The most important endorsement last week had nothing to do with Barack Obama, Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife or Ted Kennedy. Try Joe Namath. The legendary Jets quarterback predicted that Eli Manning and the New York Giants would upset the (previously) undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He's now 2 for 2 on Super Bowl upset guarantees. I guess that means I'm only one behind him. In all seriousness, the fallout from the Giants' 17-14 victory will be discussed for years, but there are some points that must be addressed in the wake of quite possibly the greatest upset in NFL history.
1. This is a franchise-changing loss for the Patriots. Belichick and Brady had little to say after the confetti fell, but it is certainly on their minds now. This loss will stick in their throats for years. Just as the annual discussion spurred by a team going undefeated through Week 9 carries talk of the 1972 Dolphins, so will it forever include the cautionary tale of the 2007 Patriots. Their legacy is forever altered. Instead of the greatest team to take the field, they will be remembered as the chokers that won every game they played except the one that mattered. 19-0? Now replaced as the 18-1 Goliath that collapsed under the weight of their own arrogance and expectations and choked away the biggest game of their lives. The Patriots woke up Monday with a Super Bowl hangover and an uncertain future. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is set to meet with Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter to discuss Goodell's destruction of evidence in the SpyGate matter. Ex-Pats video assistant Matt Walsh has suggested he has incriminating video evidence of further Belichick cheating that could reopen the matter. If it's damning enough, Belichick could be facing a league suspension. Additionally, Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Asante Samuel, Tedi Bruschi, Eugene Wilson and Randall Gay highlight a sizable group of unrestricted free agents. The defense is getting no younger, and there's still no word on Junior Seau's retirement watch. If the Patriots hope to keep Moss on board, they will likely be unable to afford to resign most of these key pieces. While letting big-name players walk has always worked for them in the past, it remains to be seen how this catastrophic end to their dream season will affect the team psychologically.
Fourth string wide receiver David Tyree became a Super Bowl legend with this improbable 32 yard third-down reception to set up the game winning TD.
2. Eli Manning has come of age. In four post-season contests, he threw 6 TDs and only one interception that was not his fault (off the hands of rookie receiver Steve Smith). His game-winning drive has already been indoctrinated into Super Bowl lore, as has "The Play": his evasion of no less than 3 sacks, bullet pass and David Tyree's unbelievable hand-to-helmet catch on third down with 59 seconds left. Biggest play of their lives.
3. I have to wonder how former Giants RB Tiki Barber and injured TE Jeremy Shockey feel. Once the pin-up stars of the New York Giants, Barber was sitting in a press box and Shockey was drinking in a luxury suite while Manning led his team to victory.
4. As expected, defensive ends were key in pressuring Brady. Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora harassed Brady, who was sacked a season high 5 times, all night.
5. My grandfather turned 81 years old on Super Bowl Sunday. He told me to thank the Giants for the best birthday present of his life.
6. Finally, it is important to give long-awaited credence to the clandestine contingent that always believed the Patriots would fail in their quest for perfection, the much maligned group of NFL fans who suffered through every comeback drive and timely Brady-Moss hookup. We are the doomed cheerleaders of AJ Feeley and Kyle Boller. We saw the Patriots' weaknesses exposed that were lost in the buzz of 16-0 anointment blather following their Week 17 38-35 win over the team that would later slay them in the Super Bowl. The same stalwarts that endured the mockery of Patriots fans and the national media alike now stand triumphant in their support of the underdog Giants. We always knew.
Print
E-mail
Comments
This loss will not hurt the Patriots. They'll be back and better than ever next year. It'll have the same effect as the spy-gate, it'll motivate them.
Im super glad the patriots went 18-1, also im glad new york fans are appreciating eli's accomplishments comparing to his brother. I just hope one day Peyton and Eli will face each other in a SuperBowl to see whos the better bro.
The Patriots had one of the best teams of all time, not many teams can say that. They will be one of the best teams for years to come. The Pats did get Moss back and will strengthen the D-line in the draft. Wait and watch how nicely the 08 Patriots come together. No need to hate, just let the dynasty run its course.
How are da Bears doing?
The Dynasty is not over by a long shot. Brady, Moss, Welker, Maroney, a pro-bowl offensive line, Seymour, Green, Warren, Wilfork! The core of this team is still here and they'll be in the mix for years to come.
Post new comment