Although I am aware that this blog is about golf, the Super Bowl last night inspired me to write this entry.
Unbelievably fated? Words like “fate” and “miraculous” are used to describe the Giants’ victory. If so, I suppose miracles do occur! From their 0 – 2 start to Superbowl Champions, I think that says it all – The proverbial “Season To Remember” at least for Some may choose to forget, at least the most recent game, while others may choose to remember. The Giants showed that the best don’t always win, or do they? The Patriots were hailed as possibly the greatest football team in history.
All season, New England has played nearly flawless football, and they merit praise for it. Their 18-0 record entering the game had finally taken a toll on them, but I think the pressure and hype were just too much for them in the end. There were many seasoned New England players who, in some ways, were perhaps a little too seasoned. The fact that the Giants were considered a long shot and were not given much of a chance to defeat the supposedly unbeatable New England Team may have been the deciding factor. Tom Brady found himself in unfamiliar surroundings, on the ground in a grass-stained uniform, as the Giants were able to step up and rise to the challenge. The Giants made sure he understood that he was participating in a football game and that they were not to be underestimated.
I believe the Giants laid the groundwork for their victorious play following their previous encounter, which the Patriots narrowly won a few weeks ago. They may have even surprised themselves slightly, but it was a welcome surprise. The playoffs and, ultimately, the season-defining Super Bowl were when everything came together for them. Young quarterback Eli Manning, who has been overshadowed by his brother Payton, has proven to the world that he is deserving of the Manning name’s reputation for talent. In search of victory, Eli wasn’t acting alone. He had the full support of the team. We must give credit where credit is due to the Giants’ defensive coordinators, the unsung heroes who work in the shadows.
The Giants’ defense, which was ably led by seasoned veteran Michael Strahan, performed so admirably that they were able to deny New England of the tools that they had relied on so successfully all season. Welker was fairly bothersome throughout the game, but they managed to stop him when they needed to. Additionally, they were able to neutralize the long pass that Brady and Moss had been able to execute so expertly all season. The Giants’ fictitious rookies also stepped up, and Tyree, Boss, and Buress all made incredible plays at critical moments. Toomer, Jacobs, and Bradshaw all had significant contributions to the Giants’ victory march! I knew New England’s fate had been sealed when Eli managed to escape when he was almost sacked and made that throw into the arms of his rookie receiver. Giants victory was almost here. The following pass by Elis to Buress put an end to the Patriots’ hopes for the ideal season. Although the 1972 Miami Dolphins team can now relax, I believe 19-0 would have been a record that would have stood for a long time. Because they lost the most coveted game of them all, the Super Bowl, the Patriots’ 18-0 record is impressive but underwhelming. The spectacular win by the New York Giants made their city and supporters proud! The upcoming season is something I’m looking forward to, and who knows, maybe the Jets will contend.
Football history will remember Superbowl XLII as one of the most thrilling and unbelievable contests ever. The Giants play in this game reminded me of another unprecedented demise for New England fans – the New York Mets – “You Gotta Believe” victory over the 1986 World Series, Boston Red Sox. We can all learn from it. Never give up on your dreams and goals because you can accomplish the seemingly unattainable if you have the right attitude, willpower, and determination. I don’t know what next season holds but this year truly was “A Season To Remember”. Hey, there’s still the Pro Bowl the following week. Ah, Hawaii! Enjoy.