February 3, 2008

read story | posted by Joey Michaels to Football at 9:07 PM CDT (275 comments total)

One hell of a game. Congrats to the Giants.

posted by BoKnows at 9:09 PM CDT on February 3

Well the Dolphins can breathe now. Its like I said earlier this year, it doesn't matter what your record is up to the superbowl, cause if you don't win it all, it doesn't mean a thing.

posted by ok5561 at 9:11 PM CDT on February 3

Amazing game!
The play that stands out is that 4th and 10+ the Pats went for when they could have gone for a FG. The score would be 17-17 if they made it.
Obviously, that assume he makes the FG and everything else plays out the same, but hey, hindsight's 20/20!

And Eli's drive to take the lead. Damnnnnn. That was supposed to be Payton or Brady making that drive- not the maligned Eli. That's a drive I'll remember for a while.

posted by jmd82 at 9:11 PM CDT on February 3

Eli has arrived, gutsy, heads up football by a underdog quarterback and team. Congrats to Patriots for super season and memorable Super Bowl.

posted by Nakeman at 9:12 PM CDT on February 3

That use-my-helmet catch by Tyree was the play of the game.

posted by aerotive at 9:13 PM CDT on February 3

Despite being a Dolphins fan I was rooting for the Pats, because I always pull for the AFC, but when I saw Manning escape three guys who had handfuls of his jersey and then throw a pass that Tyree caught with one hand and his helmet I knew something special was about to happen.

A great game and I enjoyed it all.

Congratulations to the Giants - doing it the hard way all year long.

posted by Mr Bismarck at 9:14 PM CDT on February 3

Brady's drive to pull ahead 14-10 was a monster, I really started to have my doubts at that point. But after Peyton hit a few clutch passes, The G-men's victory started to feel inevitable. Glad that the winner went to Burress, who was mostly hobble and invisible all game long. They could not have gotten this far without him.

I think mostly, this victory was about the Giants' defensive preparation. They were almost perfect, save the Patriots' first and (second to) last possessions.

posted by psmealey at 9:16 PM CDT on February 3

Carl is gonna be happy.

posted by catfish at 9:17 PM CDT on February 3

Got to figure, Manning has gone through Roma, Favre and Brady to win this ring. He earns a lot of respect here. I was sad to see the Patriots lose, but Manning and his team really did a remarkable thing this post season. Congratulations to them!

posted by Joey Michaels at 9:21 PM CDT on February 3

The best season in NFL history was just knocked off by one of the best Super Bowls. Eli Manning's escape and pass to David Tyree goes right up there with The Catch as one of the great plays of all time.

What a stunner.

posted by rcade at 9:23 PM CDT on February 3

That use-my-helmet catch by Tyree was the play of the game.

Agreed. Particularly at such a critical point in the game, he did everything he could to come down with the ball any way he could. That play more or less symbolized the team's overall effort: unexpected, unlikely and all about heart.

posted by psmealey at 9:25 PM CDT on February 3

I thought the turning point was going to be the 12 men on the field challenge call on the punt that gave the Pats a first down. It just seemed fated that that drive would end in a touchdown. Shades of Marty McSorley's stick in the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals. But the Giants weathered that one. Very entertaining game in the 4th quarter (at least for those of us without a strong rooting interest).

posted by holden at 9:27 PM CDT on February 3

I thought the MVP went to the wrong side of the ball. Someone, Tuck maybe, from the defense should have won it.

posted by apoch at 9:28 PM CDT on February 3

" I need more confetti" - David Tyree

posted by catfish at 9:29 PM CDT on February 3

looks like plaxico was right on when he said their defense would hold the mighty pats to only 17 points. amazing game.

posted by jlh0837 at 9:31 PM CDT on February 3

I was surprised to see Eli take the MVP - two fourth quarter touchdowns is the sort of strong finish that pushes you to the front of the voter's minds.

I guess you can't give the award to "The Giants Pass Rush" though.

posted by Mr Bismarck at 9:31 PM CDT on February 3

It was classic watching Bill B. leave the field before the game was over. Down go the Pats. Wow.

posted by Prophite at 9:33 PM CDT on February 3

Evil is vanquished.

posted by THX-1138 at 9:36 PM CDT on February 3

Tiki Barber..... where are you?

posted by bigrotty at 9:37 PM CDT on February 3

but when I saw Manning escape three guys who had handfuls of his jersey and then throw a pass that Tyree caught with one hand and his helmet I knew something special was about to happen.

That was a special play (and the second time Manning escaped from a sure sack - the first time he "overthrew" Burress).

As good as that play was, I think the story of the game was the Giant's D-Line overpowering a superlative Pats O-line. And just points out how important that O-line has been all season long.

posted by cjets at 9:39 PM CDT on February 3

I should have watched Puppy Bowl.

posted by jerseygirl at 9:40 PM CDT on February 3

Was not impressed with Belichick's after game interview. What's his problem?

posted by Nakeman at 9:45 PM CDT on February 3

2 months ago I told my wife a (NY'er) that the Giants would never win the Super Bowl with Howdy Doody at QB. Sometimes it feels good to be wrong. Great job, Giants. What a great job and you gits deserve it.

What a game.

posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 9:45 PM CDT on February 3

Well, so much as for the best dynasty, best team in the history of the league, etc.... It is all for naught. The G-men showed how they outperformed the playoff teams in the NFC, by DEFENSE. The did it to Garcia, Romo, Farve, and now Brady. No QB likes to get hit that much.

I wonder now if they will qustion Tom Brady for the boot and flowers. Or for having a hot girlfriend as being too big of a distraction? Rule # 11 - we don't need no celbrity QB's.

Congrats to the Giants.

posted by Mickster at 9:46 PM CDT on February 3

Best Super Bowl I've ever seen.

posted by dusted at 9:49 PM CDT on February 3

First of all this had to be the best superbowl of all time. Eli Manning did the impossible and the play that stood out in the whole game was when he escaped the grasp of 3 or 4 Pats defenders trying to sack him. If the Patriots sacked him then, I believe they could have won because that was a huge completion that Eli threw. Anyway, the Giants D and Eli Manning showed a lot of heart and they deserved to win. In the future, I will not be rooting for the Patriots and Brady any more because they had a chance to be the greatest team of all time and they couldn't pull it off. My favourite team is the Ravens so it doesn't even matter. Last year, Peyton and this year Eli win the Super Bowl. Who's going to be next for the Mannings their children?

posted by Scars at 9:52 PM CDT on February 3

Way to go Giants!! It was an amazing 4th quarter and I thought that the Pats had the win! And Tyree's amazing helmet catch! Wow! Great Giant defense - just a good game all around.

posted by lil'red at 9:52 PM CDT on February 3

It was classic watching Bill B. leave the field before the game was over. Down go the Pats. Wow.

Classic.

Didn't watch the post game - did he actually even face the media and congratulate his opponents ?

posted by cixelsyd at 9:55 PM CDT on February 3

Brady's drive to pull ahead 14-10 was a monster, I really started to have my doubts at that point

You and me both. I threw my beer at the TV and turned it off. I am ashamed to admit I bailed on Eli at the last few minutes. My son turned it back on to watch "House" and I went crazy!!

Eli getting the MVP was cool, back to back Manning MVPS who would have thought! The Giants defense was wonderful though!

That wasn't a game that was a war! The Patriots have nothing to be ashamed of, they had a great season.

posted by steelergirl at 9:57 PM CDT on February 3

bigrotty said: Tiki Barber..... where are you?

He is stinking up The Today Show. The best part of not having cable is that I am no longer subjected to his move into journalism. Here he is discussing how he is still a Giant.

rcade said: What a stunner.

