Die Hard Giants Fan

The Giants had to go back to work today, unfortunately. Below you will find a bunch of notes and reports assembled by a variety of beat writers. The Giants play their first game on Thursday so make sure you watch it.

The Star-Ledger

• Since Plaxico Burress has been unable to practice, he is contributing as an adviser to the Giants’ young receivers. Plax is taking on the mentor role even if the young guys don’t ask for it.
• Mike Garafolo assembled an in-depth 8/3 morning practice report worth checking out. Below is a sample of the entire report. There’s much more where that came from so go check out the source.
  • DEs Justin Tuck (foot) and Osi Umenyiora (hip), WRs Plaxico Burress (ankle), Amani Toomer (leg), Mario Manningham (groin) and David Tyree (knee/PUP), LBs Zak DeOssie (back) and Gerris Wilkinson (knee/PUP), CB Sam Madison (sports hernia), RT Shane Olivea and S Craig Dahl (knee) did not practice.
  • There we go again: first play of team drills was a bomb. Again from QB Eli Manning to WR Domenik Hixon. Great tackle on the play by CB Aaron Ross. Too bad it was way before the ball got there. That’s a 40-yard pass interference penalty on Ross.
  • QB Anthony Wright and WR Michael Jennings hooked up for deep in.
  • WR Craphonso Thorpe got the crowd excited with a spinning, toe-tapping catch on a fade to the left side from Wright. Dockery was in coverage on the play.
  • Hall ran a nice route to catch a hook from QB Andre’ Woodson in front of Webster. Hall later went deep on Pope, but the ball from Wright was overthrown and out of bounds.
• Mike Garafolo assembled an in-depth 8/3 evening practice report also worth checking out. Below is a sample of the entire report. There’s much more where that came from so go check out the source.
  • WRs Plaxico Burress (ankle), Steve Smith (groin), David Tyree (knee/PUP) and Mario Manninghan (groin), LBs Gerris Wilkinson (knee/PUP) and Danny Clark (sports hernia), CB Sam Madison (sports hernia) and OT Shane Olivea (back) did not practice..
  • CB Corey Webster would have none of WR Domenik Hixon catching a fade on the left side. He stayed all over Hixon and knocked the ball away. Webster also stayed stride for stride on a go from QB David Carr to WR Sinorice Moss. Webster had such good position it almost looked like he was the intended receiver. Webster knocked it away for a PD.
  • Hixon ran a perfect comeback to get separation from CB R.W. McQuarters and make a diving catch. McQuarters bounced back with a PD a few plays later when WR Craphonso Thorpe ran the same pattern.
  • LB Chase Blackburn keeps making plays. I mean, this guy couldn’t get a job after the draft a few years ago and now he’s a steady backup in my mind. Tonight, he stayed with Boss on a post into the end zone and wrestled with him to grab a ball from Wright for an INT.
  • WR Brandon London made his first nice grab in a few days on a skinny post over CB Kevin Dockery. Not a bad ball at all from Woodson. London then did a great job of accelerating to at least get his hands on a deep incompletion from Manning. The ball was overcooked and I didn’t think London had a prayer of getting there, but he dove and almost made the catch after getting past CB Terrell Thomas.
• Plaxico Burress did some light running for the first time since training camp.

Big Blue Blog

• Paul Schwartz assembled his own morning practice notes. Below is a sample of his notes, but there are not too many more.
  • On Manning’s second pass, Ross made another aggressive play, storming in to bat away a pass in the flat. Unfortunately for Ross, the ball was picked out of the air by RB Derrick Ward for a completion.
  • David Carr could not have thrown a better pass on a deep toss to Sinorice Moss, who had a step on two rookies, S Kenny Phillips and CB Terrell Thomas. The ball floated down perfectly to Moss … who watched as it slid right through his arms and to the grass. Moss looked up to the sky in bewilderment.
  • TE Kevin Boss, who has caught virtually everything thus far in camp, could not make the grab on a lunging attempt from Manning over the middle.

Inside the Giants

• Tom Rock believes that Sinorice Moss is basically playing for his Giants career in this camp so he’s been under the microscope this first week and a half. That means every drop is written about, and to be fair, there have been a lot of them. Moss had a pretty good practice tonight.

The Blue Screen

• Mike Garafolo put together another morning report and another evening report.

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Keith Kidd of Scouts Inc. ranked the Wide Receiving Corps for all NFL teams. The New York Football Giants ended up being No. 11 on the list. Here’s Kidd’s analysis…

Plaxico Burress was dominant last season despite struggling with injuries. Burress is a huge, athletic receiver with long arms and physical play strength. He has good hands, can out-jump defenders downfield and is valuable in the red zone. Amani Toomer is a solid possession receiver with outstanding experience. He is a good route-runner with good catching skills and can be effective in the short and intermediate areas. Steve Smith displayed good receiving skills late in 2007 after dealing with injuries throughout his rookie season. Sinorice Moss has been disappointing in his development but David Tyree was amazing in the Super Bowl. Tyree is a solid No. 4/5 receiver with tremendous value on special teams coverage units. Incoming rookie Mario Manningham could be a steal as a third-round pick, depending on how he matures and learns the Giants’ complicated offense.

I consider that to be one of the most accurate analyses that I’ve read in a while.

