The Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) got to Super Bowl XLIII by utilizing their sound defense and the disciplined play of veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers won the AFC North Division and then managed victories over the San Diego Chargers, who won the AFC West, and the Baltimore Ravens, who were a Wild-Card team.
By finishing first in the AFC North and second in the AFC overall, the Pittsburgh Steelers won a bye in week one of the post-season. In the second week, Pittsburgh hosted the San Diego Chargers, who were without LaDainian Tomlinson. They held the Chargers to just 15 yards on the ground and intercepted QB Phillip Rivers once. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh’s star running back who has been injured much of the season, put in his finest game by rushing for 146 yards and two TDs. In the end, the score was San Diego 24 and Pittsburgh 35.
Pittsburgh then hosted the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game, winning that one 23- 14. They put the heat on Ravens’ freshman quarterback Joe Flacco, forcing him to toss three interceptions. Baltimore fumbled three times that day and lost one. Roethlisberger tossed a touchdown pass and, once again, did not throw an interception. Pittsburgh placekicker Jeff Reed was good on three field goal attempts. For the defense, safety Troy Polamalu grabbed a Flacco pass, running it back for a touchdown. That play, which was late in quarter four, ensured that the Steelers would be Super Bowl bound.
Super Bowl XLIII, which will feature the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Arizona Cardinals, will be played on Sunday, February 1, 2009, in Tampa, Florida. It will air on NBC-TV at 6 pm ET. Over the next few weeks, check out Sports Pundit for numerous analytical articles concerning the big game.