Yeah, I'll be saving the text message I sent an hour and a half before the game where I called a Giants 3 point victory.
I actually called the Giants winning 34-31 but, hey, I called it the team and the spread.

Great game. Congrats to the Giants and their fans!

posted by geekyguy at 10:00 PM CDT on February 3

18-1*

posted by catfish at 10:02 PM CDT on February 3

I thought the G-Men had lost it when they utterly abandoned the blitz on the 2nd Half NE touchdown drive. Then Manning made his move, and the G-Men held out.

Congrats to the New York Giants.

posted by Bonkers at 10:03 PM CDT on February 3

Fantastic game and a terrific upset. Sucks.

did he actually even face the media and congratulate his opponents

No, of course not. He's a complete monster and horrible person.

posted by yerfatma at 10:03 PM CDT on February 3

Belicheat, Belichoke, Beligone ....

posted by cixelsyd at 10:06 PM CDT on February 3

did he actually even face the media and congratulate his opponents

Yes, a reporter did catch up with him. Lasted all of 15 seconds. Said he was disappointed. That's about all I can remember.

posted by Nakeman at 10:11 PM CDT on February 3

I can die happy now!!! What a game!!! Im glad my dad got to see that one... Couldnt be happier... What a game!! Did I say that already??? Oh well... What a game!~

posted by firecop at 10:19 PM CDT on February 3

Three Pro Bowlers on the Patriots offensive line and still Brady was pressured as he seldom has been before.
Congratulations to the NY Giants and fans. Best suspense movie I'll see all year, I expect.
Now that the perfect season spell is broken the other big statistic to focus on: New York Giants winners of eleven consecutive road games.

posted by Newbie Walker at 10:19 PM CDT on February 3

bigrotty said: Tiki Barber..... where are you?

He is stinking up The Today Show. The best part of not having cable is that I am no longer subjected to his move into journalism. Here he is discussing how he is still a Giant.

Tiki Barber is now the poster child for addition by subtraction.

Subtract Tiki Barber.

Add Super Bowl Ring.

posted by cjets at 10:20 PM CDT on February 3

Having been a Giants fan since the Joe Pisarcik days, the '86 victory was thrilling, the '91 victory was surprising, but this one was enormously satisfying.

posted by psmealey at 10:26 PM CDT on February 3

Awesome game. One of the best ever. The last quarter and the last drive by the Giants was incredible. I can't wait to read the "Sports Guy" react to this this week. These type of games are why all of us on this site are passionaite about sports.

posted by erkno11 at 10:28 PM CDT on February 3

Congratulations Giants and Giants fans! That was quite a finish. I think Plaxico has a great career as a prognosticator ahead of him...

posted by Venicemenace at 10:29 PM CDT on February 3

Congrats to the Giants. It seems they were the first team that actually THOUGHT they could outplay the Patriots' offensive line and made that their game plan, blitzes and all. It proves that no position or unit is invincable to an all-out winner-takes-all challenge...which is the only thing that won it for the gritty Giants. Like the Good Book says, "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. It was good to see good football beat up by better football.

I enjoyed the cameras staying on Brady during his whimpy little sideline pouts and rants.

posted by JayLBird at 10:32 PM CDT on February 3

Was not impressed with Belichick's after game interview. What's his problem?

Maybe that he just lost a game the world expected them to win? He was pissed.

did he actually even face the media and congratulate his opponents

Yes, he fought through the crowd to congratulate Coughlan.

posted by jmd82 at 10:38 PM CDT on February 3

I read in several places that the "fast track" in Arizona would benefit the Patriots' offense. Looks like it really helped members of the Giants D-line (who really didn't seem to get much traction on the field in Green Bay two weeks ago) as much or more.

As a total unrelated aside: Does anybody else see bigrotty's screen name and read "bigotry"? Of course, this is coming from the guy who reads budman13's posts in his head in the voice of Duffman for no good reason, so take it with a grain of salt.

posted by holden at 10:41 PM CDT on February 3

I was rooting for the Pats until the talk about the tape of the Ram's pre-game walk-through surfaced.

posted by mick at 10:45 PM CDT on February 3

Now that's funny holden because when I write them I'm doing his voice in my head too....Oh no...Duffman can't breath. Great game. Eli escaping and Tyree making that catch was amazing. Gotta love that Giant pass rush too.

posted by budman13 at 10:50 PM CDT on February 3

Now that's funny holden because when I write them I'm doing his voice in my head too....Oh no...Duffman can't breath.

budman13 -- it's all good because we're both Cards fans right? Maybe you could see about taking over for Fredbird as official mascot. But then I would have to read my two year-old son "Hello, Budman," instead of his current favorite picture book "Hello, Fredbird" (pretty awful, but "written" by Ozzie Smith, for what that's worth). And that's a conversation I'm not sure I'm ready to have yet.

posted by holden at 10:56 PM CDT on February 3

On the NFL Network, Osi Umenyiora of the Giants just said, "18-and-1 -- let them go trademark that."

Sweet.

posted by rcade at 11:07 PM CDT on February 3

18-1 is impressive, but who cares? The Patriots are known for being the victims of one of the biggest upsets of Super Bowl history. That's all they'll be remembered for now.

Congratulations, Giants. You earned this one; enjoy it.

posted by NerfballPro at 11:12 PM CDT on February 3

Wow. Just...wow. I was finally getting used to the fact that the Giants were actually in the Super Bowl and now this.

Behold the power of the billboard.

posted by goddam at 11:20 PM CDT on February 3

When BB was begging for a 1st down via a replay challenge to determine if the 12th man on the field was either, in the air or he still had 1 foot in the field of play, I saw the foundation cracking.

posted by Prophite at 12:00 AM CDT on February 4

two comments:
-Bill B walking off the field with 1 sec left on the clock is one of the most gutless things I have ever seen in sports. I have seen players do it but never a coach. Burn in hell Bill.
- I watched Archie Manning play for the Saints for a number of years. He got his ass kicked for some of the worst team ever put together in NFL history. Archie was one of the best QBs ever to play that noone ever noticed. Truly what goes around comes around.

posted by whodat at 12:27 AM CDT on February 4

excellent game, go g men. if they cheated, if they just did not deserve it, it is over, their dynasty, their season, their bid for perfection. Don Shula, sleep well tonight, God knows what amazing thing you did, and that is why the anvil fell on NE tonight. Sleep well, my friend.

posted by SFValley_Dude at 12:56 AM CDT on February 4

One of the best Super Bowls. Too many "stories within a story" to go into but everything played out in grand fashion. Kudos to both teams for fantastic seasons and hats off to Eli for not letting the naysayers get to him. Now all he needs is a supermodel girlfriend.

posted by sandskater at 1:11 AM CDT on February 4

I sat in seat 15, row 10, section 118. Plaxico caught the winner right in my face. It was brutal to watch as a Pats fan.

From the stadium, we couldn't tell that BB left early. That really stinks if it's true. (I'm a Pats fan but will easily admit that BB isn't exactly lovable.)

When the Pats went ahead 14-10, I turned to the guy next to me and said, "They left too much time on the clock." Ugh.

posted by GatorDavid at 1:46 AM CDT on February 4

Bill B walking off the field with 1 sec left on the clock is one of the most gutless things I have ever seen in sports. I have seen players do it but never a coach. Burn in hell Bill.

Doesn't even rank in the top 10. Number 1 is the Detroit Pistons "bad boys" (Thomas, Laimbeer, Vinnie Johnson etal) sulking off the court and into the locker room with like a minute and a half left in the blowout that was the fourth game sweep in the playoffs by Jordan's ascendant Bulls in 1991. They wouldn't even look at the Bulls bench, let alone congratulate them after the Bulls had tried for years to beat the Pistons in the playoffs.

