Giants 17, Patriots 14
1. It took Peyton Manning nine tries to win a Super Bowl. It only took Eli Manning four and he had fewer weapons at his disposal. The media shouldn’t skimp giving Eli credit throughout this week, because he certainly deserved it for what he did this season. He stayed calm under fire the entire game and never seemed rattled, which has been his MO throughout his short career. He proved doubters wrong and while he wasn’t overly impressive, he was steady and efficient.
2. The Giants proved tonight what a fierce pass rush could do for a defense. Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck and the rest of New York’s front seven dominated a usually stout Patriots’ offensive line. Tom Brady was constantly under fire and often looked for check downs instead of going down field. It was clear he was keying on the Giants’ pressure instead of just feeling it out and reacting to it. Not that I’m telling any professional athlete to retire, but is there a better time for Strahan to hang up the cleats? What a game he had.
3. Not to take anything away from the Giants, because their defense was unbelievable, but this was the worst the Patriots played all season. They were going for a perfect season and they appeared to lack emotion, energy and were completely lethargic overall. Dare I say it – they looked unprepared, too. From the first Giants’ field goal on their opening drive to Plaxico Burress’ game-winning touchdown, they completely outplayed the Patriots. The G-Men had an answer for everything the Patriots did, which is a testament to Tom Coughlin, Steve Spagnuolo and the rest of New York’s coaching staff. Spagnuolo might have earned himself the Redskins’ head coaching job with the way he had his defense prepared tonight.
4. If it weren’t for Wes Welker, the Pats might not have scored double-digit points. Every time New England needed a big play, Welker got open and fought for first downs. He outplayed Brady, Randy Moss, Laurence Maroney and the entire Patriot offensive line. Without him, Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniel’s brilliant offense wouldn’t have even scored 14 points. And how about the block Welker threw to spring a screen pass for a first down in the first half? He was the Patriots offense.
5. Is it just me or was Rodney Harrison brutal tonight? He whiffed on a chance to recover a fumble in the first half and then he had poor position on a jump ball that gave the Giants new life on their game-winning touchdown drive. David Tyree made a hell of a catch, but Manning threw a duck and Harrison needs to knock that ball down anyway he can.
