Imperfect Giants Slay Perfect Pats

Otis Livingston, Sports Anchor

New England’s quest for perfection came up short, their date with destiny thwarted by the Giants defense. Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, and Antonio Pierce got after the golden boy Tom Brady. When they weren’t sacking him, they were getting extreme pressure on him. They hit him about 18 times Sunday night, far more than he’s been hit in any one game this season.

The atmosphere inside the University of Phoenix Stadium was off the charts. Every time the Giants made a play it appeared the roof would come off. With each passing moment, The Patriot fans worried more and more. You could see their confident swagger begin to leave the building.

That’s when I knew we had a great ballgame on our hands. Brady looked concerned and yelled at his receivers. It gave you a gut feeling the Pats would have a long day. The usually calm, cool, collected Brady was rattled. I guess getting smashed into the University of Phoenix turf over and over again will do that to an MVP.

I still can’t believe the Giants pulled off one of the largest upsets in Super Bowl history. It’s 2:30 a.m. back in New York. I’m about to hit the sack for about an hour before the morning show and I’m numb. I’m not willing to believe there will be a parade down the “Canyon of Heroes” in two days!

These guys are really heroes. They did the unthinkable. Against all hope they slayed the New England dragon. On a selfish note, my 1972 Miami Dolphins are still the only team to go undefeated through an entire season. Thanks Giants!

Thoughts On Giants – Pats

Granted it was against the Patriots’ second-team defense, but the Giants offense looked very efficient on Thursday night’s first drive of the game.

Manning found the open guys – unfortunately 2 balls were dropped. Shockey finished the drive with four catches for 47 yards. Stay healthy this year Shock!

Mixed reviews on the first drive for Anthony Mix. He’s got to hold on to that ball when he knows he’s going to get hit. The way I see it, you’re going to get hit anyway, might as well have the first down with the pain. Easier said than done, I know, but I don’t get paid to hold on to those balls.

Jacobs looked strong again – glad he got in for the touchdown. I’m a little bothered that it took 5 plays for the Giants to get in on first and goal. That’s been their problem for a while – red zone efficiency.

I like the Giants out of a three tight-end set – a lot of things can come from it – run, pass, play action….

…Alright I’m going to say it – for being billed a disciplinarian, Tom Coughlin seemingly does very little to enforce punishment for personal foul penalties. I’ve been watching on and off for the last 25 minutes as I am covering news for WNBC.com, and that’s the third personal foul penalty called on the Giants. You’ve got to be kidding me. If I’m a head coach, I don’t care who you are – if you commit a stupid personal foul (i.e. – hitting a guy after the play is dead) you’re coming out of the game and you’re getting a fine. Too many times in 2006 the Giants shot themselves in the foot with stupid, stupid penalties like this. It’s got to stop…

…On a lighter note, nice to see Vinny Testaverde in a jersey for another year. Think he’s got a shot at starting for the Jets this year? Ouch. Yes, Jim Scott, I went there…

…I absolutely love what I just saw from Jared Lorenzen…Reuben Droughns just broke free on a handoff and Jared Lorenzen ran out ahead of him and threw a lead block…stupid, but I love the intensity…Glad to know that if Manning goes down, we’ve got a guy who really wants to kick some butt!…