Posted by Matt Markins in The Perfect Ending to the Perfect Season.
It’s not that I love the NY Giants, but it’s my disdain for the New England Patriots. I think that many people can’t stand a dynasty, when that dynasty is not your team. I certainly feel that way.
Let’s face it; very few people seriously thought that the Giants would win this game. I mean, come on…18-0, Tom Brady, incredible coaching staff, the most explosive offense in the NFL, the end of the Miami Dolphins exclusive bragging rights was in sight, the list just goes on.
There are so many unique things to take note of tonight. Eli Manning leading his team to a Super Bowl win the year after his brother. This is unprecedented in NFL history! You’d be hard pressed to find two brothers in the world who were as supportive of each other…especially at this level of their profession. I can’t get the Eli Miracle Pass to David Tyree out of my head. Truly amazing! Perhaps what is most amazing was Eli’s composure the entire game. I only remember one series in all 4 quarters where he seemed even a little impatient.
Next observation, although Eli officially received MVP, it just as easily could have been given to the NY Defensive front four. Four sacks, 16 hits, and over 20 hurried passes, kept Tom Brady and the Pats from ever getting into an offensive rhythm. The Eli Miracle Pass kept the Giants alive, but the defensive pressure on Brady was the difference maker that kept the Giants in the game to begin with. On the season, the Pats average over 36 points per game. Four games this season they scored over 48 points and tonight they scored only 14 total points (the one game this year they were held to only two scores). Fortunately Eli kept marching the Giants down the field to keep them in the game and to regain the lead in the fourth quarter. Way to go NY D!
I can’t end this without mentioning the words that Plaxico Burress had to say just post game as the sportscaster was reflecting on the game winning catch. During the interview, while reflecting on injury earlier in the year, he was quick to mention his thanks and gratitude to God for allowing him to play. He proceeded to talk about the team and quickly got choked up as he talked about the victory. It was an inspiring moment to witness the raw humanity in a humble, professional athlete. Then minutes later, the camera pans over the crowd to show him hugging his children. I wanted to throw him a D6 Dad t-shirt right through the big screen. I wish him the best and truly hope he is the real deal.
There is so much more I wish I had time to discuss: Belichick jogging to the locker room while his defense is still on the field for the final knee? Sure he had already shaken Coughlin’s hand, but stick around and march off when the “entire” team marches off! Giants 11 straight victories on the road. Smith and Boss, the big play rookies!
Super Bowl XLII will go down as one of the best ever. Phenomenal! Hilarious!