Isiah Thomas has the least class of any sports figure in American sports.

Congratulations to the Giants.

posted by sic at 3:18 AM CDT on February 4

Whatever top ten, Bad boys, subject change. Watching Bill leave regardless of how many people tried to tell him there was 1 second and the NFL said they had to play it off the clock was the bottom of the barrel, I'm taking my ball and going home type crap.

How many times during the season would it have been acceptable or at least understandable, for entire teams to walk off with time on the clock while the Pats were busy worrying about running up scores and setting records. Nobody walked off even while that scrub Gaffney danced around like a complete idiot. Bill didn't want to see the Giants take a knee to beat them for all the marbles. He wanted his head in the sand. He was completely embarrassed and it was priceless.

Kudos to the Pats fans with the class to come here and say congratulations. To the others who went on and on, paragraph after paragraph about how it's going to feel to be perfect and haven't shown up to at least say good game, I say, take a good look at the real Pats team without any lucky breaks. Greatest team ever? Greatest Dynasty ever? Hardly. In reality no better than the 5th seed wild card team from the NFC in 07-08. The ending to this Superbowl was Perfect in my opinion.

posted by Prophite at 5:46 AM CDT on February 4

Who's going to be next for the Mannings their children?

Shemp Manning, the lesser known Manning who decided not to get into football because he was really sold on Extreme Long Division as a big upcoming 'sport' in the US. He's not very coordinated and is deemed legally blind in 27 states (and Puerto Rico) but the AP reports that he was signed by the Falcons late last night.

posted by jerseygirl at 5:59 AM CDT on February 4

Prophite, take it easy. There hasn't been a Pats fan in this thread who was diminishing anything the Giants did. As far as these random people who haven't showed up yet to say good game, it's barely been 10 hours since the game ended. I really doubt people's first inclination after the game was, "I need to go say congrats to Giant fans on a website like RIGHT NOW!"

Pitchers and catchers report in 11 days, 5 hours. Squee.

posted by jerseygirl at 6:11 AM CDT on February 4

I really doubt people's first inclination after the game was, "I need to go say congrats to Giant fans on a website like RIGHT NOW!"

Sorry, I thought everyone was as naturally punctual as yourself.

That said, I can't help but get the feeling there would have been a server crash with at least 10 Pats fans posting a thread titled Perfect! all at once. Know what I mean? You should also cut me a little slack, this is the first time all season I've been able to take a legit jab at the Pats or their fans for losing.

posted by Prophite at 6:25 AM CDT on February 4

Ok, congrats to the Jints,er....Giants on winning the Super Bowl. Can we now talk about baseball?

posted by BornIcon at 6:38 AM CDT on February 4

That said, I can't help but get the feeling there would have been a server crash with at least 10 Pats fans posting a thread titled Perfect! all at once. Know what I mean?

I don't know if we even have 10 die hard Patriots fans that have front page posting privileges, now that I think of it. But generally, we try not to be that kind of site. If I were to guess, the people you ran into previously were probably drive-by commenters and not invested members of the site.

Also, for a twist of irony, poster of this thread Joey Michaels is actually a big Patriots fan.

posted by jerseygirl at 6:57 AM CDT on February 4

You should also cut me a little slack, this is the first time all season I've been able to take a legit jab at the Pats or their fans for losing.

I can understand the emotion, but this is a comeuppance that hits so hard unborn Patriots fan grandchildren will know the pang of loss. They were one defensive stand from a perfect season and a legitimate claim to greatest-team-of-all-time boasting.

posted by rcade at 7:14 AM CDT on February 4

this is a comeuppance that hits so hard unborn Patriots fan grandchildren will know the pang of loss

Word. It's not even the loss, because there's nothing to complain about, they got outplayed and beat. It's that we now have to listen to the Schadenfrued Brigade. I get the feeling Rod Woodson woke up beaming this morning after spending yesterday arguing Brady was an average QB in a lucky situation. Because he sure looked it yesterday against the Giants relentless pressure. As for Belichick walking off the field, poor sportsmanship is certainly one way to look at it. As a complete homer Pats fan, I saw it as a guy looking at a field covered in media and fans and accepting they got beat. It's not like he ran straight to the dressing room. But of course that doesn't fit the popular narrative, so have at him.

posted by yerfatma at 7:46 AM CDT on February 4

I actually found the Giants a very likeable team this season, and Tiki being gone had a lot to do with it. Shockey not being on the field helped, too (looked like he was up in that box drinking beer, mixed drinks, and wine all at once). The team played absolutely great throughout the playoffs, and their defense yesterday was incredible. I go back to what someone said about the Giants a few weeks ago, that Manning became a better QB when Shockey went down with injury. Their reason for saying this is because they believed Manning was so worried about getting balls to Shockey, and not having him be unhappy, that when that was no longer a concern he led the offense much more effectively. It's weird how things work out sometimes.

Now, unfortunatley, does start the dark season for sports (until college hoop tourneys). It would be great if the Super Bowl ended and Spring Training began the following morning.

posted by dyams at 7:57 AM CDT on February 4

The tone was set on the first play when the Giants rushed through and knocked Brady down. The Giants defense played the game of their lives last night. Even though they were gassed in the 4th quarter, they made life tough on Brady. I kept watching the game thinking New England would throw it into gear and start scoring points but the Giants defense held their ground. It was a game where you couldn't take your eyes off what was going on. A very good game and one of the best Super Bowls in a long long time. Congrats to Eli and the Giants for slaying the dragon.

posted by dbt302 at 7:57 AM CDT on February 4

A couple of questions for me - why was Moss singled with no inside help on his touchdown shortly after he'd eaten his corner alive on the other side only for Brady to make a bad throw and then why was Plax singled with no help on the winning throw?

The guy is practically built for the fade pattern and now you come with the full blitz and leave him one on one with the 5'9" Ellis Hobbs?

posted by Mr Bismarck at 8:24 AM CDT on February 4

My thoughts from yesterday's game:

If I was giving out the MVP, it would have gone to the Giants' defensive line. Manning had a nice game and made some great plays to win the game in the 4th quarter, but the pressure up front in Brady's face all night is the reason they were in it in the first place. They were incredible.

The challenge on the 12 men on the field call was the turning point in the game. The call may have been technically correct when corrected, and the Patriots may have won that, but challenging such a minute thing regarding a player who had no impact in the play was so bush league that it killed their karma. Oh, and the referee's "After further review *drops flag*, the Giants had 12 men on the field," was classic.

I don't have a problem with Belichick running up the tunnel at the end. He congratulated Coughlin. He may have not even realized that the game was over. Or he may have. I do think in that situation that the losing coach should be able to concede the last couple seconds if he wants.

Great game.

posted by bender at 8:48 AM CDT on February 4

First of all this had to be the best superbowl of all time.

Uh, no. For 3 quarters, it was a bit of a snoozer.

Sure, that final quarter can go down in history as a legendary period of time, but overall it's not even close to the best Super Bowl ever. There have been other 4th quarters that were very exciting (Giants vs Bills, 49ers vs Bengals, Patriots vs Rams, etc), but they also had excitement in the first 3 quarters as well.

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

The call may have been technically correct when corrected, and the Patriots may have won that, but challenging such a minute thing regarding a player who had no impact in the play was so bush league that it killed their karma.

