Super Bowl XLVI: Patriots vs. Giants

The sporting world is finally waiting. The rematch of Super Bowl XLII is upon us. Both the New York Giants and New England Patriots are seeking for their fourth Super Bowl title, where only the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers have accomplished this feat before. But more than just seeking the Vince Lombardi trophy, it's all about bragging rights in two of sports' biggest hotspots, Boston and New York City, where it was all rooted from the battles between baseball's Red Sox and Yankees.

Tom Brady and Eli Manning after their
regular season meeting last November 6, 2011
at Gillette Stadium,where the
Giants won 24-20. 

Coach Tom Coughlin will rely on experience, with 15 players retained from the Super Bowl XLII championship team, including quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants' resiliency will once again be tested, after overcoming the Falcons, the Packers and the 49ers in the playoffs. Offensively, Coughlin will have Manning, wide receivers Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks, and running backs Ahmad Bradshaw, DJ Ware and Brandon Jacobs. The defense will be anchored by linemen Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, and defensive backs Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant. And there's always Lawrence Tynes for fourth down or point after situations. 

Three Super Bowl rings for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were a stuff of legend, but they head into Super Bowl XLVI seeking retribution for lost opportunity in Super Bowl XLII. Only eight remain from the 2007 squad. The Patriots were known for their dominating offense led by Brady, and they used that again to win 13 games and beat the Broncos and the Ravens in the playoffs. That offense was led by Brady, tight ends David Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski (provided he plays tomorrow), running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk, and wide receivers Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Julian Edelman. The Patriots hope their defense, anchored by linemen Vince Wilfork and Shaun Ellis, and defensive backs Rob Ninkovich and Jerod Mayo, will hold up against the Giants. That defense was ranked 31st in the NFL, so if the Giants blew this game open, it'll mean trouble. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski will be relied on in late game plays, fourth down field goals, and point after conversions. 

Super Bowl XLVI will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where Eli's older brother Peyton of the Colts called it home. Like every Super Bowl, there will be pre-game and half-time performances, with Kelly Clarkson singing 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before the game and Madonna performing at the half. Las Vegas casinos are betting the Patriots to win by 3 1/2, but then again, let's hope their money's all worth it.

The game will be this Sunday evening, 6:30 ET on NBC.

The 1990 Giants vs. the 2007 Giants

The New York Giants have been around since 1925, and have won seven league titles. However, the more recent Giants teams in the Super Bowl era have caught the imagination of not only New York fans, but global fans as well. Two such Giants teams we'll feature have won the Super Bowl: the 1990 Giants and the 2007 Giants. Both won the Super Bowl in close fashion, though in opposite ways, and were recognized as one of the best Giants teams in recent memory.

1990 New York Giants

Record: 13-3 (1st in NFC East)

Head Coach: Bill Parcells

Starting QB: Phil Simms (Wk 1-15), Jeff Hostelier

Key Figures: Lawrence Taylor (LB), Ottis Anderson (RB)

Won Super Bowl XXV vs. Buffalo 20-19

Jeff Hostelier started the
remaining five games,
including Super Bowl XXV,
after Phil Simms broke his
foot against the Bills.

Phil Simms started at quarterback for the first 15 weeks before breaking his foot against their future Super Bowl opponents. Jeff Hostelier would take over the rest of the way. The Giants finished 13-3 and won the NFC East in what eventually became Bill Parcells' final season. After defeating the Chicago Bears 31-3 in an dominating divisional playoff game, they face the defending Super Bowl champions San Francisco 49ers in yet another chapter in their storied rivalry. After trailing 13-6 in the 3rd on a John Taylor TD, the Giants rallied with a pair of field goals, before kicker Matt Bahr nailed the game-winning field goal for a 15-13 score and sent them into Super Bowl XXV in Tampa. 

