by Pittsburgh. They get a nice, solid run on first down and then go to an empty set on second down, giving the Cards the advantage because they know it's not a run. The result? A sack. On third down, he wanted Hines Ward. But I saw his knee buckle a little bit off the line, and he couldn't get downfield. It made Big Ben check off. They've given the Cards the opportunity of a lifetime with 5:28 left. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Ike Taylor grabs a lot and does stuff like that all the time. No surprise. -
Brian, New York
9:36 PM ET
with 5 minutes and 29 seconds remaining, and down 6 points, does Arizona still have a shot at winning this game?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Hey Brian. I think they do. -
Darrin, Pittsburgh
9:36 PM ET
Pittsburgh exploded during the first half, do you think they are playing a little lazy during the second half, Ben has not been as mobile as he has been throughout the game, hines seems hurt, what do you think Pat???
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think they're playing them soft. I just think Arizona is attacking them better. -
Chris Moore, Lehi Utah
9:37 PM ET
PAT CAN ARIZONA SCORE TOO SOON ?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Not at all. The Steelers aren't a passing team and there are liabilities when Ben has to throw. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Pittsburgh is mixing up where Polamaulu lines up. When he is on Fitz's side, they're basically telling the Cardinals to throw to Breaston. It's Warner's job to throw to the opposite side. -
Bill, Newbury
9:40 PM ET
Why did it take so long for Arizona to play the game they needed to play?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
There were a number of looks on Fitz, who is the heartbeat of the Cardinals' offense. They're not going to move the ball, or win the game, with their running game. So they had to re-adjust where the passing game should go. Honestly, the drive before half that got to the 1, the offense was playing very well. The Harrison return nullified what was a pretty good offensive package at the time. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Good move to punt and use their timeouts. Especially having pinned them inside the 1. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's the best thing Arizona could have asked for -- stopping the clock. -
Dustin, KY
9:43 PM ET
Should they challenge that play for a Safety?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
No. I thought it was a safety, but you can't tell from the replay. You still have them backed up.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
No. I thought it was a safety, but you can't tell from the replay. You still have them backed up. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Once again, another questionable series of play calling for the Steelers. You have a lead, you're on your own 1, and you throw the ball. I believe in throwing from down there, but I think you should roll out the QB. It's too easy to attack with the blitz, because you're blitzing against the run at the same time. Now they're provided the opportunity, once again, for the Cardinals to win. They've got the clock on their side. And that's because of the Pittsburgh offense. -
Dustin, KY
9:45 PM ET
How big is that safety?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
It's huge, obviously. They might not have gotten the ball back otherwise. Now we'll have a very exciting finish. -
NFL.com
Wow!!!NFL.com
Wow!!! -
Tim, Indianapolis
9:48 PM ET
Gil, Pat, I'd say this one is over.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Granted, your question was from a few minutes ago, but if you've been watching the Cards this season, they have explosive players on offense and a creative play caller in Haley to have this kind of game. Now the question is can Big Ben deliver in the passing game with the kind of pressure the Cardinals are going to apply. The last two times Pitt had the ball, the Cards brought the heat. -
NFL.com
Are we looking at the first overtime in Super Bowl history? -
Chris Moore, Lehi Utah
9:51 PM ET
KURT WARNER MVP !! OR LARRY ?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I'd say Larry... but there's still plenty of time.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I'd say Larry... but there's still plenty of time. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
If the Cards hold on here, they will break every trend in the book -- trailing in th fourth quarter, turnovers, you name it. And there have been 10 INTs returned for TDs in the Super Bowl and the intercepting team has never lost. -
Gordon Johnston, Dallas, Texas
9:56 PM ET
No matter what happens the last 2 minutes, Warner is a first ballot Hall of Famer. Only QB to win SB with two different teams.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Warner was a Hall of Famer before the game started. This wil, indeed, make him a first-ballot person. He'll get in as easy as Bruce Smith.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I've been saying that this week, win or lose. Maybe not first ballot, but definitely a Hall of Famer.
And if this game goes into OT, he needs 21 yards to break Joe Montana's record for most passing yards in Super Bowl history. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Cromartie has had a great postseason but he made a mental mmistake on that pass play.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Cromartie has had a great postseason but he made a mental mmistake on that pass play. -
kyle tubbs, cullman al
9:58 PM ET
are we looking at the first overtime in Super Bowl history?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
The Cardinals have had two goal line stands already. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
During this now infamous drive, it's a strange situation in that DMC has had Holmes all day in man to man. In the big play that set up the first-and-goal, DMC was in zone and let him pass through to cover the flat. That isn't consistent with how they played him all night.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
During this now infamous drive, it's a strange situation in that DMC has had Holmes all day in man to man. In the big play that set up the first-and-goal, DMC was in zone and let him pass through to cover the flat. That isn't consistent with how they played him all night.
