Super Bowl XLIII (Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23)

It was indeed a highly entertaining game, but it certainly doesn't qualify as the greatest, especially when compared to some on this list. I found that there were way too many sloppy penalties, especially on the Cardinals end. In a game of this magnitude, you don't want to see those kinds of errors. One big holding penalty in the fourth quarter against Mike Gandy really sticks out, as it cost the Cardinals a scoring drive and really the game with it. Initially, it looked like Pittsburgh was going to rout Arizona, but the Cardinal offense started to light up by the end of the 2nd Quarter. I also give their defense props for holding Pittsburgh out of end zone during two goal line stands. Had Pittsburgh scored one or two more touchdowns in the first half, the game would have really gotten out of hand. The real key play of the game was James Harrison's INT returned for a 100 yard touchdown. That was the biggest play of the game, it was what really swung the momentum in Pittsburgh... Read more

I know I have a short, faulty memory as to previous Super Bowls, but for pure excitement and entertainment value, this one was 5 stars in my book. It probably helped that I was in a rabid group of Steeler fans who were alternatively whooping and hollering and then moaning and groaning all the way through. Before the game started I wouldn't have bet a plug nickel on the Cardinals, let alone bet with the spread (I was guessing the Steelers were going to win by at least 2 TDs). I have to hand it to the Cardinals--for a team I didn't think belonged anywhere near a Super Bowl, they made a hell of a game out of it. Had it not been for Warner's unforgivable throw right into James Harrison's hands for the all-time Super Bowl record for an INT, the Cardinals would have won. Give the Cards 7 more points and Steelers 7 fewer, the result would have been downright shocking. As it was, can you imagine the emotional toll that INT TD took on the Cards? It would have taken a miracle to bring their emo... Read more

Yes this game was plagued by several questionable calls and non-calls made by the refs during the game, but that doesn't change the fact this was an immensely entertaning contest and should be considered one of the greatest Super Bowls ever. Kurt Warner threw a crucial INT on the last play of the first half when it looked like the Cards were about to tie or take the lead, but James Harrison picked off the pass and raced 100 yards to the endzone (A Super Bowl record for the longest TD) to give the Steelers a 17-7 lead into the locker room. However the gutsy Cardinals who made a vailent second half to take the lead with two minutes left the game when Kurt Warner found Larry Fitzgerald on an underneath crossing pattern and raced to pay dirt. Ben Rothelisberger however then engineered a game winning drive, much like Eli Manning did with the Giants the year before and Joe Montana in Super Bowl XXIII) and found Santonio Holmes for the game winning score in the corner of the endzone. ... Read more

An immensely entertaining game. The only thing keeping it from five stars was how ordinary the teams were competing.

Fans will bitch and moan that the refs threw many flags and inserted themselves into this game- but the fact is there were stupid penalties by both sides that merited attention from the refs. I saw personal fouls that led me to wonder if the offender actually realized he was in a championship game. I saw holding calls inspired by grappling and fondling that would make Bristol Palin proud. Despite the presence of the refs, this is a solid four to five star game. It was a heavyweight fight and neither team gave up. Terrific finish, solid performances by WR's of both teams. Larry Fitzgerald could play in handcuffs and still get 75 yards receiving. Kudos to the Steelers- the best-run franchise in the NFL. Their last three head coaches (since Watergate?) have all won Super Bowls. They do things the right way.

This could have been the most intense Super Bowl ending ever, but the refs blew it on that "fumble" and didn't even send it to the booth? Wouldn't you rather see time expire with the ball in the air?