Other coaches have done the very same thing this season, and no one got on their case for being "bush league". I see it as the opposite: it's a professional and strategic play by the Patriots. Teams that notice the small things tend to win more often.

posted by grum@work at 8:52 AM CDT on February 4

That said, I can't help but get the feeling there would have been a server crash with at least 10 Pats fans posting a thread titled Perfect! all at once. Know what I mean? You should also cut me a little slack, this is the first time all season I've been able to take a legit jab at the Pats or their fans for losing.

Comment icon posted by Prophite at 6:25 AM CST on February 4

I've heard of being bitter in defeat, but bitter in victory? That's a new one.

posted by sic at 8:58 AM CDT on February 4

I see it as the opposite: it's a professional and strategic play by the Patriots. Teams that notice the small things tend to win more often.

I agree, but I think the rule sucks. The refs should be able to call it like too many men in hockey -- if the guy is clearly headed to the sideline and having no impact on the play, no flag.

I hate it when Peyton (and others, but he's the prime offender) rush to the line to snap the ball just to catch some breathless fat lineman a few steps short of the sideline. It's cheap. It's unsportsmanlike.

But yeah, the rule is there, so good on the Pats for taking advantage. No argument there.

posted by fabulon7 at 9:01 AM CDT on February 4

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

I thought the game was compelling; although as a football fan first and an American football fan second my entertainment isn't tied to the amount scoring.

I was fascinated by the constant effort of the Giants defence to ensure the Patriots didn't run away while their own offence was struggling.

posted by Mr Bismarck at 9:04 AM CDT on February 4

I am one of the biggest Belichick haters there is and I still think he is getting a bad rap here for leaving early. He had thought the clock was going to tick off, he'd already congratulated Coughlin. He went to the locker room and let the Giants celebrate.

Also, I just saw some of the post-game interviews with the players and I am very impressed with the classy way the Patriots' players handled themselves.

Congrats to the Giants fans here, and condolences to the Patriots' fans.

posted by terrapin at 9:06 AM CDT on February 4

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

If entertainment equates to points scored then yeah it was a snoozer. Most people were crediting the Week 17 game as the best of the season and despite it being the polar opposite offensively the Super Bowl was as entertaining of a game for me.

was so bush league that it killed their karma

Karma? How free-spirited of you. I figured some Patriots fan must have shifted in their seat the wrong way to seal the final score.

It's cheap. It's unsportsmanlike.
Except when it works out for my team though, right? C'mon. There are easier ways to hate on someone.

posted by YukonGold at 9:07 AM CDT on February 4

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

Perhaps it's just the homer in me, but watching the greatest offense of all-time get shut down for 3 quarters was very entertaining. And it was equally as frustrating seeing the Giants unable to do anything either. I thought it was a great game through and through, no matter what the score. But to each their own I guess.

posted by goddam at 9:10 AM CDT on February 4

I thought the G-Men had lost it when they utterly abandoned the blitz on the 2nd Half NE touchdown drive. Then Manning made his move, and the G-Men held out.

They didn't abandon the blitz that drive...Brady just got rid of the ball early that drive because the Giants forgot to cover the quick underneath stuff. The blitzes were coming, they just never got there

Tiki Barber is now the poster child for addition by subtraction.

This team went to the SB with Tiki. If last years Giants would have got the QB play of THIS years Giants, they could have won the SB too.

The difference in the Giants this year isn't "addition by subtraction" by losing Tiki....It's the performance of their QB down the stretch (which they didn't have the past few years)

Yes, he fought through the crowd to congratulate Coughlan.

Hugged him actually, which was nice. Seems to respect him.

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

It is for people who appreciate defensive struggles (just like some people prefer 1-0 pitchers duals to 10-8 slugfests). I happen to prefer them like this actually.

The call may have been technically correct when corrected, and the Patriots may have won that, but challenging such a minute thing regarding a player who had no impact in the play was so bush league that it killed their karma.

Crazy. He wants to WIN the game and it was an ILLEGAL play (thus the flag). I didn't realize you could challenge it, but given you can there isn't a coach in the NFL, had they recognized it, wouldn't have made the same call.

posted by bdaddy at 9:11 AM CDT on February 4

I am one of the biggest Belichick haters there is and I still think he is getting a bad rap here for leaving early. He had thought the clock was going to tick off, he'd already congratulated Coughlin. He went to the locker room and let the Giants celebrate.

Same here. He even said some words to the official during all this that I though was more or less saying "they win, just wind the clock". That is against the rules for some reason so they needed that last snap.

posted by bdaddy at 9:13 AM CDT on February 4

Petty was the best halftime act ever.

posted by garfield at 9:16 AM CDT on February 4

Other coaches have done the very same thing this season, and no one got on their case for being "bush league". I see it as the opposite: it's a professional and strategic play by the Patriots. Teams that notice the small things tend to win more often.

I've watched a lot of football, and I've never seen a challenge for something like this before. I didn't even realize that it could be challenged.

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

I'm with several of those above. A game doesn't have to have a lot of points to be exciting or entertaining.

posted by bender at 9:20 AM CDT on February 4

Re: Belichick leaving early, I don't think it's quite the sin that some are making it out to be. But if his players had to stay out on the field for the last snap, then I think he should have too. I understand that he was upset and all, but I don't think he should have left his players out there.

posted by goddam at 9:28 AM CDT on February 4

my thaughts on the game: First off, congrats to the g-men. it would be easy to say that the pats choked. they didnt. the giants put tom brady on his ass over and over and over. They kept pressure on him all night. That is how they kept it close in week 17, and that is how they won tonight. They earned it.
Second, i am supreamly disappointed at the fact that i didnt get to see a perfect season. Im not a pats fan, but i do like them, and did want to see perfection for once in my life-time.
Third: Petty was the best halftime act ever.
Are you on crack? I love petty, but that was one of the worst halftime shows ever. I said the same thing about this as i said about mccartny:"if it werent that everybody knew it was petty, it would just be an old guy playin' music. Aerosmith put on a show so great that Nsync, and brittany spears couldnt ruin it! (XXXV) U2 made millions of people around the world cry (XXXVI). There have been some great halftime performances, but getting musicians in their 60's to play is just not good enough. they might as well dust off joe montana and dan marino to play QB in the game. I blame janet jackson for this. As nice as it was to see boobie during the game, she forced the nfl to suck the life out of the halftime show from that point on.
OK im done ranting now. so its a couple of insufferable months of tollerating basketball then on to baseball.

posted by elijahin24 at 9:44 AM CDT on February 4

As a lifelong Giants fan, it still hasn't hit me. We won????? Good lord.

Has to be one of the most memorable non-family events of my life. Whoah!

posted by BCHockey at 9:44 AM CDT on February 4

There have been some great halftime performances, but getting musicians in their 60's to play is just not good enough.

Give me a great marching band from a big university any time. I love music, classic rock to newer stuff, but this is football. A throwback halftime event is much better than some old act with a bunch of clowns running on the field to act like some mosh pit for yuppies. I always wind up feeling a bit embarrassed for these halftime acts they manage to bring in, even when they're legends.

posted by dyams at 9:50 AM CDT on February 4

Why did the clock continue to run after Brady threw the final incompletion? There were at least four seconds on the game clock and it ran down to one after the play was clearly over.

posted by ajaffe at 9:55 AM CDT on February 4

Two things.

1) I am a huge Pats fan and I posted the Giants win link.