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Over at CBSSportsline, Pete Prisco released the third and final part of his Breakout Players list for 2008. Atop the list is Bengals Tackle Stacy Andrews. The only Giant to make the list was Wide Receiver Steve Smith, and here’s what Prisco wrote about him…

After missing 11 games in his rookie season with an injury, Smith had 14 catches in the postseason to emerge as an important part of the Giants’ run to the Super Bowl. Watch for him to become a factor in the middle of the field for the Giants’ offense in 2008, possibly catching as many as 60 passes.

Obviously, I believe that Smith will have the opportunity to become more involved in the offense in ‘08. The only thing I don’t like about Smith is his size. He’s 5′ 11″ and weighs in at 195 which is a heavier version of me. I do believe that the Giants have a good mix in size and ability when it comes to their Receivers. Smith had a lot more success in the Playoffs when Eli hit him over the middle and a little bit on the sidelines. During the Regular Season, the Giants were using Smith as the home run guy which didn’t work out too well. Now that Kevin Gilbride knows how to use Smith effectively, we should expect better out of him. At the same time, the more touches he gets the more the opposition will focus on him. His size may make it easier for the opposition to handle him unlike somebody like Plaxico.

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Everything should be smooth and calm in Giants land after they are coming off of a Super Bowl Victory.  However, the Jints still have some clowns to deal with.  The media has been speculating all week as to whether or not Shockey would show up to the mandatory mini camp.  He has, but he’s not participating.  He’s the only injured player not participating.  Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger wrote this, “When asked if there was a reason Shockey wasn’t on the field, Coughlin said, “Well, not really.” Asked if he was supposed to be on the field, Coughlin said it would remain “between Shockey and I.”"  It seems like I get more and more pissed off everytime Shockey does something stupid, which is pretty often.  He really needs to figure it all out.  Even after not playing for a while, he still hasn’t matured.  The other clown is Burress who all of a sudden is holding out from mandatory mini camp.  Simply put, he wants a contract extension.  Does he deserve a raise?  It can be justified.  He had a great year last season on one leg.  He was huge in the NFC Championship game and he caught the game winning touch down in the Super Bowl.  At the same time, he was underachieving prior to last season.  He had one great year and a couple of subpar years.  He’s asking for the extension after the great year.  It would be funny if teams asked players for a refund after the subpay years.  Anyway, his request can be justified.  However, I don’t understand the holdout.  You signed the contract so show up and play.  Let your agent do his job.  Honor your conract whether they grant you your request or not.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reported that some of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII rings were stolen some time last weekend.  Thieves broke into an E.A. Dion Jewelry store in Attleboro, MA., and took about $2 million worth of merchandise.  The police are currently investingating the situation.

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com takes a look at soon-to-be third year wideouts to unearth potential sleepers in the world of fantasy football.  Fabiano made a list of 10 receivers, and Steve Smith made the list.  This was Fabiano’s analysis:

While he missed much of the regular season with an injured shoulder, the “other” Steve Smith did make his presence felt throughout the Giants’ postseason run. With some NFL experience under his belt and a more confident Eli Manning under center, Smith could develop into one of the better No. 3 wideouts in the league. He will have to contend with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, but Smith still has the potential to catch 50-plus passes in 2008.

Giants.com:

Strahan goes out on top

Reaction to Strahan retirement - A compilation of excerpts from various people in the NFL.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen had a Q&A Session with Tom Coughlin about the first day of the mandatory mini camp.

Papa’s Perspective (Video) - Giants Play by Play Announcer Bob Papa will give his latest thoughts on Strahan’s Giants career.

Coach Tom Coughlin Presser - (Video) - Coughlin introduced Strahan in the Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 1 (Video) - Part 1 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 2 (Video) - Part 2 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 3 (Video) - Part 3 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Giants GM Jerry Reese (Video) - Jerry Reese answers questions from the media about Strahan.

Giants President John Mara (Video) - John Mara answers questions from the media about Strahan.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 1 (Video) - Strahan talks about his early childhood memories up through his rookie season in 1993 playing with L.T.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 2 (Video) - Strahan discusses offensive formations.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 3 (Video) - Strahan teaches viewers a few of his moves as a Defensive End.

Newsday:

Strahan makes retirement official

Some famous un-retirements - Babara Barker wonders if Strahan is serious about his retirement and made a list of 10 athletes that came out of retirement.

Giants lose a leader in Strahan

Strahan blessed to go out as Super Bowl champ

New York Daily News:

Plaxico: No new contract, no minicamp - Ralph Vacchiano reported that Plaxico Burress is holding out from mandatory mini camp until he gets a new contract.

Michael Strahan retires after Hall of Fame career with the Giants

Without Michael Strahan, road to repeat will be tougher for Giants

Jerry Reese at ready with Giant plan

Michael Strahan gets push for Hall of Fame from co-owner John Mara

New York Post:

TRUE BLUE MIKE ‘A GIANT FOR LIFE’

A STRA DOG, BUT WITH PERSONALITY

WITHOUT NO. 92, SOME ENOURMOUS SHOES TO FILL

RING-ING IN A NEW CAREER - Phil Simms had this to say about Strahan as he heads into his broadcasting career, “Michael Strahan’s naturally a very outgoing guy. He’s a lot of fun. He’s a professional athlete who’s had tremendous success. He’s somebody who can succeed in television, no question. He’ll bring his perspective and I think we all know he’s not gonna be afraid to speak about it.”

ELI: GOAL TO GET BETTER, NOT REPEAT - Eli Manning stated, “We’ve said we’re not going to talk about repeating or doing that, just becoming a better team. We have a lot of work to do. You look at a lot of things from last year that we did not do well. From an offensive standpoint, there’s a lot of things.”

