clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Kurt Warner doesn't see comparison between Malcolm Butler and James Harrison Super Bowl interceptions

Ex-Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner was recently asked about the comparison between Malcolm Butler's key interception in Super Bowl 49 and James Harrison's interception in Super Bowl 43.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner knows about costly interceptions. Look no further than Super Bowl 43 in the waning minutes of the first half and an ill advised pass to Anquan Boldin which resulted in arguably the greatest play in Super Bowl history being made by Pittsburgh Steelers OLB James Harrison.

With Warner's experience, he was asked to join Burns and Gambo of Arizona Sports 98.7 to talk about Russell Wilson's game clinching interception in Super Bowl 49 which resulted in the Seattle Seahawks losing to the New England Patriots and whether he could draw any similarities between Malcolm Butler's interception and Harrison's.

"If you look at James Harrison, he's actually supposed to blitz on that play. So he starts his blitz, gets picked up and ends up falling off to make the interception," Warner said. "Otherwise it's a walk-in touchdown for Anquan on that play.

"The difference is that (New England's) corner jumped it from the outside at six yards' depth. On this play, James Harrison comes from the inside. It has nothing to do with the coverage on the outside.

"Based on the coverage on the outside, we have a walk-in touchdown is what I'm saying, and James Harrison comes from the inside to make the interception."

Although the defensive philosophy and where the play was made was different, Warner did concede the play call near the goal line was eerily similar to the play call Warner's Cardinals called in 2009.

"No question, that part is definitely similar," he said.

Of course one of the biggest differences between the two interceptions was the amazing return for Harrison as he and the rest of the Steelers' defense had a convoy going up the sideline for a remarkable 100-yard return to completely turn the tide of the football game as the two teams headed into the locker room for halftime.

Both plays were remarkable, and both lead to Super Bowl victories for their respective teams, but as to which play was greater...you have to look no further than the video below.