2) Unless I was not paying attention due to extreme emotional duress, I seem to recall that they announcers, at least, had said that 1 second was added back on to the clock. When BB was walking on the field at the end, it was to get to TC. He hugged him, congratulated him and moved on. Not sure what the fuss is.

posted by Joey Michaels at 9:56 AM CDT on February 4

I think coaches should be able to challenge calls the refs make, but not calls they don't. Otherwise they could challenge holding not being called on every play.

posted by kirkaracha at 9:59 AM CDT on February 4

Well, I can die happy now. The Patriots don't get their perfect season, and David Tyree won the MVP award for his first touchdown and his amazing, hand-and-helmet catch on third and long... Almost, anyway. Here is my theory on Eli winning MVP: His name was the easiest to spell.
Congratulations to the Giants' defense for holding the NFL's highest scoring offense to a pathetic 14 points. I highly enjoyed seeing Brady's perfect little world come crashing around his ears, made even better by the little "Why me?" faces he was making for most of the second half. Must have been because his girlfriend was watching…

posted by Goyoucolts at 10:03 AM CDT on February 4

I think coaches should be able to challenge calls the refs make, but not calls they don't. Otherwise they could challenge holding not being called on every play.

I think Belichick getting clarification on whether he could is testament to how the whole challenge process is built on shaky ground. There are clearly more rules to determine what can and cannot be challenged than anyone can keep straight.

I highly enjoyed seeing Brady's perfect little world...

Can I get Vegas over/under action on unnecessary schadenfruede comments?

posted by YukonGold at 10:05 AM CDT on February 4

"I think coaches should be able to challenge calls the refs make, but not calls they don't. Otherwise they could challenge holding not being called on every play."

You can't challenge holding calls or non calls.

Regardless, by every play you mean three plays, at which point they run out of challenges.

"I think Belichick getting clarification on whether he could"

As I understood it, Belichick was getting clarification about whether being in mid-air but still on (above) the green part of the field counts as on the field.

Once the ref's confirmed that being in mid air still counts, he threw his flag.

I hope knowing that you can challenge 12 men on the field is common knowledge among head coaches.

posted by Mr Bismarck at 10:08 AM CDT on February 4

It was with great trepidation that this Pats fan opened this thread today. My fears were eased when I saw that the tone was one of congratulations to the Giants rather than mockery of the Patriots. May I add my congratulations to New York for their excellent game plan and courageous execution of same.

One of the things about the Giants defense that caught my notice was the delayed rush up the middle. It accounted for a number of the hits on Brady, and even when blocked, it still deprived him of the ability to step forward and throw the deep ball. I'm surprised that New England's coaches didn't foresee this and figure out a counter move. There were a number of other calls on defense that I found strange, especially the all-out blitzing on the last drive.

My personal feelings are of deep disappointment. I'm old enough to have lived for the years of Red Sox futility; having had elevated hopes in the few years when they got close, only to be denied. Now it seems to be the Patriots turn in the barrel. I can only think that if the records of the 2 teams had been reversed, that is the Giants at 18 - 0 and Pats at 13 - 6, and the outcome had been the same, Pats fans would have felt really good about their team having played so well and come so close. Alas, the reality is painful. I talked to my son last night, and only half-jokingly told him that his 4th floor dorm window is too low to jump from to kill himself, but too high to avoid injury. He would be better off just to grin and bear the anguish.

posted by Howard_T at 10:17 AM CDT on February 4

The Patriots' being 14-point favorites was ridiculous. The December game was very close, the Giants played better in the playoffs than they did in that game, and the Patriots played worse.

Where was Randy Moss in the playoffs?

posted by kirkaracha at 10:21 AM CDT on February 4

You think this thread isn't mocking the Patriots, Howard? I'm going to disagree.

posted by jerseygirl at 10:22 AM CDT on February 4

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

I'm with several of those above. A game doesn't have to have a lot of points to be exciting or entertaining.

I'm using the score to indicate a lack of offense.
With a lack of offense, you have less chance for lead changes.
While the 4th quarter was lead-change-a-riffic, by only having one lead change in the first three quarters is what I meant by not "entertaining".

I don't mind a titanic defensive struggle, but it wasn't like the defenses were making goalline stands or end-zone interceptions.

I'm old enough to have lived for the years of Red Sox futility; having had elevated hopes in the few years when they got close, only to be denied. Now it seems to be the Patriots turn in the barrel.

Only small offense intended with the comment, but give me a break.
Three SuperBowls in the last 7 years is not something you can compare to the lean years of the Red Sox and close-but-no-cigar futility.

Sure, immortality with a perfect record would have been nice, but it isn't the same pain as "1975, 1986, 2003" for the Red Sox.

Where was Randy Moss in the playoffs?

From what I heard, being buried alive by double coverage. There is a reason that Welker set the SuperBowl record for receptions, and after that happened, Moss was finally left with single coverage in the end zone for the touchdown.

posted by grum@work at 10:23 AM CDT on February 4

Another thing I realized after this game: since University of Phoenix Stadium opened and began hosting significant neutral site football games last season, the heavy underdog is 4-0.

Boise State over Oklahoma
Florida over Ohio State
West Virginia over Oklahoma
Giants over Patriots

Not saying those events are related, but at least an interesting coincidence.

posted by bender at 10:24 AM CDT on February 4

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

It is for people who appreciate defensive struggles (just like some people prefer 1-0 pitchers duals to 10-8 slugfests). I happen to prefer them like this actually.

I definitely prefer pitchers' duels to slugfests. However, more often than not, in the NFL, that score after 3 quarters is less indicative of sterling defense and more indicative of the supreme offensive conservatism on the part of the coaching staff that's ruled the league for the past few years—the "any offensive play that doesn't result in a turnover is a victory" attitude. This tends to results in offensives getting more conservative as the game stays close, because not giving up points becomes the primary goal. So for the average NFL game, I wouldn't necessarily assume a 7-3 score to be a defensive spectacle.

That said, this wasn't the average NFL game, and the Patriots were a team that ran against that conservative grain this year, so I don't think that assumption would apply this time.

As for me, I only managed to catch the last quarter of the game on the radio while on the road, and it was a pretty damn entertaining quarter.

When BB was walking on the field at the end, it was to get to TC. He hugged him, congratulated him and moved on. Not sure what the fuss is.

The radio commentator I was listening to noted that BB walked off the sideline with a second left on the clock, but explicitly noted that he was headed across the field to congratulate TC.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 10:24 AM CDT on February 4

I'm using the score to indicate a lack of offense.
With a lack of offense, you have less chance for lead changes.
While the 4th quarter was lead-change-a-riffic, by only having one lead change in the first three quarters is what I meant by not "entertaining".

I don't mind a titanic defensive struggle, but it wasn't like the defenses were making goalline stands or end-zone interceptions.

I didn't see two lackluster offenses but rather two outstanding defenses. Your last examples are not necessarily indicative of a "titanic defensive struggle" but rather defenses making big plays when they need them. The defenses were so good last night that those opportunities were practically non-existent. I think we're going to just have to agree to disagree here.

posted by bender at 10:30 AM CDT on February 4

Petty was the best halftime act ever.
I don't know. Last year's act was pretty hot.

(that was my 3000th comment? jeezus.)

posted by chicobangs at 10:57 AM CDT on February 4

I thought the entire game was entertaining. I couldn't believe that New York's D-line kept getting to Brady. We've seen Brady get knocked on his ass more than a few times this year, but his line always seemed to protect him when it mattered most. Even when he was getting the ball out there was a guy coming in at the same time.

And I really didn't think Eli could engineer a ballsy game winning drive with 2 minutes left in the superbowl. That really surprised me.

posted by curlyelk at 11:02 AM CDT on February 4

I tend to think the whole gleeful celebrations of the '72 Dolphins are pretty lame, but I saw this video/ad linked elsewhere and thought it was kind of funny.

posted by holden at 11:10 AM CDT on February 4

Perfectville is funny, yes, but I'd be quite happy to see the 72 Dolphins choke on their champagne next year.

