The Pittsburgh Steelers showed their strength in the first quarter, dominating the score and time of possession, but the Arizona Cardinals battled back in the second quarter. Until the final seconds, it seemed that the Cards were going to tie the game. But with only seconds left in the half, Defensive Player of the Year Harrison snagged a five-yard pass and took it 101 yards for a score.
Super Day for a Super Game
The Steelers are trying for their sixth Superbowl win—a league record—while the Cards are in the Superbowl for the first time in the team’s history. The Game is being played under near-perfect conditions in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium—mid-sixties, low humidity. Both teams’ stars are healthy and dressed, and the stage is set for the season’s ultimate match.
The Steelers, on their first drive, marched downfield with authority until they reached the Cardinals’ four-yard line, where the Cards defense toughened up and held the Steelers to three. Ben Roethlisberger got as far as the one-foot line, and was initially awarded the TD, but the Cardinals challenged and won.
The Cardinals had to punt on their first drive.
The Cardinals blitzed and blitzed, but Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger scrambled, dodged, and found the open receivers. The Steelers had success with quick screen passes to beat the blitz, while also getting the occasional solid rushing gain when the Cards were looking for a pass.
By the end of the first quarter, Pittsburgh had the edge, not just on the scoreboard, but in yards gained and time of possession. The Cardinals ran only five plays in the first quarter.
