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After a month of match ups, the Final Four is here. If you want to look back at how we got here, revisit Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 4.
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PIEROGI BRACKET WINNER
1 - The Immaculate Reception - 12/23/72 AFC Divisional Round
The Play: Nuff Said
Not Vikings, but a piece of NFL History here. With Franco Harris passing, we wanted to show you the 4k enhanced coaches film of the Immaculate Reception. Did the ball hit off Jack Tatum (required then for Franco to catch it)? Did Franco catch the ball B4 it hit the ground? pic.twitter.com/9Cd4Kg5tnK
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) December 28, 2022
VS
HALUPKI BRACKET WINNER
1 - Ben to Santonio for the Win - 2/1/09 Super Bowl XLIII
The Play: With 35 seconds left, the Steelers retake the lead, 27-23, after giving up 16 unanswered 4th-quarter points to the Cardinals.
On this day 14 years ago, Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes gave us one of the best finishes in Super Bowl history pic.twitter.com/vIRbQ5t2YE
— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) February 1, 2023
Bonus Commentary: The deeper we got into this tournament, the more I became convinced that the Immaculate Reception is a great moment with a lot of symbolism, but ultimately did not result in a Super Bowl season. And the standard in Pittsburgh is the Lombardi Trophy. We may put Franco on a pedestal next to George Washington, but isn’t George’s time in SWPA notable for his defeats? It’s time to rethink the Immaculate Reception’s place in Steelers history.
Poll
Better Moment?
This poll is closed
-
54%
Immaculate Reception
(213 votes) -
45%
Ben to Santonio SB 43
(176 votes)
CHIPPED HAM BRACKET WINNER
2 - Randle El’s Reverse Pass - 2/5/06 Super Bowl XL
The play: Willie Parker takes the pitch and hands off to Antwaan Randle El on the reverse, who throws it to Hines Ward for the 43-yd touchdown. It gives the Steelers a 21-10 lead against the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.
Randel El to Ward in Super Bowl 40. Such an iconic play! #steelers pic.twitter.com/hGFHrmfjjN
— Steelercrew (@Steelercrew6x) July 21, 2019
VS
BANANA SPLIT BRACKET WINNER
1 - Harrison’s Hundred-Yard INT - 2/1/09 Super Bowl XLIII
The play: 1st and goal at the 1 with 18 seconds left in the first half. James Harrison steps in front of Anquan Boldin and makes his way 100 yards for a touchdown. Instead of trailing at the half, the Steelers lead 17-7.
#Steelers linebacker James Harrison's coast-to-coast pick-six to end the first half of Super Bowl XLIII
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) February 1, 2023
The longest interception return in #SuperBowl history — 100 yards
14 years ago today pic.twitter.com/oya6ENNZF6
Bonus Commentary: I appreciate that both of these plays have an element of the entire team executing together to achieve the goal. I personally think Deebo’s pick-6 is the greater moment, because of the stakes in the moment. Plus, the athletes having to do unique things in unique instances. The Super Bowl XL moment was the result of rehearsal. The Super Bowl XLIII moment was the result of instincts.
Poll
Better Moment?
This poll is closed
-
5%
Randle El to Ward SB40
(19 votes) -
94%
Deebo Int SB43
(359 votes)
The Finals will drop on Friday!
Kyle Chrise is the host of the Steel Curtain Network podcast “What Yinz Talkin’ Bout.” New episodes are released every Thursday.
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