STRAHAN LEAVES AS A CHAMPION

New York Times:

Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time

Manning Says the Focus Is on Improving

Super Bowl Ring in Hand, Strahan Says He’s Retiring

The Star-Ledger:

And then there’s Shockey… - The Star-Ledger snapped a picture of Shockey.

Rosenhaus on Shockey and Burress - Mike Garafolo provided the brief conference Drew Rosenhaus just had about Shockey and Burress.  As usual, Rosenhaus had nothing to say about either one of them.  Think back to T.O.

More from Plax Pt. 2

More from Plax Pt. 1

Burress sitting out in contract dispute

Shockey’s in Jersey, but not practicing

Strahan’s last play: A glittering goodbye

Strahan played for passion, fans

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Do you remember what Tony Romo said after the Giants beat the Cowboys in the Divisional Playoffs?  I do, and you can go to the archives and check it out.  Romo said that the Giants were the best team they faced all season.  That was in a season where they played the Giants 3 times and the Patriots 1 time.  So he knew what he was talking about.

Since the Giants had 6 Championships and the Cowboys had 5 Championship, I was so happy that the Giants knocked out the Cowboys who were the NFC favorites to go to the Super Bowl.  If the Cowboys aren’t in then they cannot win it.  So the Cowboys still have 5, and the Giants have 7 which gives them some buffer room.

 The White House Awaits - Michael Eisen reported that John Mara was invited to the White House.  At the bottom of the article, Eisen included some notes about the post-Super Bowl news conference that Tom Coughlin held.

The Brothers Manning - When Peyton Manning went into the Giants locker following Super Bowl XLII to meet up with Eli, Michael Eisen reveals what happened.

Newsday:

Giants living the dream after Super Bowl upset

David Tyree’s fame is catching

Name the Eli Manning-David Tyree pass - That’s something I’ve been thinking about, but haven’t come up with a name yet.  The article allows readers to submit a name by filling out a form.

Eli enjoys ultimate moment

Worth the wait for Accorsi

Caterer picks up tab for 150 Super Bowl parties

For some fans, long wait to buy Giants gear - I don’t understand why Giants fans don’t already have the gear and need to purchase it after they win the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLII sets ratings records

Long Island schools: Parade day won’t be excused - Andrew Scharff reported that any Giants fans from Long Island schools that attend the Victory Parade will have an unexcused absense.  How is that different than any other day?  Why is that even a story?

Belichick’s early exit shows he has no class - It really did, and so was his postgame press conference after an 18-0 season.

Burress almost didn’t play - Good thing he did.

Giants revitalized themselves into champions - Once the Giants got through the NFC, you have to go all out even if the team you are playing against is 18-0.  The reason is because you never know when you will get back to the Super Bowl.

City hosts Super Bowl parade and Super Tuesday

Show the Giants there’s no place like home

Giants fan, young son headed to ticker parade

Like Giants, Fox proud of its super effort

Mara calls it Giants’ greatest victory

Knicks fans cheer Giants at Garden - Knicks fans have to root for somebody.  Jim Dolan and Isiah Thomas don’t give anything to root for.

Five offseason questions that Giants must answer - Arthur Staple takes you through them.

Bush up late, calls early

Travel delays ruin visits for Eli

Patriots’ defense showed its age - The defense was the weakness of the Patriots all season so that’s not a shock.

Giants finally get the parade they deserved - Joe Gergen says that the Giants finally get the parade they deserve as they will march down the canyon of heroes again.  The Giants did not win a Super Bowl in the Super Bowl era until Super Bowl XXI which was after they moved to New Jersey, and they were not allowed to have a parade in NYC even though they are the second oldest team in NYC and playing so many years in NYC.

Boston’s Super Bowl loss is city charities’ gain - Boston is better off giving food away to the have nots than the haves.

Giants end New York sports title drought - And for the first time since 1994, it was one of my teams when the Rangers finally won the Stanley Cup after 54 years.  Jim Baumbach pointed out that there hasn’t been a New York sports championship since October, 2000.  Baumbach also pointed out that this seven-year, three-month drought was the longest drought in New York in almost 90 years.

New York Daily News:

New York throws Giant ticker-tape parade worthy of Super Bowl champs

After beating Patriots, repeat already has nice ring to champion Giants - Sounds good to me…

Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning reap sweet rewards following rocky times

Bill Belichick’s early exit from field gives media something to talk about

Giants return, ready to party

Giants ready for Heroes’ welcome

Eli Manning’s Super Bowl performance makes him a household name - Imagine that…Do you think new parents will consider naming their son Eli?

Giants’ victory is upset for the ages - Hank Gola wrote up a great story about the New England Patriots dynasty, or lack there of.  He pointed out that, in the past, when teams that were considered dynasties reached the Super Bowl, they won and won big.  He said that this Patriot team barely won three Super Bowls, and lost the other night.  I would like to add to that.  I still disqualify the 2001 Super Bowl because of the Tuck Rule in the AFC Championship game.  They really lost to the Raiders so it should’ve been Raiders-Rams in the Super Bowl.  So I only really give the Patriots 2 Super Bowls this decade even though the NFL made up a rule in the AFC Championship game to give them another opportunity at one.

Top five Super Bowls of all time - Hank Gola gives what he thinks are the top 5 Super Bowls.