At Super Bowl XXV, they face the Bills, who were starting a string of four straight Super Bowl berths. Led by quarterback Jim Kelly and wide receiver Andre Reed, the Bills also finished 13-3 to lead the AFC East, then defeated the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Raiders to advance. 

Kicker Scott Norwood's missed
field goal won the Super Bowl
for the Giants. 

Before the game, singer Whitney Houston sang a memorable rendition of 'The Star Spangled Banner', in honor of the U.S. Armed Forces serving in Iraq during the Persian Gulf War. The game would live up to its billing, as it became one of the NFL's greatest games ever. The final moment of the game saw Bills kicker Scott Norwood attempting a game-winning field goal. However, the ball sailed out of the post, and as Norwood bowed his head in disappointment, the Giants were celebrating yet another Super Bowl win, a 20-19 score. Ottis Anderson would be named the MVP, after which Bill Parcells retired. However, Parcells would later coach the New England Patriots, the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys, but was unable to replicate his success with the Giants. 

2007 New York Giants

Record: 10-6 (2nd in NFC East, 1st in NFC Wildcard)

Head Coach: Tom Coughlin

Starting QB: Eli Manning

Key Figures: Brandon Jacobs (RB), Plaxico Burress (WR), David Tyree (WR)

Won Super Bowl XLII vs. New England 17-14

Eli Manning won MVP for
his Super Bowl XLII
performance.

One of Bill Parcells' proteges, Tom Coughlin, took over the Giants in 2004, while the team was still in a rebuilding process. Coughlin then brought Eli Manning to his wing and in their fourth season together, led the team to a 10-6 season and a place in the Wildcard playoff, despite starting 0-2. After wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, they faced Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Tied 20-20 in overtime, and following some stops by the Giants defense, kicker Lawrence Tynes nailed the game-winning field goal for a 23-20 score and sent the Giants to Super Bowl XLII, where another Parcells protege awaits.

The Giants faced a juggernaut in the Bill Belichick-led New England Patriots, who had been unbeaten in 18 contests. Their Week 17 meeting would see a sign of things to come, even though the Patriots won 38-35 while setting new offensive records during the game. 

David Tyree's 'helmet catch'
for a touchdown started a myriad
of lead changes before Plaxico
Burress scored the game-winning
touchdown in Super Bowl XLII.

Super Bowl XLII was held in the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. The Patriots seek to become the first team to go undefeated all season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, while the Giants look to spoil the moment. After a Tynes field goal and a Laurence Maroney TD, they head into the fourth quarter with the Pats up 7-3. The scoring began with the now-famous 'helmet catch' by David Tyree to put the Giants up 10-7. After Randy Moss responded with a TD, Plaxico Burress then scored a touchdown of his own late to put the Giants up 17-14. The Giants defense then choked the Patriots offense to preserve the win. Eli Manning would win the game's MVP, while adding a third Super Bowl for the Giants franchise.

If you'll ask me, which Giants team played better in a Super Bowl: the 1990 Giants or the 2007 Giants? The 2007 Giants would be a better choice, because while the 1990 Giants relied on luck to win Super Bowl XXV, the 2007 Giants won because of scoring opportunities,  and some instincts too. So my verdict goes to the: 2007 Giants.

Check out the prelude to Super Bowl XLVI in tomorrow's post. 

The Story of the New England Patriots

Fans of the New England Patriots have witnessed the resurrection of the franchise which had long been a laughingstock in relation to its championship-winning relatives in baseball (Red Sox), ice hockey (Bruins) and basketball (Celtics), thanks largely to the quarterback-coach tandem of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. But before the both of them, some loyal, old school Patriots fans would still remember the growing pains that the team had to endure before ushering in a championship attitude in New England. 

The third 'Pat Patriot' logo
from 1971-1992.

