I was pulling for the Cards (really wanted to see Warner cap off a Hall of Fame career), but to me, they played like the younger, inexperienced team tonight. Most of the penalties were legit. The late hit on Ben was really close, and I agree with Madden saying that when Ben is scrambling around, you never know when the play is going to end. It wasn't a blatantly late hit, and it wasn't malicious (unlike Harrison on Francisco...that shit was ghetto).
Other than that, I thought the Cards dug their own grave. The pick at the end of the first half was devastating. I'd say Warner "blew it" there, but really, the Steelers just made the right call and had him fooled. It happens. I will say they should have been able to tackle Harrison before he ran 100 yards though. But clearly, fate wasn't on Arizona's side because even when Fitzgerald caught up with him to make the tackle, he pulled him down ontop of himself...thus allowing the extra couple yards into the endzone.
It really says something about the Cardinals that they were able to mount a comeback after that though. I still can't believe that when they were down 20-7, their defense was able to hold and stop Pittsburgh on some really crucial drives. Then, after they come all the way back, and take a 23-20 lead...the D falls apart (and down) and can't come up with a stop.
I really thought they finally had Ben rattled with all the blitzes and different packages they were sending, but Ben somehow managed to pull it off. The 3rd and long from inside their own 10 was insane. I do think the last play should have been reviewed, just for the sake of continuity and fair play. However, it could only be overturned if there is conclusive evidence showing that the wrong call was made.
And personally, I don't think they would have found enough reason to overturn it. Warner's arm was definitely on the verge of heaving the ball...but at which point the ball popped out is debatable. It probably wouldn't have changed the outcome, but I still think reviewing it would have been the right thing to do. It's not like it would have "spoiled the celebration" because Pittsburgh still had to take a knee anyway.
Ultimately, Arizona definitely COULD have won this game, but they just came up short. It really makes me wonder what Warner's plans are for next year...especially with Leinart STILL waiting in the wings. It could really turn into a Favre/Rodgers situation.