That was a Super Bowl for the ages as I had hoped! I don’t think I can remember any more interesting and exciting Super Bowl than the one last night and I have seen the vast majority of them. The Giants and the Patriots certainly held up their end of the bargain.

I must also admit that I was rather happy to see the Patriots bid for perfection spoiled. It’s not that I am anti Patriots, but that I vividly recall the wonderful 1972 Dolphins perfect season and frankly didn’t want the Patriots to out do the Dolphins. Don’t get me wrong, the Patriots had a great season, perhaps the best ever. The only downside of the Patriots losing for me was watching the anguish of my son as the game came to a conclusion.

It was very gratifying to watch a well played game and one that defense had a key role. While I agree with Eli Manning getting the MVP award, the real key to the win for the Giants was the play of their front 7. They controlled the line of scrimmage and were able to put pressure on Tom Brady like he hasn’t seen before. I love how at the end of the game, they rotated in backup Alford on the defensive line to get some fresh legs and he promptly delivered another sack of Brady. New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called a great game. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him land a head coaching job next year. Reportedly, the Washington Redskins plan to interview him.

I also liked the fact that in this game, there were many key plays that helped shape the outcome and no one person was dominant. Both teams made it to the Super Bowl based on teamwork and both utilized the same to give us a game to remember. Wes Welker of the Patriots tied the NFL Super Bowl record for receptions will 11. I still don’t know how Manning eluded that sack with time winding down in the fourth quarter on the winning TD drive. I don’t know why he just chucked the ball downfield either. And then to see David Tyree pluck that ball out of the air and hold it against his helmet as he fell to the ground - perhaps the best catch in Super Bowl history. I am sure there are a lot of folks who wanted to give him the MVP.

And who can forget the now famous, and very expensive, Super Bowl ads. If interested, you can read my take on the Super Bowl ads on my personal blog.

I can’t help but fear that next years game will be a letdown after this one. Still, I look forward to that journey next year.

It’s almost here, Super Bowl XLII. It’s been quite a season, even for fans of teams not in the playoffs. The Patriots go for the perfect season. The Giants are riding a win streak and tremendous run in the playoffs. This Super Bowl may actually live up to it’s hype. I know that’s probably been said for every Super Bowl, but I actually think it could be true this time.

As mentioned, the Patriots are undefeated and going for a perfect season - a feat not seen since the perfect Dolphins in 1972. The Patriots looked completely unbeatable early in the season. The last few weeks of the season, they almost stumbled. The last game of the regular season, they were lucky to limp off with a victory against the very same Giants they will face this Sunday.

On second thought, these are not the same Giants. They are an improved team from that game. Their near upset of the Patriots has given this team immense confidence. Eli Manning is playing very strong at Quarterback. Players all over are stepping up and lifting the team. Despite the thus far perfect season of the Patriots, its foolish to think the Giants don’t have a chance.

My son is a HUGE Patriots fan and roots strongly for them. His room is decked out in Patriots paraphernalia. Luckily, the Lions are his second favorite team. I am working on making them number 1. It would go a long ways towards a happy house on Super Bowl Sunday if the Patriots were to win. He will be very upset if they lose.

Personally, my wife and I are not big Patriots fans, but would like a fun, happy house during and after the game. Still, If I had to pick a team that I wanted to win, it would have to be the Giants. I have never really liked the Patriots and usually root for the NFC in the Super Bowl simply because I am more familiar with them than the NFC because of the Lions. Though, today with NFL Sunday Ticket, that familiarity is much less than it used to be in the days of broadcast TV only.

If I was a betting man, I would also take the Giants. I just don’t see the Patriots covering the spread. However, in a simple straight up, who is gonna win statement, I would pick the New England Patriots. My final score prediction is New England over New York by a score of 32 - 28.

The main thing is that I expect a very good, enjoyable Super Bowl this year.