The Pat Patriot Era (1960-1992)

Pat Patriot was the Patriots' first logo, used for a majority of their early history, and remains with the team today as its mascot. Originally the Boston Patriots, they first played their home games in various venues in the Boston area, including the Red Sox's Fenway Park. Those early years were a struggle for the franchise, appearing only once and lost in the 1963 AFL championship. In 1971, they moved to the Foxboro Stadium and became the New England Patriots. 

Even after moving to Foxboro, they still struggled to win, appearing only twice in the playoffs during the 1970s and early 1980s. Their major breakthrough, however, would come during the 1985 season. 

Quarterback Tony Eason, 1986

Super Bowl XX

The Patriots made the Super Bowl for the first time in January 1986. They finished second in the AFC East with an 11-5 mark and defeated the New York Jets, Los Angeles Raiders and Miami Dolphins on their way to the Super Bowl. The Pats were quarterbacked by Tony Eason and coached by Raymond Berry. New England's other star that year was running back Craig James. Despite their success, they couldn't overcome the powerful Chicago Bears of Walter Payton, William 'The Refrigerator' Perry and Jim McMahon, losing 46-10 in one of the most lopsided Super Bowls ever. The city of Boston would later see the Celtics and Red Sox play in their respective championship series that year; the Celtics won the NBA Finals, while the Red Sox lost to the New York Mets in the World Series.

After another playoff appearance the next season, they would struggle for wins again over the next eight years, at one point finishing 1-15 in 1990. Ownership changes came and went, until in 1994, present owner Robert Kraft bought the team. 

The Original Elvis Era (1993-1999)

The 'Original Elvis' logo
from 1993 to 1999.

Before Kraft's purchase the Patriots changed logos from 'Pat Patriot' to an 'Elvis-like' interpretation of a Patriot in silver with blue hat, red feathers and a white star. Bill Parcells, who brought success to the New York Giants in winning two Super Bowls, was brought in as coach prior to the 1993 season, and Drew Bledsoe became the starting quarterback. Following Kraft's purchase, playoff appearances became almost a regular occurrence for the Patriots. Parcells led the team to two playoff appearances in 1994 and 1996, and in the latter, led them back to the Super Bowl.

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe,
1996

Super Bowl XXXI

Like in 1985, the Patriots finished 11-5, but this time they finished atop the AFC East and earned a first-round bye. Led by Drew Bledsoe and Ben Coates, the Patriots carried that momentum en route to the Super Bowl, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs. However, they couldn't overcome Brett Favre, Reggie White and the Green Bay Packers, losing the game 35-21 in New Orleans' Superdome. It was the only bright spot for the city of Boston throughout 1996-97, as the Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time since 1967, while the Celtics won only 15 games and the Red Sox missed the playoffs both times. 

After Pete Carroll led the team to another two playoff appearances, the seeds of a new era got underway when Bill Belichick was hired as its head coach in 2000, and an update of the 'Elvis' logo was unveiled.

The Modern Elvis Era (2000-present)

The 'Modern Elvis' logo
since the 2000 season.

We all know what happened since the Patriots made the blue darker and the uniform font more traditional, with silver added for good measure. The Tom Brady era got underway when, two games into the 2001 season, incumbent starting QB Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury against the New York Jets. Brady then stepped in and promptly led the Patriots to a similar record as their two previous Super Bowl-playing seasons (11-5). The Patriots went on to beat the Raiders (aka the 'Tuck Game') and the Steelers to advance to Super Bowl XXXVI.

Tom Brady with Bill Belichick, 2011

From Whipping Boys to Championship Contenders

The Patriots went on to beat the heavily-favored St. Louis Rams 20-17 thanks to kicker Adam Vinatieri's game-winning field goal. The Patriots' Super Bowl win was the first championship in the Boston area since the 1986 Celtics, and it started the city's decade of excellence, in which they would capture seven championships during that stretch, including an additional two Super Bowl wins for the Patriots in Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX, sandwiching the Red Sox's improbable curse-breaking 2004 World Series triumph. After that, the Patriots would appear in Super Bowl XLII in 2007 sporting a perfect record, but were denied by the New York Giants 17-14 on Plaxico Burress' game-winning touchdown. Had they won, the city would've celebrated a 'treble' after the Red Sox won the 2007 World Series, and the Celtics winning the 2008 NBA Finals. 

