Super Bowl XLII will be played Sunday and it features the undefeated New England Patriots versus a confident New York Giants team. Although a Giants’ victory seems improbable, I’m pulling for the surging Giants to score an upset.
Personally, I’m just tired of hearing about the Patriots, and I agree with comments made by Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora earlier this week.
“The Patriots have already won three Super Bowls,” Umenyiora joked. “They should just rest Brady and let us get this one.”
The way the Giants have played in the postseason so far, I feel there is no reason why they can’t play spoilers again in the Super Bowl.
Eli Manning has thrown four touchdowns and zero interceptions in three playoff victories compared to Tom Brady, who has managed five touchdowns and a staggering three interceptions in just two games.
As for the play of the wide receivers, according to ESPN, Plaxico Burress has 16 receptions for 194 yards this postseason compared to the Patriots’ all-star Randy Moss, who has managed only two receptions for 32 yards and zero touchdowns.
The running back statistics, also found on ESPN.com, even favor the Giants as their top two running backs.
Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have combined for 318 yards and four scores, compared to 261 yards and two scores by the Patriots’ top two backs, Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk.
No one believed the Giants could win three straight road games to make it to NFL’s biggest stage, but they earned impressive wins over the Buccaneers, Cowboys and Packers.
If Eli Manning protects the ball and the Giants are able to apply constant pressure on Brady, force turnovers and capitalize on mistakes, then the end result can only lead to a “W” for the Giants.
The Giants are gaining momentum as they continue to play, whereas it seems the Patriots are going in the opposite direction. This year it’s the younger Manning’s time to shine.
Go G-Men!!!