Quick answer
- Winner
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Final score
- Pittsburgh Steelers 27–23 Arizona Cardinals
- Halftime
- Pittsburgh Steelers 17–7 Arizona Cardinals at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- S. Holmes
- Top passer
- Kade Warner
- Biggest EPA play
- (:18) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle intended for 81-A.Boldin INTERCEPTED by 92-J…
- Game date
- 2009-02-01
Game summary
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27–23 on 2009-02-01. S. Holmes posted a game-high +13.37 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 23 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 27 | |
| 0 | 7 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
S. Holmes · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +13.37 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.49 EPA/play - 2
L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +11.02 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play - 3
B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +8.14 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play - 4
A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +7.05 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play - 5
Herb Miller · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +5.50 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play - 6
S. Breaston · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.45 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play - 7
Kade Warner · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +5.10 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play - 8
H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.15 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.07 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
S. Holmes — PIT · Receiving
S. Holmes posted the highest total EPA (+13.37) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.49 EPA per play.
S. Holmes's top snap (-3.36 EPA): (2:09) (No Huddle) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 58-K.Dansby (97-B.Robinson) at PIT 33. 58-K.Dansby to PIT 34 for -1 yards (21-M.Moore).
Biggest single play (-12.21 EPA): Kade Warner — (:18) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle intended for 81-A.Boldin INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 0. 92-J.Harrison for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Super Bowl Record, longest interception return yar
Quarterback report card
Kade Warner led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals) · 48 dropbacks · 64.6% completion · +8.5% CPOE · +0.11 EPA/play · +5.10 total EPA
B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 39 dropbacks · 53.8% completion · +9.9% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +8.14 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.107 | +0.059 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.6% | 55.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.209 | +0.106 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.148 | -0.246 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.059 | -0.107 |
| Defensive success rate | 44.9% | 49.4% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Pittsburgh Steelers +0.11, Arizona Cardinals +0.06) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.11 EPA/play (76th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: +0.06 EPA/play (64th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: 10 drives, +4.58 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 11 drives, +8.45 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
Pittsburgh Steelers — G. Russell
Arizona Cardinals — B. Patrick (Kade Warner pass)
Pittsburgh Steelers — Jonotthan Harrison
Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (Kade Warner pass)
Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (Kade Warner pass)
Pittsburgh Steelers — S. Holmes (B. Roethlisberger pass)
Field goals
Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Retkofsky
Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Retkofsky
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the ARI 1 (Q1 9:50) — (9:50) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 18 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q2 14:09) — (14:09) 33-G.Russell right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 14:01) — (Kick formation) 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q2 8:43) — (8:43) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 89-B.Patrick for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 8:34) — (Kick formation) 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q2 0:18); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 0:00) — (Kick formation) 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the ARI 3 (Q3 2:16) — (2:16) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 16–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q4 7:41) — (7:41) 13-K.Warner pass short right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 7:33) — (Kick formation) 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.; Arizona Cardinals registered a safety from the ARI 99 (Q4 3:04); Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the PIT 64 (Q4 2:47) — (2:47) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 2:37) — (Kick formation) 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the ARI 6 (Q4 0:42); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 0:35) — (Kick formation) 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 0:18) — (:18) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle intended for 81-A.Boldin INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 0. 92-J.Harrison for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Super Bowl Record, longest interception return yar
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 2:47) — (2:47) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 1:02) — (1:02) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 10-S.Holmes to ARI 6 for 40 yards (47-A.Francisco).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:42) — (:42) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 10-S.Holmes for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 0:15) — (:15) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner sacked at PIT 49 for -5 yards (56-L.Woodley). FUMBLES (56-L.Woodley), RECOVERED by PIT-99-B.Keisel at PIT 43. 99-B.Keisel to PIT 43 for no gain (75-L.Brown). PENALTY on PIT
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 0:18) — (:18) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle intended for 81-A.Boldin INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 0. 92-J.Harrison for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Super Bowl Record, longest interception return yar
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 2:47) — (2:47) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 9:31) — (9:31) 13-K.Warner pass deep right to 81-A.Boldin to PIT 1 for 45 yards (25-R.Clark).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 2:09) — (2:09) (No Huddle) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 58-K.Dansby (97-B.Robinson) at PIT 33. 58-K.Dansby to PIT 34 for -1 yards (21-M.Moore).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q1 9:50 · ARI 1 · Score 3-0
(9:50) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 18 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 14:09 · ARI 1 · Score 9-0
(14:09) 33-G.Russell right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 14:01 · ARI 2 · Score 10-0
(Kick formation) 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 8:43 · PIT 1 · Score 10-6
(8:43) 13-K.Warner pass short left to 89-B.Patrick for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 8:34 · PIT 2 · Score 10-7
(Kick formation) 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 0:18 · PIT 1 · Score 16-7
(:18) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle intended for 81-A.Boldin INTERCEPTED by 92-J.Harrison at PIT 0. 92-J.Harrison for 100 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Super Bowl Record, longest interception return yar
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q2 0:00 · ARI 2 · Score 17-7
(Kick formation) 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 2:16 · ARI 3 · Score 20-7
(2:16) (Field Goal formation) 3-Je.Reed 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 7:41 · PIT 1 · Score 20-13
(7:41) 13-K.Warner pass short right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 7:33 · PIT 2 · Score 20-14
(Kick formation) 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Arizona Cardinals Safety (+2) — Q4 3:04 · ARI 99 · Score 20-16
(3:04) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 10-S.Holmes to PIT 20 for 19 yards (29-D.Rodgers-Cromartie). PENALTY on PIT-62-J.Hartwig, Offensive Holding, 1 yard, enforced in End Zone, SAFETY
Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 2:47 · PIT 64 · Score 20-22
(2:47) (Shotgun) 13-K.Warner pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 2:37 · PIT 2 · Score 20-23
(Kick formation) 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-5-B.Graham.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 0:42 · ARI 6 · Score 26-23
(:42) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right to 10-S.Holmes for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 0:35 · ARI 2 · Score 27-23
(Kick formation) 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-61-J.Retkofsky, Holder-17-M.Berger.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Pittsburgh Steelers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- S. Holmes (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Kade Warner (ARI) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals on 2009-02-01?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Conf. Championship, 2008.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Arizona Cardinals 16; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — G. Russell (Q2 14:09) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — B. Patrick (K. Warner pass) (Q2 8:43) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Harrison (Q2 0:18) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (K. Warner pass) (Q4 7:41) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (K. Warner pass) (Q4 2:47) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — S. Holmes (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 0:42) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Retkofsky (Q1 9:50, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Retkofsky (Q3 2:16, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Kade Warner (Arizona Cardinals), 64.6% completion, +8.5% CPOE, +0.11 EPA per dropback, +5.10 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 53.8% completion, +9.9% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +8.14 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals?
S. Holmes (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.37 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 9 snaps. Their top snap (-3.36 EPA): (2:09) (No Huddle) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short middle intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 58-K.Dansby (97-B.Robinson) at PIT 33. 58-K.Dansby to PIT 34 for -1 yards (21-M.Moor.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-23 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 14-4 Now 15-4 W
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 12-7 Now 12-8 L