How Did That Happen??

How Did That Happen?

Well it happened. Not many of us saw it coming, but it did. One of the great upsets in Super Bowl History came to fruition last night as the Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14. Super Bowl 42 started off as just your average game, but evolved into something much more in the end.

It marked the first loss for New England, who was trying to become the second undefeated team in the history of the great game. It marked the coming out party for Eli Manning, who now can be called something other than Peyton’s little bro. Manning was the Most Valuable player, a year after his brother did it. It marked the smack down of one of the greatest offenses ever assembled by a Giant defense that absolutely dominated and outplayed the opposition. The game really took off later in the second half, as both teams sensed the urgency of the game. A touchdown throw from Manning to David Tyree made it a 10-7 Giants lead early on in the 4th. Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss in the endzone for a 6-yarder, made easy when Giants defensive back Corey Webster fell down. But the comeback drive for the G-men came to when Manning hit Plaxico Buress on a 13-yard pass over Ellis Hobbs, who seemed to be fooled on the play. That drive was one that will be fresh in the minds of Giants fans for years to come.

Taking nothing away from Eli, the real MVP’s of this game were the Giants front four on defense, who made it hell for Brady all night. They blew past the O-line on several occasions, and destroyed any continuity on offense for the Patriots. The only player who could get going was Wes Welker, who did what he does, and that’s catch passes. He finished with a record 11 catched on the evening. Even still, Tom Brady was bashed all night. Randy Moss was kept in check for the most part. The running game was suffocated.

But above all of this, Eli Manning became a man, showing loads of poise and discretion in the pocket. The throw to David Tyree (the one where Manning slithered his way out of the oncoming New England D, only to scramble away and heave an up-for-grabs jump ball to Tyree, who somehow used his helmet as a third hand and made the catch with Rodney Harrison hacking and whacking away) was one of the greatest in Super Bowl history, and will be replayed for years to come. The Giants did everything they needed to do to win.

So no more undefeated season for the Pats. They went into this game trying to become another piece of the NFL record books. They failed, but we will never forget the amazing season that they had. So many records broken, so many games won. I still believe that this Patriots team is the best ever assembled. I might be crazy for writing this, but it has to be true. The competition in today’s NFL is amazing, and the Pats ran off 18 straight. They lost a nail biter in the final seconds of the Super Bowl, their only blemish in an otherwise immaculate campaign. This does not mean I am taking anything away from the Giants. They played a hell of a football game, and are now world champs. However, I still believe that this Patriots club may be the best we have ever seen.

On a side note, jeers go out to Bill Belichick, the sore loser who left the field with time still on the clock, and that smug, annoying look on his face. The Patriots talk about sportsmanship and "humble pie", yet Belichick couldn't stick around for the extra second. Shame on him.

Congratulations to the Giants and the fans, as much as that hurts me to say being from Philadelphia. The off-season will bring uncertainty for both clubs, as it usually does for teams following a Super Bowl season. The Patriots are getting older; can they continue this amazing streak? The Giants will now be the hunted. Can they make next year just as special? All of those questions will be answered 365 days from now. Have fun at the parade tomorrow if you are attending, and soak this all in.

Now that football is over we can all quickly shed a tear.

‘Cause here comes baseball, baby!