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
During this now infamous drive, it's a strange situation in that DMC has had Holmes all day in man to man. In the big play that set up the first-and-goal, DMC was in zone and let him pass through to cover the flat. That isn't consistent with how they played him all night. -
Ryan, Malibu
10:04 PM ET
Santonio MVP now, or Big Ben?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I'd take Santonio. Nine catches for 131 yards and a score. Didn't we say at the beginning of the game that Holmes was our key player to watch? -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Kurt Warner has now broken the all-time record for Super Bowl passing yards.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Kurt Warner has now broken the all-time record for Super Bowl passing yards.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Kurt Warner has now broken the all-time record for Super Bowl passing yards. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
During this now infamous drive, it's a strange situation in that DMC has had Holmes all day in man to man. In the big play that set up the first-and-goal, DMC was in zone and let him pass through to cover the flat. That isn't consistent with how they played him all night. -
Rob , North Conway, NH
10:08 PM ET
Where does this rank among all-time Super Bowls?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I've been to 40 of the 43 Super Bowls. I thought last year's was the most exciting ever... but I do think this has surpassed it.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I've been to 40 of the 43 Super Bowls. I thought last year's was the most exciting ever... but I do think this has surpassed it.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I've been to 40 of the 43 Super Bowls. I thought last year's was the most exciting ever... but I do think this has surpassed it. -
Herbert, Anchorage AK
10:10 PM ET
Is Santonio worthy of the MVP for that one touch down?
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Yes, he is. He had a tremendous performance all night against the top-flight young corner. He had a tremendous game. He's extraordinary. Harrison's return was great, but overall I'd give it to Holmes. This would be a good year for co-MVPs. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Here of a few thoughts. We just got treated to a very special football game that started out with a team deferring a coin toss. We should have been tipped off we were in for a few surprises.
Early holding calls slowed down the Cardinals. The creative game plan to take away Fitz slowed down the Cards, and they perservered, and made some adjustments. I think Warner played a tremendous game against the NFL's best defense.
Roethlisberger's drive for the winning TD reminded me of the year that Montana had a similar drive against the Bengals.
With each year, I start to see the running games are going to get stuffed. The passing games, and the short passing games, are how your survive the hard times in a game like this.
The drive before the half that turned into Harrison's return ultimately was the point that made the difference in this game.
Santonio Holmes came of age tonight and became an elite receiver. -
Glenn, Seattle
10:12 PM ET
Seems the Pittsburgh is unbeatable, how can that not be an incomplete pass?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I thought his arm was coming forward, and certainly with the ramifications, I'm surprised it wasn't reviewed. -
The Miller Family, Fontana, California
10:14 PM ET
Wow. What a game. My hat is off to both teams for never giving up. Do you think Kurt Warner will retire?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
No, Kurt won't retire. The big question: Will Arizona pay the big money they will have to pay to keep him? I think they definitely will. -
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Games that have been played this past year in the NFL never cease to amaze me. We saw so many great great and close games this season, and it's a tribute to all the great athletes in the league. If anyone thinks this isn't one of the greatest games we've ever seen, I don't know what they're thinking. We had long plays on both offense and defense. An unbelievable passing game by Warner against a great defense. I think what happened was that early in the game, the Cardinals got some penalties that ended up hurting them. I think the one penalty on the fourth-quarter drive when the Steelers score were pivotal.
Pittsburgh is not nknown to be a quick-score team, and they went 76 yards for the game-winner. I don't know what more you can ask for.
There were a bunch of players who could have been MVP -- Harrison, Roethlisberger, Holmes, Warner, Fitzgerald. That's a sign of what a great game it was. -
marty, sacramento,ca
10:18 PM ET
best super bowl ever
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
I would put it among the top games for excitement. I think last year's game with the Giants ... well, I was drained after that game. I was a little frustrated at the end of this one. The Steelers tried to give it away, and came back and won it. The epic games with Joe Montana and Joe Namath guarantee game ... well, lets keep this in the top five. -
Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Big Ben is one of the most unique QBs in the NFL today or the last 20 years. He has no intention of ever running with the ball. He's big and strong. He moves like a smaller player. He can escape five and six player pressure, and he's always looking to throw deep. What makes him dangerous now, is that his receivers have grown into players that have learned how to re-adjust their routes when he moves around in the pocket. -
NFL.com
Well, fans can debate where this game ranks among the best but there's no question it's in the mix.
Thanks for everyone's great questions, and thanks to Gil Brandt and Pat Kirwan for provising their terrific analysis.
