TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Ask a receiver or running back about David Tyree’s helmet catch in last year’s Super Bowl and they smile. Widely.
Ask defenders at this year’s game and they shake their heads and shudder.
Tyree’s sensational reception late in last February’s upset win by the New York Giants already has grabbed a spot near the top of Super Bowl lore. That Tyree was a part-timer mostly known for his work on special teams made him a very different kind of hero than, say, Joe Montana or Lawrence Taylor.
When told that Tyree won’t ever have to buy another dinner in New York, Arizona Cardinals running back/kick returner J.J. Arrington chuckled and said, “That really sums it up right there. Yeah, to do that Sunday would be great.”
So which of the Cardinals or Pittsburgh Steelers fit the hero’s profile?
three years ago. Perhaps wideout Jerheme Urban, too.
How about Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, who has a penchant for big plays, particularly in these playoffs? Or running back Mewelde Moore, like Holmes, a weapon on kick returns?
“You definitely dream about making a play like that from the time you are a kid,” Holmes admitted. “I wouldn’t necessarily think about that particular play, but if something happens for 20 or 30 seconds on the clock – or 2 seconds – I’d be the guy in the huddle tapping Ben on the side and saying, `That’s me. That’s the guy I want to be. Throw it to me.’ “
Holmes has a more likely candidate for such an unexpected highlight: rookie receiver Limas Sweed. After all, Holmes is a regular who has scored two TDs (one on a punt return) this postseason and could draw Arizona’s best defensive back or even double coverage. Tyree wouldn’t have drawn that kind of attention if he was the Giants’ only wideout.
Sweed, though, could get under the radar, sneak downfield and make a huge play. A game-changing play.
r any postseason.
Even worse, Sweed feigned injury, which cost the Steelers a timeout and, moments later, any chance at a field goal before the half ended, infuriating coach Mike Tomlin.
But Holmes is certain Sweed is ready to make a bigger contribution.
“A lot of people are doubting Limas,” Holmes said. “I guarantee he will make one of those splash plays and everyone will forget what he did wrong. He’s been put down, but I guarantee he’s a guy who will make that play.”
What about it, Limas?
“A touchdown catch in the Super Bowl, or something like that, is exactly what you dream about,” he said, his eyes lighting up. “Or even throwing a block on a long run.
“But I don’t go looking for it to happen because … my coaches say to be humble and stay grounded, and it makes you more opportunistic.”
If anyone fits the profile to succeed Tyree as an unlikely standout, it’s Arizona’s Morey, a somewhat obscure special-teamer and the Cardinals’ fifth wideout. Sort of a desert version of Tyree.
Morey knows Tyree from Morey’s days as a Philadelphia Eagle. And Morey was at last year’s Super Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium when Tyree made his miracle catch.
from his peers and opponents.
“I watched it last year; it was the first Super Bowl I’ve attended that I didn’t play in. It was one of the most huge plays by any player on any team.
“You have to be prepared to make that play.”
Are you, Sean?
“I would love the opportunity,” he said.
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