The wait is over. Four teams walked into last weekend’s conference championship games - only two came out victorious. The matchup for Arizona is set. This is what they play for. This is why we watch. Super Bowl XLII ... the New England Patriots vs. the New York Giants.
This year the Super Bowl will feature one of the most intriguing matchups of all time: David vs Goliath; the Creme of the Crop vs. the Underdog. For New England, a trip to Arizona seemed inevitable, so fitting for a perfect season On the other hand, the Giants were at the losing end of all predictions from day one. After overcoming all the odds, New York rides a wave of momentum with a chance to score the ultimate upset.
The New York Giants turned things around in week 17, giving the Patriots their toughest challenge to date. New York made the best of a heartbreaking loss and literally took their show on the road. This team defied the numbers from the wildcard game, marching into Tampa Bay and running over an unprepared Buccaneers. From there it was on to Texas where they stunned the highly favored Dallas Cowboys. This past Sunday the Giants were back at it again. Eli Manning led his troops down the Frozen Tundra in -3 degree weather. Showing the skills of a solid quarterback, Manning picked apart the Packer’s secondary by hooking up with Plaxico Burress on numerous occasions. The Giant’s defense put a clamp on Green Bay’s running game, essentially making Ryan Grant a non-factor. Overall it was the courageous leg of place kicker, Lawrence Tynes that sealed their fate. After missing two field goals that could have put the game on ice, Tynes kept his composure and knocked one in from 47 yards to pull off the overtime upset. The predictions had New York losing every playoff game - Super Bowl XLII
is no different as perfection waits on the other side of the field.
It was business as usual when New England faced off against the San Diego Chargers. The Pats were a lock in the sports betting world, an easy NFL pick for an outright win. Everyone knew the Patriots would do it; the biggest surprise is how they won. With no L.T. and a banged up Philip Rivers, San Diego cranked it up on the defensive side of the ball. The chargers limited Randy Moss to just two offensive plays and intercepted Tom Brady three times. In the end it wasn’t enough as Pats running back, Laurence Maroney racked up over a hundred yards and kept the clock ticking. New England’s defense also tightened up in the red zone, limiting the Charger’s to four field goals to help the team score a 21-12 victory. There is only one more stop for the Patriots, one more challenge they must overcome before being crowned the greatest team of all time.
Going to their fourth Super Bowl in seven years, the Patriots can deservingly be considered a dynasty whether they win or lose. History is on their side as the team is 3-0 in the Brady-Belichick Super Bowl era. For this team, losing is not an option, nor a reality, as they have pulled off a historic 18 straight victories. Last year it was Peyton, now it’s Eli’s turn. Many would say that the Giants have nothing to lose, as no one expects them to win. Veterans like New York defensive linemen, Michael Strahan may think otherwise; this could be his last chance.