Giants’ wild ride to the top

Like Bill Belichick’s system, Patriots’ legacy ends up far from perfect

Montclair HS cheers alum David Tyree after circus grab helps stun Patriots

Giants still in awe of Eli Manning-to-David Tyree miracle catch

Giant merchandise flying off shelves

Ernie Accorsi, who drafted Eli Manning, feels Super for Giant quarterback

Steve Smith’s Super performance just the beginning for the rookie

Pickin’ Patriots proves Super

5 plays that changed Super Bowl XLII

Giants will let Steve Spagnuolo interview with Redskins - It had to happen eventually.  Good thing Spags brought us a ring first.

Justin Tuck’s in dream world - We knew Tuck signed the huge contract extention and just won a Super Bowl, but he is also getting married according to Ohm Youngmisuk.

Michael Strahan talks repeat to Justin Tuck, mum on retirement questions - Strahan and Tuck better hope Spags comes back to lead the defense to a Super Bowl.

Money well spent, Giant fans fly back to toast Big Blue at final party

New York eateries, bars also score big

New Yorkers revel at Boston’s expense

Tom Brady’s personal passing guru says ankle had impact on performance - If it was that big of a deal then the Pats should’ve put in their backup.

Wait till next year: Patriots promise to come back strong

President Bush calls after Giant win

Stations join Giant effort for parade

Super Bowl scores historic ratings

New York Post:

NOBODY’S PERFECT

ACCORSI ALWAYS BELIEVED

COUGHLIN’S WINS OF CHANGE

AMAZING FEET

SUPER POWERS

BLUE DYNASTY?

A WANTED MAN - is Steve Spagnuolo.

PATS HAVE QUESTIONS, NO ANSWERS - In this article, Mark Cannizzaro referred to the Patriots as Mike Tyson and the Giants as Buster Douglas.  It was funny.

GIANT JOURNEY REACHES END

TOOMER: TYREE CATCH PROOF OF GIANT DESIRE

THE RIDE

THE REASONS - Mike Vaccaro listed 42 reasons why the Giants upset the Patriots.

THE BRADY CRUNCH

THE BLUE CREW

THE PLAY

TYREE GRABS HISTORY AND HOLDS ON TIGHT

THE MANN

THE MIRACLE - Paul Schwartz says that the Giants proved that nobody’s perfect and nothing’s impossible.

New York Times:

An Imperfectly Good Question: What to Do Now?

Their Status Preserved, Dolphins Breathe Easy

TV Audience Sets N.F.L. Record

The Star-Ledger:

Meadowlands hosts Giants celebration

Meadowlands hosts Giants celebration

Giants Parade Slideshow

NY Giants celebrated in NYC

Tyree’s catch makes SI cover - The Star-Ledger Staff included an image of the SI cover in the article.  Sports Illustrated got a great shot of the catch.

David Tyree shows some Montclair love

Canyon of Heroes is lined in Big Blue

Ticker-tape lures NY Giants’ Jersey fans to NYC

Sentiment flows on the Canyon of Heroes for NY Giants

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So many Giants contributed to that win last night so Die Hard Giants Fan would like to give props to the entire team and coaching staff.  That was one of the most memorable Super Bowls ever witnessed.  They G-MEN took down the machine.  The Big Blue Wrecking Crew jacked up Brady for 4 quarters.  They brought the Lombardi Trophy to New York.  They played like old school smashmouth football last night.  I thought it would be a low scoring game, but I thought the score would be similar to the Giants - Packers game…low 20’s not in the teens.

Plaxico Burress backed up his mouth.  Do you remember when the Giants came off the plane in Phoenix dressed in black?  At the time, the Giants said they did that because they were on a ‘buiseness trip’.  Later on in the week, rumors began circling and it was said that the Giants were going to the ‘Patriots funeral’.  Who knows what their real intentions were, but the Giants gave the Pats their funeral.

This is a great day for Giants fans…It doesn’t happen often so enjoy it.  It’s been 17 years since they were crowned.  The Giants won their 3rd Super Bowl since the Super Bowl era.  It is their 7th NFL Championship since the inception of the NFL.  They remain in 3rd place all time in titles behind Green Bay and Chicago.

 Transcript: QB Eli Manning - Eli Manning answers questions about winning Super Bowl XLII and being named MVP.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Tom Coughlin answers questions about winning Super Bowl XLII.

News, Notes, and Statistics - Michael Eisen compiled some fun stats, and here is a few of them.

The Giants won their sixth title game and seventh championship overall. They won NFL championship games in 1934, 1938 and 1956, plus the two Super Bowls. The Giants also won the NFL in 1927, before championship games were played.

The No. 5 Giants are the lowest-seeded NFC team to win the Super Bowl since the NFL began seeding teams in 1990. The previous low was a second-seeded team. In the AFC, sixth-seeded Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl two years.

The Giants are just the third team to win the Super Bowl after starting the season 0-2. The others were the 1993 Dallas Cowboys and the 2001 Patriots.

The Giants have 11 rookies on their active roster, a record for a Super Bowl winner. Several of those first-year players - including Aaron Ross, Steve Smith, Kevin Boss, Ahmad Bradshaw, Jay Alford and Zak DeOssie – made key contributions in the game.

The Giants’ defense was superb, holding the Patriots far below their season averages in several categories, including points (the Patriots averaged almost 37 a game in the regular season, but scored 14 in the Super Bowl); yards (New England averaged 411.3 yards a game, but totaled only 274 in the Super Bowl); rushing yards (the Pats averaged 115.6 in the regular season and 147 in their first two postseason games, but settled for only 45 against the Giants and did not have a run longer than nine yards). Tom Brady, who was sacked 24 times in 18 previous games (1.3 a game) was sacked five times in the Super Bowl.