Seriously guys, you were first. Isn't that enough?

posted by Mr Bismarck at 11:20 AM CDT on February 4

Had the Patriots won it would have been nice to see Mercury Morris and boys take one on the chin. It seems Morris has his entire identity wrapped up in the perfect season 35 years ago.

posted by curlyelk at 11:23 AM CDT on February 4

Just a thought. Maybe next year it will be an Eli/Payton Superbowl. Now that would be somthing. I just don't think it could be a Kitna/Payton game. Good bye Matt. Thank you Giants for a great game. Sorry Pats that you didn't succeed in the perfect season. Everyone will start again in August. Now let's go racin'!!!!!

posted by coach at 11:40 AM CDT on February 4

This team went to the SB with Tiki. If last years Giants would have got the QB play of THIS years Giants, they could have won the SB too.

The difference in the Giants this year isn't "addition by subtraction" by losing Tiki....It's the performance of their QB down the stretch (which they didn't have the past few years)

Tiki was a negative influence in the Giants locker room last year. He was a divisive force who didn't believe in the Coach and let the rest of the team know it. Oh...and he also announced his retirement mid-season.

True, Eli's play was considerably better this year. But the Giants as a team were much less dysfunctional without that loudmouth. I think it made a big difference down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Tiki did do them one favor. By badmouthing both Eli and the coach this year, he gave the team something to rally around. Make that loudmouth asshole eat his words.

Also, the 2000 team was much different that this team. I believe only Strahan and Amani Toomer remain from that 2000 team.

posted by cjets at 11:47 AM CDT on February 4

You think this thread isn't mocking the Patriots, Howard? I'm going to disagree.

Save for a few knucklehead comments and the anti-belichick sentiment it's been pretty above it all.

I'll admit I have a hard time with any of that. Being a Giant fan and having an overwhelming number of friends be rooting for "the other guys" was tough. Anyone who wants to make comments of that ilk is disrespecting the game that was.

In my seat I was resigned to losing - prepped myself for it all week, was gonna be no big deal. Sitting on the other side it's shock, pure shock. Foregone conclusions don't exist in football. There is no next game. You can't win 4 in a row and battle back from elimination. You have 35 seconds. They may have only scored 31 points combined but I think it was the greatest football game I ever watched.

posted by YukonGold at 12:16 PM CDT on February 4

Dude, prince opened with Queen. I admit, the symbolled one was pretty rockin, but he wasn't no Petty. They managed to create a tripped out concert experience at the sanitized Superbowl. Impressive.

posted by garfield at 12:17 PM CDT on February 4

I must admit, I had AB-SO-LUTE-LY ZERO confidence in Eli when he came out for that final scoring drive, and after he missed Burress on that first 3rd down and got the Dumb Eli look on his face, I figured it was flat-out over.

That last Giants drive was amazing to watch, but I don't think Eli deserves nearly the credit he's receiving. The play where he escapes everybody on the Pats' defense was incredible, but if not for a standout play by Tyree, that ball goes two feet above his head. I think the Giants' wide receivers saved Eli's bacon all through the second half, if there could be multiple MVP awards, I'd give 'em to to everybody who caught a ball, and Ahmad Bradshaw, who I thought did a spectacular job for a rookie, in the biggest game of the year.

I'm happy to see Strahan and Toomer get their rings, and the Dolphins fan in me is happy that the legacy is intact, but I'm about tired of The Class of 1972 acting like such arrogant, childish pricks. Cut it out, you old farts, you're embarrassing yourselves!

Congrats to the Pats and their fans on a spectacular 18-win season (only done 3 times in the NFL, I believe); during the regular season, your boys played professional football at a level very few have been able to attain, or sustain, for that matter. And, congratulations to the Giants and their fans. What an underdog story, and what a great way to end the NFL season.

Let's play two!

posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:24 PM CDT on February 4

I like Petty, but his halftime performance was a dud and might even have been lip-synched according to some reviews. I don't think it came close to what Prince did in one of the hardest venues to perform well.

As an aside, one of the hottest search terms on Google this morning was "how old is Tom Petty". Ouch.

posted by rcade at 12:28 PM CDT on February 4

My play or lack of a play was the dropped interception by Samuel during that last two minutes. He makes the INT and the game is over. The second play was the Manning escape from the three Pats defensive players. If another defender would have come in and laid a hit on him while he was in their grasp he would have gotten an unnecessary roughness penalty. Thats my perspective. All of that didn't happen so congrats to the Giants.

posted by Ironhead at 12:33 PM CDT on February 4

I'd be shocked if he lip synched. He was behind on the lyrics for a bit of the first song. The anthem on the otherhand was way over mastered to be live. And maybe I'm old, or appreciate a lack of dancers or medleys, or prefer the tightness of Petty, but Prince last year pales in my mind. Or maybe its because Petty is underrated in general and Prince is overrated.

posted by garfield at 12:51 PM CDT on February 4

If another defender would have come in and laid a hit on him while he was in their grasp he would have gotten an unnecessary roughness penalty. Thats my perspective

I couldn't disagree more. If the hit was legal, not helmet to helmet and not at his knees, I don't see the refs throwing a flag on the play. You play through the whistle, or at least you're supposed to. It wasn't as though there were several Patriots players prepared to hit him and suddenly made the decision not to for fear of being penalized. He got out of the grasp of the defenders and threw long. Terrific play by Manning, spectacular catch by Tyree.

posted by ampto11 at 12:56 PM CDT on February 4

If another defender would have come in and laid a hit on him while he was in their grasp he would have gotten an unnecessary roughness penalty.

The refs would have to blow the whistle first and call the play dead (invoke "in the grasp") in order for an unnecessary roughness penalty to occur. Like ampto11 said, there was no one bearing down on Manning so there was no need to make the "in the grasp" call.

posted by goddam at 1:22 PM CDT on February 4

That wacky play by Eli Manning reminded me of another guy who wore number 10 and played quarterback for the Giants, Fran Tarkenton.

10 points after 3 quarters of play? That isn't very entertaining.

The Patriots averaged 36.8 points per game this season, setting the all-time record for points scored, and were 14-point favorites. The Giants' defense was great, but even during the game it was difficult to think they'd be able to hold the Patriots to two touchdowns over the entire game, and the Giants needed to score somehow, some way. It was dramatic.

I don't think it came close to what Prince did in one of the hardest venues to perform well.

In the rain.

posted by kirkaracha at 1:35 PM CDT on February 4

Belichick's leaving the field before the game was officially over shows that he's nothing but a classless ass. The key to the game was the Giants defensive line. They beat on the league's best ever offense (statistically at least) and shut them down. Plaxico's 17 point prediction that caused Brady to scoff looks pretty prophetic right now.

posted by Shotput at 1:41 PM CDT on February 4

TBH:

That last Giants drive was amazing to watch, but I don't think Eli deserves nearly the credit he's receiving. The play where he escapes everybody on the Pats' defense was incredible, but if not for a standout play by Tyree, that ball goes two feet above his head. I think the Giants' wide receivers saved Eli's bacon all through the second half, if there could be multiple MVP awards, I'd give 'em to to everybody who caught a ball, and Ahmad Bradshaw, who I thought did a spectacular job for a rookie, in the biggest game of the year.

What you said. That was a desperation pass and an amazing catch. Tyree richly deserves the job security he should have following this Superbowl.

