Sad: Expert Selects Cardinals’ Greatest Past Mistake

ARIZONA — When reflecting on plays the Arizona Cardinals would like to redo, one stands out clearly.

In Super Bowl XLIII, the Cardinals, led by quarterback Kurt Warner, were heavy underdogs against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the odds, they nearly pulled off an upset in what is considered one of the greatest Super Bowls in history.

Several key plays shaped the game’s outcome, but Warner’s pick-six near the goal line with just seconds left in the first half was pivotal. This interception shifted momentum to the Steelers, giving them the edge they needed to secure a 27-23 victory.

CBS Sports identified Warner’s interception as the franchise’s most regrettable moment. Bryan DeArdo wrote, “After falling behind early, the Cardinals were on the verge of taking the lead over the favored Steelers just before halftime. Instead of blitzing Warner, Steelers linebacker James Harrison dropped back into coverage and intercepted Warner’s pass intended for Anquan Boldin at the goal line. Harrison then returned it for the longest pick-six in Super Bowl history, a crucial play that contributed to the Steelers’ 27-23 win.”

DeArdo added, “While there were several other plays the Cardinals likely wished they could have back, Warner undoubtedly regrets not paying closer attention to Harrison, the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, before making that ill-advised pass.”

Interestingly, Cardinals coaches attempted to prevent this disastrous play from occurring. You can read more about their efforts here.