The story of the game for the Steelers was missed opportunity after missed opportunity as they failed to capitalize on two Arizona turnovers. The most glaring of which, came in the third quarter when linebacker James Harrison fell on a mishandled shotgun snap at the Arizona seven-yard line handing the Steelers a first-and-goal. On first and second down, the Steelers attempted to run it in with Willie Parker only to have the Arizona front-seven shut the door. On third down, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was intercepted in the end zone by Arizona’s Adrian Wilson ending the Steelers threat.
The game remained tied until early in the fourth quarter when rookie Steve Breaston returned a Daniel Sepulveda punt 73-yards for a touchdown. The play was set-up when the Steelers were forced to re-kick when first year player Carey Davis was called for an ineligible man downfield penalty, negating a 50-yard punt that would have pinned the Cardinals inside their own 20-yard line.
Willie Parker found little room to run behind a shaky offensive line as he finished the day with only 37 yards on 19 carries.
Santonio Holmes was a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing day as he caught six passes, including the Steelers only two touchdowns, while racking up 128 yards.
Roethlisberger finished 17-of-32 for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.