Just Eli Being Eli

Heading into "Big game" XVLI, the New York football Giants were two and a half point dogs to the New England football Patriots. So when a 33 yard field goal from Lawrence Tynes pulled the G-men to within two points as time expired in the third quarter, the bookies nearly had it right. Unfortunately for Pats fans, the odds-makers fell 15 minutes short with their prediction.

Instead, the fourth quarter happened. Perhaps the most exciting six-point quarter in Superbowl history. It started with a turnover (those are always exciting) and finished with a hail Mary (also a very exciting play). But the game will probably be most remembered for Eli Manning's three minute drive that resulted in the most unwanted, game-winning touchdown in the history of American football (I know, that was the second superlative used in this paragraph alone). So I will give readers what they want... my take on the final 5 minutes of Superbowl XVLI.

After a failed third and 11 play, the Patriots punter, Zoltan Mesko - perhaps the greatest name for a punter of all time (new paragraph, new set of superlatives) - pinned the Giants deep on their own 12 yard line.

Then it was just Eli being Eli. A perfect throw deep down the left sideline, followed by perhaps the greatest catch in Superbowl history (okay, now I'm laying it on pretty thick but this is the first post. Deal with it!). Exhibiting superior body control, Mario Manningham made the grab and was forced out of bounds at midfield. Many thanks to Mr. Belichick. His coaches challenge allowed us all to watch that catch over and over again, in glorious high definition. The call on the field of a completed catch was upheld.

On first down, Eli took another shot down the field to Manningham that fell incomplete. But if at first you don't succeed, Eli, try - Manningham - again. On second and 10, Eli completed a short pass to Mario who turned up field for a 16 yard gain. Just for good measure, Manning completed his third pass of the drive to Manningham, but this time Rutgers' own Devin McCourty was up to the task, holding Mario to a two yard gain.

In four shotguns snaps the Giants had moved the ball 56 yards to the New England 32. Manning's next target was big number 88, Hakeem Nicks. Not to be left out, the former UNC standout made the grab and pushed up field for a 14 yard gain. On first and 10, from the I-formation, Ahmad Bradshaw powered between the tackles for seven yards. On Second down, Eli went through the air to Mr. Nicks, who was forced out of bounds but not before picking up the first down.

It was time to bleed the clock. New England was left with only two timeouts after the unsuccessful challenge and the Giants could convert a chip-shot field goal for the win. But Wild Bill had one last trick up his sleeve. After burning the Pat's second timeout with 1:04 remaining in the game, the Patriots defense appeared to allow Bradshaw a clear path to the end zone. It took number 44 five and a half yards to realize that something was amiss. But it was too late. Bradshaw stumbled into the end zone for the go-ahead score. Eli had orchestrated another mind-boggling fourth quarter drive that covered nine plays and 88 yards.

I'm not sure there was a single Giants fan who felt totally comfortable knowing that Tom Brady would get the ball with one timeout and 57 seconds left on the clock. The Patriots were able to move the ball to midfield (with the help of a 19 yard gain on fourth and 16), but would advance no further.

This was to be Eli's night. The youngest Manning earned his second Superbowl ring and second Superbowl MVP trophy; and subsequently became the greatest Eli to ever play American football. Maybe even the greatest Eli in America's great history, although Eli Whitney might have something to say about that. (you had to know I would end this post with one last superlative)