Not that I want to take anything away from the Giants' play -- I thought there was a lot of skill, focus, determination and talent on display by the G-men, and a pronounced absence of stupid mistakes. It was a well-earned win. I'm at a loss to explain what happened with the Pats -- it seemed like the o-line, which has received such praise this year, was ordinary (at best) in a game that really called on them to be a whole lot better. I'd call that the single biggest factor.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 1:46 PM CDT on February 4

but I don't think Eli deserves nearly the credit he's receiving. The play where he escapes everybody on the Pats' defense was incredible, but if not for a standout play by Tyree, that ball goes two feet above his head.

That was a desperation pass and an amazing catch.

Doesn't deserve the credit? Desperation pass? That's what unbelievable plays are made of...desperation. If Manning doesn't escape the throw never happens. If Manning hits him in the numbers David Tyree doesn't use his helmet to fend off Harrison and make his catch. Is it possible to just accept it for what it is? They both deserve credit and the MVP process is clearly screwed up.

posted by YukonGold at 2:06 PM CDT on February 4

Belichick's leaving the field before the game was officially over shows that he's nothing but a classless ass.

Yeah, he went and hugged TC with 1 second left on the clock... Of course, one could say that dumping the Gatorade on TC with time left on the clock is a bit presumptuous too, right?

posted by jerseygirl at 2:10 PM CDT on February 4

Uh, no. For 3 quarters, it was a bit of a snoozer.
-grum@work

I'll be the lone guy in your corner grum. I was reading about what a great superbowl it was on other sites but dismissed it as the clueless opinion of fans that only watch the superbowl. But after this thread it's clear I'm in the minority. Maybe it's because I didn't have a strong rooting interest, but the first three quarters were brutal. Going into the 4th I thought to myself 'yet another letdown of a superbowl'.

And I still hold that opinion. I think it was a mediocre game saved by the bigger story (david and goliath), a great ending, and the low bar of excitement set by other superbowls.

Other thoughts-

- What happened to Randy Moss during the playoffs? Obviously every team wanted to take him away. But wow did he vanish.

- Eli as MVP is a mistake. It should have gone to the giant defensive line.

- Other than the yankees I don't think I've ever seen a team get as much hatred as the patriots from anyone not their fan. I know there were reasons behind both (salary, cheating) but damn do people love to hate success.

- For all the talk of the patriots choking they were within one play several times of taking hold of the game. And if not for the miraculous Eli escape and throw in the 4th quarter the patriots are probably celebrating 19-0. A lot of luck goes into 18-0. They were outplayed by the giants, but also ran out of luck.

but challenging such a minute thing regarding a player who had no impact in the play was so bush league that it killed their karma.

One, calling it bush league is a joke. Two, karma, really? Are you sure it wasn't brady forgetting to wear his favorite socks? Or maybe a witch doctor put a curse on moss?

As an aside, one of the hottest search terms on Google this morning was "how old is Tom Petty". Ouch.

Which is funny, because as soon as he appeared on stage I looked his age up online. I'm a tom petty fan, but I have to disagree with garfield. I thought he was decent, but pretty damn boring. I thought prince last year, and I hate on prince a lot, was off the chart better.

Lastly from the NY Daily News:

And it’s especially sweet as a Yankee fan to know that Red Sox Nation went to bed in tears last night.

Mmm, smell the class.

posted by justgary at 2:12 PM CDT on February 4

Red Sox fans != Patriots fans, NY Daily News.

posted by jerseygirl at 2:17 PM CDT on February 4

And it’s especially sweet as a Yankee fan to know that Red Sox Nation went to bed in tears last night.

I went to sleep in a big bed with my wife. Also, the Patrick Roy line about having all those rings stuck in various ears.

posted by yerfatma at 2:26 PM CDT on February 4

I read the NY Times myself.

I'm interested in everyone's opinion on this. If the Patriots won, they would have been widely regarded as the best team ever. It's a moot point now but by that logic, does this mean the '72 Dolphins are the best team of all time because they went undefeated?

I would answer that with a resounding no. I would suggest the '85 Bears or the Niners of the 80's (1984 in particular).

I just find it interesting that many people thought 19-0 would have conferred "greatest Team of all time" status but you don't ever hear that about the 1972 dolphins.

posted by cjets at 2:30 PM CDT on February 4

I would answer that with a resounding no. I would suggest the '85 Bears or the Niners of the 80's (1984 in particular).

I always thought the consensus on the best Niners team of the 80's was 1989.

posted by holden at 2:33 PM CDT on February 4

One thing's clear: no-one does the sore winner act better than certain sections of NYC and environs.

My perspective? Somewhat over-rated team loses perfect record to somewhat lucky bastard team. It does confirm my belief that league and knockout tournaments are best kept apart.

posted by etagloh at 2:34 PM CDT on February 4

I always thought the consensus on the best Niners team of the 80's was 1989.

Yup. I googled it and realized that I got the Super Bowl scores reversed. 55-10 against Denver. That's pretty impressive. I'll change my vote to '89.

posted by cjets at 2:41 PM CDT on February 4

He was a divisive force who didn't believe in the Coach and let the rest of the team know it.

He told the owner when he left that they should keep Coughlin. He must have believed in him somewhat.

Fact is, Tiki has been 100% spot on with all his comments regarding the Giants. He's only issue is he's honest.

My play or lack of a play was the dropped interception by Samuel during that last two minutes

He wasn't coming down inbounds anyways (both his feet hit out even though he didn't have the ball)

The refs would have to blow the whistle first and call the play dead (invoke "in the grasp") in order for an unnecessary roughness penalty to occur.

The sad part is, that is probably one of the greatest plays in SB history and it very well could not have happened if the refs had called in the grasp with the strictness they do 90% of the time. I've seen that whistle blown a lot quicker for guys a lot less "wrapped up".

posted by bdaddy at 3:03 PM CDT on February 4

Sorry, Yukon. Didn't mean to offend you, but the truth is the truth. Eli made a boneheaded throw, and you'll never in a million years convince me that he threw it two feet over Tyree's head on purpose, to allow Tyree to use his helmet to shield the ball from Harrison. Never. You'll notice, though, I did say this:

The play where he escapes everybody on the Pats' defense was incredible,

before I said this:

but if not for a standout play by Tyree, that ball goes two feet above his head.

I stand by my statement. Eli let fly with a bevy of wounded quail last night, and could have been intercepted at least three times, including one on the right sideline by Asante Samuels during the Giants' last drive that would have sealed the game if he'd been able to bring it down in bounds.

Eli's performance was gutly as hell last night, no doubt about it, and he elevated his standings in many fans' eyes, mine included, but he still hasn't shown that he can thread the needle and be accurate when the pressure's on. He better be taking his receivers out for steak dinners every Friday night for the rest of his life, because they sure saved his ass last night.

Of course, he's a Superbowl Champion now, so God love 'im. Well done to the Giants.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 3:30 PM CDT on February 4

What's with the PC view of class as it pertains to not letting the Pats have exactly what they deserve?

Have we forgotton so quickly these topics?

We are perfect.

We are the greatest ever.

Bow down to the kings of sport.

Cheer for us, we are perfect.

All of the above were within the last 30 days.

This is my favorite.

Brady had a game for the ages yesterday, and that 26-28 could easily have been 28-28: his only incompletions were on-the-money drops (that Welker drop that would have kept the drive going was so frustrating!). If he has that kind of patience next week... it'll be a massacre. The Patriots have so many options, you simply can't cover them all, and the only weak link is if Brady can't find them. But when the offensive line gives him some extra time, and he "takes what the defense gives", he looks damn good.

lbb: (Brady set another record in yesterday's game, btw -- a 92.9 completion percentage, highest for a quarterback in any NFL game, regular season or postseason.)
There were at least three records, however inconsequential- highest completion percentage, and along with that most consecutive completions in the playoffs (16, before his first of two incompletions), and I think they flashed up something about most home wins/winning percentage in the playoffs; I believe he's undefeated at home, or had the most wins at home, or something. Harrison also extended/set a record for most consecutive playoff games with an INT, at 4.

