Fantasy Football Weekly Words: Super Bowl XLIII

In the end, the numbers were impressive, and no, I'm not talking about the 100 yards James Harrison went for his pick six, nor am I referring to the 131 receiving yards of Santonio Holmes or the 127 yards posted by Larry Fitzgerald (though I will discuss each of these guys below).

I'm talking about my numbers from Super Sunday. Fifty chicken wings, four cupcakes, two bagel bites, and three brownies. Yes, I was the Super Bowl MVP of gluttony at my party, splurging only as a true American can!

But don't worry, despite my permanent place near the food, I was still able to catch the game, so without further ado, here is the Super Bowl edition of the weekly words.

-------------------- 

"The Toe Tap"

It may not garner as much attention as David Tyree's miraculous helmet grab last year in Super Bowl XLII.

In fact, as time passes and we look back at Super Bowl XLIII, it may even take a backseat to James Harrison's 100-yard interception return (more on that later) as the most recalled moment; however, in reality, Santonio Holmes' game-winning touchdown catch was one of the best ever in Super Bowl history.

Yes, it may be lacking some in the razzle-dazzle department, but that's partly because Holmes made the difficult look so effortless.

On a 2nd-and-goal play on the Cardinals' six-yard line, Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger bought some time in the pocket as the Cardinals pass rush closed in. He then hurled a pass to the back corner of the end zone in a spot in which only Holmes could have at it despite the presence of three Cardinal defenders.

Holmes, never losing focus, extended fully to nab the pass, dragging both feet in bounds for the touchdown. A beautiful ending to a great game!

While the moniker "The Catch" is already owned by Joe Montana's miraculous hook-up with Dwight Clark during ther 'Niners 1982 NFC Championship win over the Dallas Cowboys, Holmes' grab is indeed worthy of a similar title. Might I suggest "The Toe Tap?"

-------------------- 

The "Legendary" Larry Fitzgerald

For years now, we, the Bruno Boys, have been referring to Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald  as "Leaping Larry Fitzgerald;" however, it looks like it's time for the nickname to change.

Already etching a place for himself in history with 419 receiving yards (a postseason record) prior to the Super Bowl, Fitz once more rose to the occassion, this time on the biggest stage football has to offer.

Held catchless until under a minute left in the second quarter of play, it appeared as if Fitz had met his match in the Steelers' highly touted secondary as he ended the first half with just one catch for 12 yards.

However, the wideout made adjustments to his game at halftime, and it paid off in the third and fourth quarters as Fitz hauled in six passes for 115 yards and two TDs in the second half, helping the Cardinals to overcome a 13-point deficit to take the lead with 2 minutes and 47 second left in the game.

Unfortunately, for Fitz and the Cardinals, Arizona's defense couldn't hold the Steelers down as Big Ben led one final scoring drive. Had he not, there's no doubt that Larry Fitzgerald would have been named the game's MVP.

As it is, perhaps Fitz will take some consolation in the Bruno Boys' new nickname for him, "Legendary Larry Fitzgerald." 

--------------------

A Hollywood Ending

Some stories are just destined for a Hollywood ending. Arizona Cardinals' quarterback, Kurt Warner, knows all about that. From grocer to Super Bowl MVP back in Super Bowl XXXIV, Warner is in fact a prime example. This time though, Warner was on the wrong side of the Hollywood ending.

Heading into the Super Bowl, everyone became familiar with the story of Pittsburgh Steelers' outside linebacker James Harrison, an undrafted free agent that was cut four times (three times by the Steelers and once by the Baltimore Ravens) prior to finally landing a full-time gig with Pittsburgh in 2004.

Since then, Harrison has developed into one of the premier defenders in the league, even earning this year's AP Defensive Player of the Year award. Thus, it made sense that Harrison would make one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl XLIII.

With the Cardinals on the verge of at least tying the game prior to halftime, Warner, with 18 seconds left in the half, dropped back on a 1st-and-goal play from the one-yard line and looked Anquan Boldin's way.

Harrison was ready to pounce. The line-backer jumped the route and intercepted Warner's pass. Then, the real fun began as Harrison proceeded to go 100-yards for the score as time ticked away, crossing the goal-line with 0:00 left on the clock.

No doubt the football gods were looking out for Harrison on that one, rewarding the linebacker for all the hard work and determination he showed to just be a part of this game.

--------------------

For more football insight and fantasy advice, click the link below...

Bruno Boys Fantasy Football