They managed to get a couple stops on 3rd down and were playing their responsiblities. Towards the end of the 1st half they were clicking like they did thru the playoffs. Taking their gaps and not allowing cutbacks, being on coverage with the WRs and being smart.
They had the focus at the end of the 1st half.
Now watching Pitts drive, they(AZ) are skipping their coverage and trying to make plays and leaving holes for Ben to find open WRS. Not to mention lanes for the RBs.
when they play smart they are good, when they get emotional and everyone is trying to be a play maker they get burned, then start the penalties and meltdown.
Maybe I am watching a different game. They’re definitely doing well against the run and at the goal line, but the Steelers are controlling the clock and getting points. Giving up drives with double digit plays and 70-80 yards a piece per drive isn’t going to do it in the Super Bowl. The only real stops they’ve had are the deflection interception and a huge holding call. Their goal line play has been outstanding, and is the only thing keeping them in the game.
Of course, I’m full of wings, fried foods, and beer, so my perceptions may be off.
Arizona’s safeties are solid. We always hear about Adrian Wilson (and rightly so) but I’ve thought for a long time that Antrel Rolle would look good at safety. Actually I secretly hoped the Cardinals would release him and the Steelers would sign him and move him to safety. Oh well, good for him either way.
In the first quarter they were the suck. I agree. In the second quarter they settled down and limited Pittsburg O to 1 TD at the beginning. Then stopped two drives quite well. the second half they started allowing the yard and passes but tightened up in the red zone. They are frustrating. When they are focused they are ok when they ad-lib the get burnt. They chance from series to series. Very frustrating.
Rolle is doing good at Safety and is only going to get better. When gets his hands on and INT he is as much fun to watch returning it as Hester returning kicks used to be. I would love to see Rolle as a punt returner from time to time.
The thing is, other than the ticky tack roughing call, most of the penalties have been correctly called. Gandy has held Harrison, Wilson did run into the holder, and DRC did grab Holmes’ facemask. It’s not like the Steelers/Seahawks ticky tack refereeing.
Agreed. Coach Whiz for two years in a row mentioned at the beginning of the season “we have to stop commiting so many penalties” Looks like they need to keep working on that. Arizona is killing themselves with Penalties.
One point re: penalties. I hope Cards fans won’t be too hard on Mike Gandy, I watch every Steelers game and he’s doing quite well, even considering that Harrison is dropping into coverage a lot. Most teams have done a lot more holding against Harrison.