Tom Coughlin became the 26th different head coach to win a Super Bowl, and the second to win one with the Giants (Bill Parcells won two). At 1-0, Coughlin is the 17th coach with an unblemished Super Bowl record.

Manning was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after completing 19 of 34 for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception that caromed off Steve Smith’s hands. It was the 22nd time in Super Bowl history a quarterback was named MVP. Peyton Manning was last year’s Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 247 yards and one touchdown.

Zak DeOssie and his father Steve DeOssie, a linebacker/long snapper who started for the Giants in their victory over Buffalo in Super Bowl XXXV, became the first father/son combination to win Super Bowls with the same team. The DeOssies are the 10th father-son tandem to reach the Super Bowl, and the first to play for the same team.

Giants are World Champions! - Michael Eisen tells you all about the Giants winning Super Bowl XLII.

Newsday:

Giants stun Patriots to win Super Bowl

Bleary-eyed Eli still reliving upset

Magical Giants can’t be stopped

Giants’ win ranks among NY’s best - Jim Baumbach goes through the list and raises questions about them.

Giants-Patriots most-watched Super Bowl ever

MVP Eli outduels Golden Boy Brady - Johnette Howard included this quote from Plaxico Burress, “They’re definitely better than us, but on any given day, on any given Sunday, anything can happen.  Any team can beat anybody.  So why not us?”

How the Giants shocked the Patriots - Bob Glauber broke down how the Jints won Super Bowl XLII.

Vindicated Eli wins Super Bowl MVP - I have something to say here.  I was the most excited person ever when Ernie Accorsi traded Philip Rivers for Eli Manning.  At that point in time, I said that if the Eli is half as good as Peyton, the Giants could win a Super Bowl because of all the talent around him.  Eli has played great the first 8 games of each season, but bad the last 8 games of each season.  I disowned him after the Buffalo loss in Week 16.  I knew that he had to play a big game if they were going to stop the Patriots from going 16-0.  The Giants lost 38-35, but Eli played great.  He played good in Tampa Bay.  He played good in Dallas.  He played great in Green Bay…and most importantly, he played great in the Super Bowl.  He won the Super Bowl for the New York Giants and he was named MVP.  And I rocked my dirty, stinky Manning jersey since Week 17.  So, I’m sorry Eli.  This is how a player that isn’t the best at their position can help their team win in the Playoffs, which is very unlike Alex Rodriguez.  I brought that up because I remember a lot of people saying that Eli Manning as the quarterback of the New York Giants was as big as A-Rod, and I couldn’t believe it because A-Rod is supposedly the best player in baseball and Eli Manning was not at the beginning of the season.  Imagine what winning the Super Bowl and being named MVP will do between that popularity contest now.  Eli Manning is now untouchable.  He doesn’t have to play well anymore.  He earned it.

Super Bowl ads show off offers you can’t refuse

Giants’ Tyree makes catch of a lifetime - That play was the greatest play that I’ve ever seen in a Super Bowl.  From Eli Manning escaping two sacks and airing it out to David Tyree who made the catch where he had to bring the ball down to his helmet to get control.  Tyree had two defenders hanging on him.  The down was 3rd and 5, and 1:15 remaining in the game.  Jim Baumbach did a great job describing the play and included a number of quotes about the play from Coaches to players.

Notes: Iraq vet Gadson inspires Giants - Lt. Col. Greg Gadson has been an inspiration for the Giants all season long.  He was nominated as one of the Honory Captains for the NFC Championship game.  His story is a horrible, and God bless him!

‘Wow!’ for Fox’s booth, too - Neil Best wrote about how FOX was reacting during the game, and the most commonly used term by various commentators at various moments was ‘Wow!’.

Patriots’ defense lets it slip away - What wins championships?  That’s right, defense?  Bill Belichick was able to win 3 championships in 4 years because they had great defenses.  This year, the Patriots had the best offense which wasn’t enough to win a championship.  The Giants had the best defense and it resembled when the Patriots won their first championship against the heavily favored Rams.

Giants victory parade planned for Tuesday - Justin Rocket Silverman and Jamshid Mousavinezhad were able to get the details of the victory parade, and here they are “Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said that the parade would begin at Battery Park at 11 a.m. From there it will proceed northbound in the Financial District–along the traditional ‘Canyon of Heroes’ route–to Chambers Street.”.

Patriots’ line can’t protect Brady - It seemed like the D-Line wanted to see who can get to Brady the fastest on every single gown.  5 sacks and all of them were hanging on Brady the entire game.  From Tuck, to Strahan, to Umenyiora, to Alford, to Cofield.  The D-line manhandled the Pats O-Line.  The Giants knocked Brady down 19 times on top of the 5 sacks.

Most Giants fans have no problem wearing Tiki jersey - Jim Baumbach included quotes from Giants fans about why they wore a Tiki jersey, and here’s a quote from the article: “There’s one simple reason why I’m wearing this jersey, the only reason the Giants are in the Super Bowl right now is because Tiki Barber left the team.”.  I agree that the reason the G-MEN won the Super Bowl is because Tiki retired, but I’m still not wearing his jersey.

