Because I live five hours ahead of the Eastern time zone, I cannot conceivably watch the late-night football games in their entirety. Let’s just say that I am not rabid enough a fan, and leave it at that. So for the second time in a row, I watched the first half of an important game until well after midnight, went to bed with the team that I was mildly rooting for unconvincingly ahead… and woke next morning to a Giant upset.
I admire how the Patriots put their team together (although I am disturbed by the on-going Spygate allegations) and I would have liked to witness an undefeated history – hence, my rooting in this Superbowl, – but I cannot help thinking that I personally have not seen their greatness this season: In every game of theirs that I chanced to watch, they produced a middling effort and squeaked by on stamina. The Giants, on the other hand, had an aura of destiny all over them in the last few weeks.
And – damn! – I had a stray thought before the game that putting some money on the Giants was a promising bet. Alas, I am not much into betting…
Oh well… Every time a New York team beats a Boston team, it is ultimately a happy occasion. Hope the Yankees take a hint…
[update at 4pm] I caught the fourth quarter replay while running on a treadmill at the gym, and I realize that at some point with less than two minutes to play, the Giants had in succession a near lost fumble, a near interception and then a near sack on third and long. The latter inexplicably turned into a circus catch by Tyree, which set the stage for another couple of botched plays, culminating with the touchdown on another third and long. Not exactly an emphatic performance, but perfectly in line with the resilient label.
The Patriots seemed to let it get away, further convincing me that their greatness was somewhat exaggerated.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole 4th quater. Granted anytime a New York team beats a Boston team, is a reason enough to celebrate, I thought that Giants handled themselves way better on the field than Pats. And the Giants defence is what Bears’ should have been last year. ALAS! In the true Chicago sports-fan fashion. There’s always next year.