Well, it’s time for the big rematch. The 2007 Patriots went into that Super Bowl undefeated and high favored, only to be stunned by the plucky New York Giants. And now they meet again.
For years, Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning was the quintessential quarterback rivalry in the NFL. But now, lo and behold, it is Peyton’s little brother, Eli, who is making the truly compelling competition for Brady.
I have reproduced below, for one last time, my postseason preferences. First, there are the 6 playoff teams from the AFC and my own personal ordering of them. Then the 6 NFC playoff teams. And then, finally, a marrying of the two Conferences.
AFC
- Houston Texans
- Denver Broncos
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Baltimore Ravens
- New England Patriots
- Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC
- Green Bay Packers
- Atlanta Falcons
- New York Giants
- New Orleans Saints
- San Francisco 49ers
- Detroit Lions
NFL
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Atlanta Falcons
- Denver Broncos
- Cincinnati Bengals
- New York Giants
- New Orleans Saints
- Baltimore Ravens
- New England Patriots
- San Francisco 49ers
- Detroit Lions
- Pittsburgh Steelers
As I look over the last of these lists, I am reminded of what an epic clash last year’s Super Bowl was for me: my very favorite team against my very least favorite team!
This year is considerably more blah. I’m sure I will be less stressed than one year ago, when I was a pacing, perspiring mess on that Sunday night.
I don’t strongly like or dislike either of these combatants, but you can also see that my own choice is clear. I rank the Giants several notches about the Patriots, and so I am going to be a New York fan on Super Bowl Sunday.
In addition to the initial rankings, I have some specific reasons for preferring the Giants tomorrow.
First, no one talks about New York among the great dynasties, but that would have to become a conversation if New York won again. Likewise the talk about Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin. All those paradigms are already in place and well-worn about the Patriots, Tom Brady, and Bill Belichick. I’m tired of that conversation – How great are they? Where do they belong in the pantheon of the NFL’s greatest teams, quarterbacks, coaches, etc.? – and so I’d welcome a different conversation.
Second, in most sports, I am inclined to cheer for the team that knocked out my guys. I don’t necessarily like them, of course, but I like the logic of being beaten by the best. I don’t think it does Green Bay any favors to see the Giants go down.
Finally – and most compellingly for me – I hate the thought that the Patriots succeed where the Packers failed. And by that I mean not only beating the Giants, but being a certain sort of team. Green Bay and New England were twin brothers in 2011: star quarterbacks, explosive offenses, and suspect defenses. The Packers couldn’t turn that profile into a trophy, and it would be noxious if New England could.
On the other hand, my middle daughter is rooting for the Patriots. She still holds it against the Giants for beating the Packers. So that will work out well for me tomorrow: if the Giants win, I’ll be happy; but if the Patriots win tomorrow, my little girl will be happy. And seeing her happy always makes me happy, too!
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