Giants fan rediscovers how to “always believe”

For fans, it’s screams and tears - Bart Jones and Brandon Bain tell you how the Giants fans reacted at the Brickhouse Brewery in Patchogue.

New York Daily News:

Eli Manning, David Tyree show why Giants are Super this night - That was on the game winning drive, but don’t forget about Kevin Boss catching that 40-yard pass which set up a go ahead TD.

Giants stun Patriots to win Super Bowl

Giants win over Patriots most-watched Super Bowl

When the heat was on, Eli Manning kept Giants, self cool - That’s why they call him ‘Easy’.

Plaxico Burress puts money where mouth is with winning TD

Super brothers Eli, Peyton Manning in league of their own - Just imagine what Archie Manning was thinking after Eli was named Super Bowl MVP one year after Peyton was named Super Bowl MVP.  It’s really amazing if you think about it.

It’s an early exit for Bill Belichick - Bill Belichick didn’t even wait until the clock struck 0:00.

Giants pass rush too much for Tom Brady, Patriots to handle - That sums it up in a sentence.

Big rush to endorse cheating - Bob Raissman put together a good piece here.

David Tyree catches on in Super way - David Tyree made one of the best catches in sports history.  Gotta tip my cap to him.

Giants coaches outclass the masters - Do you think Bill Belichick was wishing Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crennel were there?  I’m just saying.

Patriots are ’shocked, heartbroken’ - I don’t care about the Patriots either.

Wait for ring is finally over for Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer - I’m very happy for Amani Toomer because he’s a classy guy, but I could care less for Michael Strahan because he belongs in jail rather than on a football field.  Toomer reflects what the Giants organization is all about, and Strhan reflects what the Bengals organization is all about.  I’m still waiting for Strahan to retire.

Tom Brady all bunched up

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman make right calls - Buck and Aikman actually weren’t bad last night.  They even pointed out the obvious on the final drive about Manning having success in the 2:00 drill when they use the no-huddle offense.

It’ll be Jags-Cowboys in Super Bowl XLIII - Gary Meyers is quick to make his Super Bowl XLIII predictions.

‘72 Dolphins still alone in perfection

Sen. Specter to call Roger Goodell about latest SpyGate report - God came through in this game because he righted the SpyGate situation just like he righted the pinetar situation when the Cardinals beat the Tigers in the World Series.  In both instances, the respective league did not handle the situation properly but higher powers made it all right.

Ellis Hobbs is a paper tiger - Rich Cimini pointed out how Ellis Hobbs talked smack all week and then got burned on the final play by Plaxico Burress who was the other one talking smack all week.

For Giants fans, a perfect night!

Giants Super Bowl XLII win over Patriots is one for the ages

Boston taverns packed, but full of losers

Greg Gadson inspires Giants to title

Happy mob swarms through Times Square as faithful surf on cars

Spagnuolo’s scheme outdoes Belichick - Just like Bill Belichick out coached Marv Levy in Super Bowl XXV.  This was the greatest upset that I’ve ever witnessed, but I’m not old enough to have watched the Jets upset the Colts.  So Steve Spanuolo now has a Super Bowl on his resume, and it is extremely likely that he will take a Head Coach position next year.  It will probably be with the Redskins.  I want to thank him for his efforts in getting the defense to gel to the point that they became World Champions.  The problem is that the defense was the biggest reason that the Giants won the Super Bowl, and it is unlikely that the Jints will have similar success in future years without him.  If he goes to the Redskins, then the Giants, Redskins, and Eagles will be using the same defense which is strange.

Plaxico Burress eyes relaxation time

Tom Coughlin focuses on positive

New York Post:

GIANT PIECE OF HISTORY

JEREMY SHOCKEY ON SIDELINES AT SUPE - I don’t know what the Giants should do with Jeremy Shockey.  I do know that the Giants have to get Shockey to buy into the team concept, and the Giants need to get Shockey to practice in New York.  He needs to bow down to Eli in the huddle.

TERRIFIC TYREE HELPS JINTS CATCH SUPER DREAM

PLAX COMES UP BIG WHEN IT COUNTS - Plaxico Burress is another one that I used to bash prior to the 2007 season because he wouldn’t play until the whistle blew.  In years past, I was correct in my assessment about him but he was a new man in 2007.  He played hurt every game, he barely practiced this years, and I heard him mention that having a child made him change his perspective in life.  So hopefully we won’t see Burress revert to the old Plax.

ELI DELIVERS A PERFECT ENDING

UN-’D'-LIEVABLE

TUCKS, SPAGS, ENJOY PLENTY OF SACK-NESS - Justin Tuck also had an outstanding game.  In Week 17, the O-Line of the Patriots had a lot of success against the bookends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, but Justin Tuck kept coming up the middle and knocking Brady around.  In Super Bowl XLII, The Patriots O-Line wasn’t able to stop the pass rush from any angle.  The Giants D-Line manhandled the Pats O-Line, and Tuck had another great game against the Patriots.  Good thing the Giants already locked him up or 5 years.

AMAZING MARCH - Mike Vaccaro takes you through Eli Manning’s game winning drive in Super Bowl XLII.

HISTORIC FOOTNOTE - Mark Cannizzaro wants to know what 18-0 means now?  I’m still saying who cares about the Patriots.

BELL TOLLS AT LAST FOR BELICHICK

NOT ENOUGH TOM - Jay Greenberg pointed out that Tom Brady fell short in the biggest game of his career.

STUD & DUD - Mark Cannizzaro and Paul Schwartz describe the performance of Eli Manning and Bill Belichick.

