by hammers » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:22 pm
Most watched Superbowl ever. 2nd in All Time TV ratings behind the final episode of M*A*S*H* (I watched that, too).
You gotta at least admit the Patriots make for great Superbowls (XX and XXXI notwithstanding). In their last four appearances each game has been decided by only 3pts. I recall the Philly, Carolina and St. Louis games as being very similar to this one. Coming right down to the wire. Last guy with his hands on the ball could win the game. Good stuff. It was another outstanding fucking game.
The Giants simply showed they wanted it more last night. The two "desire" plays I recall last night was when Eli fumbled the the NE defensive player clearly fell right on top of the ball. As this massive NE D-lineman was falling on the ball and wrapping it up, NY RB, A.Bradshaw, barely managed to get his hands under him. Before the refs could see what had happened and blow the play dead, Bradshaw tears at the ball so violently that he rolls this lineman over from his front to his back (mind you he's got to be outweighed by almost 100lbs and has no leverage). By the time the refs get to the pile Bradshaws holding the ball. Refs call Giants recovery and they keep the drive alive.
That lineman had that ball, but he didn't "want" it as much as Bradshaw did.
The next play was the catch by Tyree at the end. He wanted that ball and wasn't going to let go of it (even if it meant catching it against his helmet). Both plays showed a lot of "heart" that I think the Pats were missing last night.
Brady seemed a bit stiff out there. He wasn't putting the usual 'touch' on his passes. Granted, he was getting beaten like he hadn't been in a long time, but he stood tall and took some monster hits to try and get rid of the ball. I expected the Patriots to make some of their patented 2nd half adjustments, but they didn't materialize. They seemed mechanical and rigorous while NY was playing fired up and passionately.
Outside of the game, though, I can't say I'm happy NY won it. Are any of you genuinely happy for Eli, Tom or Strahan or are you all just glad it wasn't NE winning?
J
Hut, Hut, Hammers!
Championship Wins 2004, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2020
Championship Appearances 1999, 2001, 2010
Century Div Champion 2014, 2019
Red Div Champion 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012
Central Div Champion 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001
Wild Card 1995, 1998, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2023