Giants/Patriots: Round III

Do you remember the last game of the 2008 NFL regular season, for the Giants and Patriots? This was when the Pats were still perfect. At 15-0, the Patriots took on the hungry Giants. Well, it was said that Eli followed in his brother's choking footsteps, by letting the game get away. Bill Belichick, in his signature rags, rejoiced as his team had gotten away with cheating their way to 16 wins. This was prior to the uncovering of his cameras at various teams' practice facilities. Although the Giants lost, they were still heading to the playoffs. Only this time, not hungry. But thirsty for revenge. Fast forward about 1 month. Now, following the Patriots' demolition of the Chargers, the Giants are celebrating Brett Favre's inability to return to the Super Bowl, with the help of Lawrence Tynes's clutch kicking. Two weeks later, arguably the best Super Bowl, ever, takes place in Arizona. The 4th quarter alone told a story in its own, in only one word...Tyree. After that, the once invincible Pats were excluded from the playoffs the next season and prematurely upset in the playoffs in the following years by the Ravens and Jets. The ever arrogant Tom Brady, is now out for revenge of his own. Both teams have changed immensely since the Pats' Arizona Armageddon. When David Tyree caught the fairy tale pass, Wes Welker was an unknown slot receiver, Plaxico Burress was still a role model for young fans, the Patriot defense was anchored by veterans like Asante Samuel, Richard Seymour, and Junior Seau, and Michael Strahan stood side by side with Justin Tuck. Eli Manning has faced immense criticism, while Tom Brady has been praised as a hero. Now, Eli has begun to turn his career around, and for the first time in his career, is no longer the butt of New York football fans' jokes and is gaining respect from everyone in the business. Today, the Giants will take on the not as mighty Pats, as they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive, heading into the last half of the season.