ELI HEAPS PRAISE ON COUGHLIN

STRAHAN, TOOMER FINALLY GET THEIR RINGS

O-NO, BRADY’S SACK & BLUE

HOBBS NOT A SUPERHERO

NO SUPER ENDING FOR PATRIOTS’ MOSS

WELKER SHINES IN LOSS - Wes Welker was one of the only Patriots that shined.  He had 11 receptions which tied an NFL record, and tying an NFL record in the Super Bowl should earn you the MVP award.  But, I’m a Giants fan so I’m biased and happy that Eli won it.

PATS’ VET: PERFECT LETDOWN - Jay Greenberg is referring to Richard Seymour.

SMITH’S BIG DAY - Rookie Steve Smith stepped up big time also.  The Giants had so many players step up.

COUGHLIN STIRS TEAM IN PEP TALK - Paul Schwartz recalls the Tom Coughlin speech on the eve of Super Bowl XLII.

SHAME GAME - George Willis says that SpyGate may leave the NFL in a dark place.

FOX GETS IT RIGHT ON SUPER NIGHT

BOSS’ BIG PLAY GETS JOB DONE - Finally an article about one of the biggest contributors of the game…rookie Kevin Boss.

GIANTS WIN ONE FOR ‘72 DOLPHINS - Even though the Dolphins were 1-15 in 2007, they should give the Giants their #1 Draft Pick for allowing the Fins to remain undefeated.

GIANT PARTY!

New York Times:

As the Giants’ Defense Holds Tough, the Patriots’ Crumbles

Change of Teams Changes Everything for Hixon

The Stubborn Voice of a Troubadour

Specter Appears on TV and Plans Follow-Up

‘Everybody’s a Giants Fan Tonight’

The Star-Ledger:

N.Y. Giants Steve Spagnuolo noncommittal on Washington Redskins interview - Spags stated that he wanted to wait until the party is over before deciding to interview for a Head Coach job.

Giants Stadium to host Super Bowl celebration in N.J. after NYC parade - According to Mark Mueller, the celebration will continue after the NYC party because Giants Stadium will host the NJ version at 4:00 pm.

PATH, NJ Transit add trains for NY Giants’ victory parade

Patriots’ perfect book yanked despite surge in orders

President Bush calls NY Giants to offer Super Bowl congratulations

Historic final drive leads NY Giants to Super Bowl XLII victory

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Super Bowl Weekend is creeping up on us.  It reality, these two weeks have seemed like forever and it isn’t even over yet.  I’d rather the NFL went back to playing one week after the Conference Championship game.  So much of nothing has occured.

People have continued to bet on the Jints, so the Giants are a 12 point underdog again rather than a 12 1/2 point underdog.  I still don’t see this game getting out of hand.  In Week 17, it was a shut out.  Neither team played good defense so I do think both teams will play better defense.  In the Playoffs, the Giants did not allow an excessive amount of points in any game.  Tampa Bay wasn’t a potent offense anyway so that doesn’t count.  Dallas was the 2nd most prolific offense this season and they did nothing.  Green Bay was a pretty high scoring team that put up 20 points.  So I do believe that both the Patriots and the Giants will play better defense than Week 17 because it’s the Super Bowl. 

 Transcript: RB Brandon Jacobs - Brandon Jacobs answers questions about the running game and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Michael Strahan - Michael Strahan answers questions about Steve Spagnuolo’s first year as the Defensive Coordinator and about how historical this game is no matter who the winner is.

Transcript: WR David Tyree - David Tyree answers questions about the special teams unit and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: QB Eli Manning - Eli Manning answers questions about his performance in the Playoffs and about Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Michael Strahan - Michael Strahan answers questions regarding the defensive game plan for Super Bowl XLII, the 2000 Giants team, and the 1986 Giants team.

Transcript: S Gibril Wilson - Gibril Wilson answers questions about the defense during the 2007 season and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: CB R.W. McQuarters - R.W. McQuarters answers questions about the secondary and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots Coach Bill Belichick - Bill Belichick answers questions extensively about NFL history and Super Bowl XLII.  Extensive answers are a rarity from Bill.

Transcript: WR Plaxico Burress - Plaxico Burress answers questions about his ankle, and his prediction, and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: WR Steve Smith - Steve Smith answers questions about his career.

Transcript: WR Amani Toomer - Amani Toomer answers questions about the changes Tom Coughlin has made and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: FB Madison Hedgecock - Madison Hedgecock answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DT Fred Robbins - Fred Robbins answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: S James Butler - James Butler answers questions about his performance in the 2007 season.

Transcript: LB Antonio Pierce - Antonio Pierce answers questions about the 2007 season.

Transcript: GM Jerry Reese - Jerry Reese answers questions about his impact as a GM.

Transcript: DT Barry Cofield - Barry Cofield answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: C Shaun O’ Hara - Shaun O’ Hara answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Osi Umenyiora - Osi Umenyiora answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.  Apparently, Tom Coughlin handed out more shirts with the motto “Talk is Cheap, Play the Game” because things were getting out of hand down there.  This is Osi’s response:

I think so.  I got mine and I’m wearing mine and this is my motto from here on out.  As a matter of fact, I want to apologize to (Patriots OT) Matt Light for calling him a dirty player.  He’s really not a dirty player at all, I apologize, that’s my fault.  I’m sorry Matt Light, I didn’t mean anything by that.  I didn’t mean to cause a whole hoopla or ruckus, it was between me and you and we’ll see each other on Sunday.  I love you man.

