So after a full day to recover from the exhilaration of another Big Blue Championship, and another to take in my first ever title parade, it's time to keep my promise of only posting should the Giants win their fourth Super Bowl.
First thing is first, WOW! That is easily one of the greatest Super Bowls we've ever seen. Incredibly competitive and fundamentally sound. Things you did not expect and a final quarter that woke up just about every inebriated on-looker like a spring chicken. Truthfully, the game was so exciting losing on a Hail Mary pass wouldn't have made me mad. I'd be impressed.
The game was won on one of the more impressive fourth quarter drives seen and the uncharacteristic folly of a tremendous offensive talent. Notice, I did not say "by". Super Bowl 46 will be remembered by Ahmad Bradshaw's hesitant touchdown run with 57 seconds left, and Wes Welker's freak loss of hand-eye coordination. However, let's not overlook the impressive punting skills (that's right, PUNTING HELPED WIN A SUPER BOWL) of Steve Weatherford. The man was deadly with his right foot and led to the first points of the game by pinning Tom Brady and the Pats inside their own five on their first possession. Also not to be overshadowed was the great play of rookie fullback Henry Hynoski. This kid blocked beautifully, caught two passes for 19 yards, and kept Eli Manning on his feet for a majority of the game.
While many Giants fans will remember the final drive and miracle pass-and-catch performed by Eli and a wide out who seemed forgotten the rest of the season (for the second straight SB), many New Englanders will remember the inability of their usually sure-handed receivers/tight ends to do their job in the final minute. Is there a place to throw blame? Many. Aaron Hernandez, Tom Brady, Welker, Gronk's ankle. But let's be honest here, the most telling stat for the Patriots on Sunday was Brady going 0-5 in pass attempts longer than 20 yards including an interception and an intentional grounding that led to a safety. Should the majority of angst be spewed at #12? Probably. One of the greatest to ever play the game, didn't do what many have expected of him at this point in his career. Yet, need we recall that great teams are balanced on offense and have a "go-to" guy. The Patriots have not been a running team since they had Corey Dillon (and won the title that year, mind you) and their big target hobbled his way on to the field and was mainly a decoy. Oh, and by the way Gisele, shut up. Maybe if your husband completed a bomb, didn't throw a pick, get a penalty in the end zone that cause a safety, or threw passes a little easier for wide open Welker to catch, you may have a Super Bowl ring. It's his mother's job to blame everyone else. Yours is to look hot for the camera and be there behind the scenes when he's pissed off. Not create some off-season fodder for Boston talk radio.
Does this loss dilute the accomplishments or stature of the Brady-Belichick dynasty in New England? God no, and anyone who argues that probably thinks Elvis is still alive. What those two have done for the Patriots franchise is legendary. Both will be in the Hall of Fame and both will be in the discussion of Greatest Of All Time (which neither will win, most likely). Belichick has really only had one constant in his tenure, Brady. Brady has put up video game numbers in real life. The two have been in more championship games than almost any QB-HC tandem in history and they yearly are title contenders. Tom Brady is 3-2 all-time in the Super Bowl (and the Giants are 4-0 in the big game with Belichick on the sidelines, had to get that in there). How many guys get to one Super Bowl let alone with three?!?! They are still a tremendous team and organization. They just didn't have the tools to do it this year.
What does this win do for the Giants and their leaders? Quote me when I say this: I will allow a Day of Slapsgiving to any and all participants if I ever denounce Tom Coughlin or Eli Manning again. Honestly. Two Super Bowls in four years, two Super Bowl MVP's and two dramatic fourth quarter, game-winning drives. Not to mention what he did from December 24th on. Eli has now put himself in the discussion for a trip to Canton. As for Coughlin, the guy who was supposed to be fired six weeks ago is once again on top of the football universe. The man somehow finds a way to get the best out of his players when it truly matters. Coach, I plan on making the trip to Ohio when you go to the Hall. I just pray you don't go in before Parcells. Now, fellow Big Blue Believers; please, please, please, SHUT THE HELL UP ABOUT THESE TWO! Whether it's the "Elite Status" or the "he should be fired" chants, they have brought you two titles and proved the Giants are Kings of the City. Let's just let them play and enjoy the product every week.
All-in-all, this was one of the more amazing performances ever. I truly believe it will go down as one of the top 10 (at least) Super Bowls in history, commercials and awkward halftime aside. That being said, a football season that we were afraid wouldn't happen, was incredible. And now it's gone. We are all 0-0 (there's hope, Cleveland!). Baseball season is around the corner and that means, as mentioned in a previous post, this guy's heart lies with the broken from Sunday. Well, maybe I'll enjoy this win a little bit longer. GO BIG BLUE!!!!
(Pitchers & Catchers report in 12 days, GO SOX!)
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