The NFL couldn’t have picked a better match-up for Super Bowl XLVI (that’s 46 for people like me that struggle with Roman numerals after the number 10). Not only is it a rematch of a relatively recent Super Bowl that was decided in the last seconds, but also it contains two of the highest profile teams and quarterbacks the league has to offer.
If asked four years ago whether Manning would be Tom Brady’s archrival for the foreseeable future, most people who pay attention to professional football would probably have agreed with the comment. That said, most of those people would have been referring the older Manning not Eli. But given Peyton’s injury along with the simultaneous emergence of Eli as an elite quarterback, and the upcoming rematch of a game four years ago that thrust Eli onto the national scene, that is exactly what has happened.
Eli versus Tom. The Showdown. The “aw shucks” likeable guy from the first family of the NFL versus the 2000 sixth round draft pick (number 199) who will likely be regarded as the greatest quarterback to ever have strapped on a helmet, especially if he wins on February 5. The odds makers have the game at about a draw with a slight field goal advantage going to New England. Of course, the last time the two teams met in the Super Bowl the Patriots were two touchdown favorites and on a mission to complete a perfect season.
The problem back then? A tenacious Giants pass defense and a pimply-faced 26-year-old who made plays at the end of the game that still defy explanation and belief.
Back in 2007, Brady was sacked five times in the game, two times by Justin Tuck and once by Jay Alford, Michael Strahan and Kawika Mitchell. Beyond the sacks, though, Brady was running for his life all afternoon. Sure, most of the names of the Giants defensive line have changed, but their current mentality is even more ferocious with a greater skill level than it was in 2007. Just ask Alex Smith of the 49ers if the Giants can make a quarterback’s life scary, and Smith is a much more athletic scrambler than Brady. Tom Terrific better have his track shoes on.
And is there any Super Bowl series more replayed than Eli’s miraculous escape from the multiple grasps of Patriots defenders to throw David Tyree a ball that physics professors around the world still debate – the helmet had to have Velcro on it – there is no other explanation. And then Manning’s game clinching touchdown throw to Plaxico Burress assured Eli’s game MVP award and made his “clutchness” without question. Eli has been probably the most impressive quarterback in this season’s playoffs. But he needs to have one more outstanding performance for the Giants to win it all.