Today

The Patriots are making their return to the big stage at Super Bowl XLVI in 2011, again facing the Giants. With the Boston Bruins winning the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals the previous spring, Bostonians are bracing for yet another duck boat celebration. A win will definitely assure the legacies of both Brady and Belichick, and also provide a fitting gift for recently deceased Patriots matriarch Myra Kraft. For the Patriots, this will only add to their tried and tested story of overcoming the odds. As we say, "The story must go on....."

All-Star Sunday

It was a busy Sunday for the production crew of NBC, because of two events: the NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, and the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii. The 'Peacock Network' aired the Pro Bowl on primetime, while its cable-exclusive relative NBC Sports Network aired the NHL All-Star Game in the late afternoon. 

In the NHL All-Star Game, Team Chara had the last laugh. After Team Alfredsson won the SuperSkills Competition the other day, Team Chara returned the favor with a 12-9 victory at Scotiabank Place. New York Rangers forward Marian Gaborik was named MVP of the All-Star Game, scoring two goals off teammate Henrik Lundqvist, and then finished with a hat-trick and and assist. Tim Thomas earned a win in his fourth straight All-Star Game, while Brian Elliott earned the loss. 

Marian Gaborik with the All-Star Game MVP trophy in the
2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa.

In the NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu's Aloha Stadium, the AFC defeated the NFC 59-41, in one of the highest-scoring Pro Bowls ever. The absence of the Patriots and Giants (who made their way to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI) didn't affect the game's quality. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall was named the game's MVP, with four touchdown catches during the game. The AFC set a new Pro Bowl record for most points by one team in a game.

Brandon Marshall with the Pro Bowl MVP trophy in the
2012 NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii.

The NBA All-Star Game is almost a month from now. Have you voted? Today is the last day of voting for your favorite NBA superstars. Log on to NBA.com to vote. 

Z, I Did It Again

At the NHL SuperSkills Competition held at the Scotiabank Place in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, ex-Senator and now Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara did it again. The 6'9'' defenseman has been the Hardest Shot champion for four straight years, and in his fifth appearance, he once again broke his own record, clocking in 108.8 mph on his slapshot, easily besting the 105.9 he set at Raleigh's RBC Center last year. 

Zdeno Chara's record-breaking slapshot in the NHL Hardest Shot
competition at the Scotiabank Place, Ottawa on January 28, 2012.

Though Daniel Alfredsson's team won on points, Team Chara still made it a meaningful evening for them, when Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane won the Breakaway Challenge with a nod to Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, using the Superman cape to win the fan's votes. With Alexander Ovechkin not participating at his request, the Breakaway Challenge saw a new champion crowned after Ovi won the first three editions.

Patrick Kane with his Superman cape and Clark Kent glasses
that won him the Breakaway Challenge.

Team Alfredsson's victories came at the Fastest Skater challenge (Carl Hagelin), the Skills Challenge Relay, and the Elimination Shootout (Steven Stamkos). Team Chara's other victory was courtesy of the Accuracy Shootout (Jamie Benn).

The NHL All-Star Game is later today at 4:00 p.m. EST on the NBC Sports Network. Despite the absences of Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, there is indeed enough star power to make this All-Star Game a meaningful one.

Oldies But Goodies: The Oldest American Stadiums

In recent years, aging American stadiums have been replaced by newer, modern ones, equipped with plush seating, luxury boxes and club seats, as well as modern conveniences such as wifi connection, elevators and escalators, and digital ad placements. However, there are still the granddaddies of them all: the classic stadiums that have stood the test of time.

We look at some of America's old stadiums that are still going strong despite their age.