Osi said he’s going to shut up, he apologized, and said he loved Matt Light.  What is that about?  Osi punked out.  This story is the reason why you should just say nothing.  Osi said Light was dirty, and now has to mend the issue.  It looks stupid so if you never say anything then you won’t look like a punk.

Transcript: CB Aaron Ross - Aaron Ross answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots LB Mike Vrabel - Mike Vrabel answers questions regarding his versatility, Andre Tippett being voted in the Hall of Fame, and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots LB Junior Seau - Junior Seau answers questions about Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots QB Tom Brady - Tom Brady answers questions about his journey to this point and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots S Rodney Harrison - Rodney Harrison answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Tom Coughlin answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots WR Randy Moss - Randy Moss answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots G Logan Mankins - Logan Mankins answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Patriots Scouting Report - Michael Eisen breaks down the New England Patriots.

Duel Role - Michael Eisen goes in depth about the on-the-field and off-the-field relationship between Chris Snee and Tom Coughlin.

A New Look - Michael Eisen described the new look of Tom Coughlin.

Transcript: K Lawrence Tynes - Lawrence Tynes answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: CB Corey Webster - Corey Webster answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: LT David Diehl - David Diehl answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Michael Strahan - Michael Strahan answers questions on whether he’s contemplating retirement and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: LB Kawika Mitchell - Kawika Mitchell answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: RB Brandon Jacobs - Brandon Jacobs answers questions regarding the Playoffs and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Osi Umenyiora - Osi Umenyiora answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: LB Antonio Pierce - Antonio Pierce answers questions regarding his leadership role on the Giants and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi - Tedy Bruschi answers questions about his stroke recovery and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: OC Kevin Gilbride - Kevin Gilbride answers questions about the success of the 2007 season and Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: DE Justin Tuck - Justin Tuck answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: WR Amani Toomer - Amani Toomer answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Head Coach Tom Coughlin - Tom Coughlin answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: QB Eli Manning - Eli Manning answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: RT Kareem McKenzie - Kareem McKenzie answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots TE Ben Watson - Ben Watson answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick - Bill Belichick answer questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Transcript: Patriots RT Nick Kaczur - Nick Kaczur answers questions regarding Super Bowl XLII.

Newsday:

Focused Giants say they’ll be ready for Sunday

Strahan enjoys 2nd Super Bowl

Burress doesn’t back down from prediction

Bradshaw has given Giants an unexpected lift

Super Bowl surprises - Jim Baubach discusses how surprised he is by all of the Super Bowl hype.

Pats anything but blase about Super Bowl

How to beat the Patriots - Bob Glauber provides 5 ways that the Giants can use to try to beat the Patriots.

Giants see edge in having faced Patriots

Plaxico’s prediction draws mixed reviews

FOX’s pregame show will mix celebs with football - FOX continues to show us why they suck.  There is no reason for celebrities to be any part of a pregame show.  There is no reason for anybody to have to suffer by having to listen to Joe Buck broadcast a football or baseball game.

McQuarters, Madison mentors for Giants D-backs

McDaniels keeps Patriots’ offense running smoothly

Patriots’ Samuel could give Eli Manning fits - I’m very concerned about Asanti Samuel lurking in the secondary.  Samuel had a pick in Week 17, and he’s always getting interceptions in big spots.

Pepper Johnson not optimistic about race in NFL

Kinder, gentler Coughlin has boosted Giants’ morale

Patriots star wideout Moss has become team player - I was interested in knowing if Randy Moss would fit into the Patriots organization in September, but I guess Tom Rock wanted to reiterate that point.

Patriots love Belichick, and see softer side - Various Patriots admit that they are in love with Bill Belichick.

Giants, Patriots make this Super Bowl special

Giants are thrilled Feagles is still kicking - So am I.

Blog bite: Brady says Giants’ black suits ‘looked terrible’

Patriots coy about Brady’s ankle on injury report - The Patriots did not include Tom Brady’s ankle injury on the injury report, but they continued to leave him on the injury for his supposed shoulder injury.

Ex-Giant Bahr knows pressure, has faith in Tynes

New York Daily News:

Giants look to rush, rattle Tom Brady

Ohm’s Super Bowl Blog: Day 4

Scaling Mount Brady will be Giant task

Eli Manning will need to play like Phil Simms did on Super stage

Pats’ assistant Josh McDaniels likely to be candidate for head coaching jobs

Diary: Surrounded by cookie monsters

Fashion statement: Randy Moss fires back at dark-suited Giants

Plaxico Burress’ mouth runs late

Old Jets feel Super about Giants - That would be the 1968 Jets.

Jessica Simpson or Gisele Bundchen? Giants make their selections

Ben Roethlisberger high on Eli Manning

Don’t bother planning Patsies parade! Big Blue’s going to win it, faithful say

Giants’ Ruegamer honors Pat Tillman - Ohm Youngmisuk pointed out that Grey Ruegamer also went to Arizona State with Pat Tillman.  This is what Ruegamer throught about Tillman, “It’s kind of surreal to come back to Arizona.  It’s Super Bowl 42, that was Pat’s number in college. We are playing in (Arizona) where he played for the Cardinals and they have a memorial for him outside. So it is kind of weird.”

Madison Hedgecock a Giant blessing

Pepper Johns