Really, at this point- with the Colts out of it- those not fans of San Diego, Green Bay, Dallas, or New York should be rooting for the Patriots: this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see perfection. As someone said earlier, if you go into the 9th with your team being beaten by a perfect game... you start rooting for a perfect game, even if it's the Yankees.

Oh, and highest QB rating in playoff history (141.4). Odd that it wasn't "perfect" as a QB rating, because you can't imagine a better game, but I guess his yards-per-pass was too low.

posted by Hal Incandenza at 4:00 PM CST on January 13

Just think if any other NFL team goes undefeated next year AND wins the SB. The Pats would go from potentially the greatest team ever to Mark Mcgwire in 1 year. A once in a life time chance to see perfection? Trademarking 19-0? This team and some of it's fans were just asking to lose. Classy?

posted by Prophite at 3:31 PM CDT on February 4

would suggest the '85 Bears...
I've always been of the opinion the 85 Bears were better than undefeated Dolphins, however if the Patriots would have won, my opinion would have had to changed. They put up some impressive numbers this year and I probably enjoy this year of football more than any other, with exception of Chiefs and Rams going to Super Bowl.

posted by Nakeman at 3:32 PM CDT on February 4

I'm missing your point, prophite. What did the Pats fan that upset you so much? The links you posted don't seem bad to me. Were the Pats fan not supposed to be happy about their team doing so well? Where they not supposed to hope for a perfect season? How is that not classy? The reality is that the Pats were perfect until yesterday. And, really, I don't know how you can be any kind of judge of classiness with a comment dredging up old posts when Pats fans were happy with their team's success.

posted by bperk at 3:39 PM CDT on February 4

What's with the PC view of class as it pertains to not letting the Pats have exactly what they deserve?

Because karma is a bitch.

posted by goddam at 3:39 PM CDT on February 4

18-and-D'oh!

posted by kirkaracha at 3:45 PM CDT on February 4

What's with the PC view of class as it pertains to not letting the Pats have exactly what they deserve?

Have we forgotton so quickly these topics?
-prophite

If you can't see the difference between what I quoted and the comments that you quoted then I don't know what to tell you.

If you think this:

Really, at this point- with the Colts out of it- those not fans of San Diego, Green Bay, Dallas, or New York should be rooting for the Patriots: this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see perfection.

equals this:

And it’s especially sweet as a Yankee fan to know that Red Sox Nation went to bed in tears last night.

then you don't understand what you're reading.

One is admiring a team, the other is simply enjoying and living vicariously through the pain of another fan base. Though I find that childish, bitter and classless, others might not. But your comparison is nonsense.

On preview, why didn't I recognize that tone? You should change it up once in a while Bishop

posted by justgary at 3:47 PM CDT on February 4

but I don't think Eli deserves nearly the credit he's receiving. The play where he escapes everybody on the Pats' defense was incredible, but if not for a standout play by Tyree, that ball goes two feet above his head.

When he got out of that sack and let loose I expected to see a receiver with no defenders around. It was kind of a broken play at that point and the way he chucked the ball it just seemed like he saw someone get free. They pan over to the receiver and three Pats are swarming him. It should have been an interception or an incomplete and he got bailed out. But Eli does deserve credit for his gutsy play last night. And its fitting that his receivers bailed him out a few times because those same receivers have had a reputation for dropping a lot of balls...this year even.

posted by curlyelk at 3:56 PM CDT on February 4

Sorry, Yukon. Didn't mean to offend you, but the truth is the truth.

I guess I was trying to point out that in someways the boneheaded-ness of it all lends to the greatness. What could he do to not throw it up?

3rd and 5, 1:15 remaining, I've just escaped converging defenders, one of whom had hold of my jersey. Tyree is in tight coverage but those guys I just got away from are coming back. GET RID OF IT!!!! Terrible throw, please catch it. Shit that's gonna get picked. Oh shit he caught it on his helmet. TIMEOUT!

I don't think that has room enough to say he doesn't deserve the credit he gets.

but he still hasn't shown that he can thread the needle and be accurate when the pressure's on.

The first touchdown pass to Tyree. Defender in pursuit and another coming towards the ball. Aikman pointed out the difficulty immediately.

posted by YukonGold at 3:59 PM CDT on February 4

And it’s especially sweet as a Yankee fan to know that Red Sox Nation went to bed in tears last night.

Give the Pats their due. Hell of a football team and only 3 points short of perfect season. I'm of the opinion, if they made a run within the final seconds, and kicked a field score to tie, they would have won the game.

The Pats should be proud of what they accomplished. Belichick, however I'm not giving a free pass until the investigation concludes over the alledged taping of Rams before Super Bowl XXXVI. Boy, I hope this is not true. I'll be crushed all over again at the Rams loss.

posted by Nakeman at 4:08 PM CDT on February 4

For me, the quality of the game was in the first and fourth quarters, which were enough to rate it among the most entertaining Super Bowls ever. Eli Manning and the Giants began with the longest opening drive in bowl history, sending a message to the Pats, and then Brady responded with a quick demoralizing touchdown in response.

In the fourth, the lead changed hands three times with touchdowns, including two that ended within the final two minutes, and there were few penalties. Brady finally found his big-play receiver, and Manning-to-Tyree gave the game a signature play that will be remembered forever.

Hard to top that.

posted by rcade at 4:17 PM CDT on February 4

The first touchdown pass to Tyree. Defender in pursuit and another coming towards the ball. Aikman pointed out the difficulty immediately.

I believe Aikman said something to the effect that if it was off by inches in either direction, that it would have been intercepted.

I think Manning deserves all the credit he is getting. It was not a perfect game but he drove them on two long drives in the 4th quarter for TDs. On the first drive, the TD pass to Tyree (as well as the pass to the back up tight end, Boss) were great passes.

On the second drive, he led the team 83 yards in the last two minutes of the game to score the winning TD.

Even the pass to Tyree, given the circumstances, was a good play. If he throws that ball low, it's probably picked off. He throws it high, gives Tyree a chance to make a play and Tyree makes a phenomemal play. And if Manning doesn't fight his way out of the sack, it's probably 4th and 10.

Again, two long 4th quarter TD drives to win the game. That seems to be a hugely clutch MVP type performance (I'm not taking anything away from the D-line, but if you're gonna single out one player, I'd single out Manning).

posted by cjets at 4:18 PM CDT on February 4

Carl is gonna be happy.

Carl is somewhat pleased.

posted by goddam at 4:26 PM CDT on February 4

I just watched the fourth quarter (I live in Europe and didn't to stay up watch the game live) after knowing that Manning was voted MVP. All I can say is WTF? He must be the luckiest guy in the world. That last drive he threw two balls that really should have been intercepted. He nearly fumbled the ball when he ran out of the pocket. Toomer made an amazing shoestring catch on another pass that he threw short and granted he showed a lot of desire in getting away from the pass rush on the helmet catch, but Christ! he threw that ball wild into quadruple coverage!! The receiver made an amazing catch, but damn, that play was more luck than anything else. The only sharp pass he threw was the touchdown pass. Everything else just seemed like luck and near turnovers.

This is an objective viewing by someone who is not a fan of either team, and doesn't even really follow the NFL anymore. No way is manning the MVP. The defense should have gotten it.

posted by sic at 5:07 PM CDT on February 4