Fenway Park - Opened 1912

Boston's most cherished sports venue is entering its 100th year. Despite efforts to replace the ballpark, loyal and traditional Red Sox fans refuse to leave Fenway Park behind. Thanks to the efforts of owners John Henry and Tom Werner, the park was gradually modernized to keep up with the changing times. Seats were added at the infamous Green Monster, new HD scoreboard were placed, luxury boxes and club seats were introduced, and some aging wooden seats were replaced by more comfortable padded foam seats. The most traditional reminder is that the manual scoreboard is still operational. The Red Sox won six World Series titles while playing at Fenway, and has endured 'The Curse of the Bambino', among others. Home games at the park has been sold out consistently since 2003.

Wrigley Field - Opened 1914

The oldest National League ballpark, Wrigley Field has yet to witness a World Series championship. The Cubs have been afflicted with a curse that doesn't seem to go away, having been without a World Series title since 1908. Wrigley is known for its ivy-filled walls that cushion the impact of players catching fly balls while colliding to this wall. Like Fenway Park, Wrigley Field's scoreboard is operated manually. Other features include rooftop seats, the classic red marquee on the entrance, and the advantage of winds which may affect either pitching or hitting.

Lambeau Field - Opened 1957

Now why not Soldier Field? Chicago's football stadium opened in 1924, but the Bears didn't make it their home until 1971. Lambeau, on the other hand, has been the Green Bay Packers' fortress since it opened in 1957. The field has been unique because it was constructed and later renovated using only the taxes that the citizens of Green Bay have been paying. The field is also known by the nickname 'Titletown USA', after the Packers' four Super Bowl victories. The field has also been said to be advantageous for the Packers during winter playoff games, in which the snowy turf mixed with mud would prove to be a hindrance for opponents.

Madison Square Garden - Opened 1968

The 'World's Most Famous Arena' is the fourth incarnation of MSG, which first opened in 1879. The oldest active arena in both the NHL and NBA, the Garden has become one of the most iconic buildings in New York City, due to its storied history of holding the most memorable sports events, concerts, and political and religious conventions. The Garden is currently being renovated and modernized to keep up with the evolving modernization of sports arenas, which is expected to finish by 2014. 

These storied icons have become a part of American sports culture. If you think they should be replaced, think again. As long as they continue to fill the cravings of a sports-crazy American, then they'll be standing tall for years to come. 

Father Meets Son

In honor of the recent signing of Prince Fielder to his father Cecil's former team, the Detroit Tigers, we look back at father-and-son combos who were employed for the same team, whether together or in different periods.

Baseball

Bobby and Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants

Felipe and Moises Alou, San Francisco Giants

Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr., Seattle Mariners

Cal Ripken Jr. and Cal Ripken Sr., Baltimore Orioles

Tony Gwynn Sr. and Tony Gwynn Jr., San Diego Padres

Basketball

Rick and Jon Barry, Golden State Warriors

Rick, Jon and Brent Barry, Houston Rockets

Henry and Mike Bibby, New York Knicks

Ron and Ronnie Brewer, Chicago Bulls

John Lucas II and John Lucas III, Houston Rockets

Mike Dunleavy Sr. and Mike Dunleavy Jr., Milwaukee Bucks

Ice Hockey

Mark, Gordie and Marty Howe, Hartford Whalers

Emile and Pierre Bouchard, Montreal Canadiens

Scotty and Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks

Bill and Kevin Dineen, Philadelphia Flyers

Ken Hodge Sr. and Ken Hodge Jr., Boston Bruins

Peter and Paul Stastny, Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise

A son following the footsteps of a father is a good thing, but playing for one of his father's former teams is quite honorary and distinctive. For Prince Fielder, equaling, if not surpassing, his father Cecil's accomplishments in Detroit is a challenge that is hard to resist. Winning a World Series title is an even bigger task. Oh well, good luck for Prince and his Detroit career.