Wow, the Giants’ 17-14 victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII was easily one of the greatest, sporting events that I have ever watched (on TV; hopefully I’ll be at the next major sporting event of this kind in person). Truly, even though most critics doubted them, it was clear that not only did NY have a chance but they came ready to make some emphatic statements!!! The Defense played masterfully, especially Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan, and Kawika Mitchell. They rarely gave Tom Brady and his “team of destiny” any easy opportunities. Brady simply couldn’t get comfortable and we have to marvel at the strategic genius and courage of _____ (Defensive Coordinator), Tom Coughlin and their valiant troops.
Of course, New York’s offense had a major role in this game as well. Eli Manning displayed an uncannily high level of maturity and confidence. You would have thought it was a ten year veteran playing in the pocket on the Giants final and thoroughly emphatic offensive drive. Also, the Manning magic had a lot of help from players like Tyree and Steve Smith, who it seems just elevated their gameplay to some previously unseen, at least from them, levels. I mean Tyree’s jumping-with-ball-falling-backwards-maintaining-possession-by-holding-the-ball-against-his-helmet catch after Manning’s daring scramble to evade what seemed like a sure sack would have qualified as the greatest in Super Bowl history if only it had scored a touchdown. Sorry, Tyree but the game-winning honors go to Mr. Plaxico Burress, newly akaed “The Prophet” by Jeffri Chadiha of ESPN. By the time most people, especially the Patriots, had forgotten about New York’s #1 receiving threat, Burress ran his slant fake route masterfully and happily pulled in a perfect pass from Manning, crushing the hopes of Patriot fans who will never forget 18-1.
And if all of this wasn’t enough, like I said, New York made it look easy.
