Moshier: Defense wins another champoinship

In Sunday night’s most entertaining fourth quarter, it was Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes who combined to spoil what would have been the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. What should be regarded as the greatest defensive play in Super Bowl history, though, is what really led the Steelers to their last-minute, 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

 

Holmes’ remarkable grab in the corner of the end zone, in bounds by just the tip of his toes, may have been the game-winner. But the play of the game, the best defensive play made in any Super Bowl, was made by Steelers’ linebacker James Harrison. His 100-yard interception return for a touchdown on the final play of the first half was as good as it gets.

 

That’s two Super Bowl Bests in the last two years. Eli Manning’s escape and David Tyree’s catch in the New York Giants’ upset of the previously-unbeaten New England Patriots last year is the best offensive play made in any Super Bowl. From a defensive point of view, Harrison’s play Sunday should be just as highly regarded.

 

As good as Big Ben was when he needed to be, and as great as Holmes’ game-winning catch was with 35 seconds left, it was defense that won another championship.