NFL: New York Giants win NFC over Packers in Ice-Kissed, Overtime Classic
The NFL Playoffs in the NFC, a -24 degree, wind-chilled, ice-kissed classic, with the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers throwing us back to our Father’s era, with Ice Bowls, the Packers and the Giants. A battle of wills, with both teams battling Mother Nature on a below-zero January evening, the Giants, after dethawing, move forward to a rematch with the perfect Patriots, at 18-0.
With a 10 game road winning streak locked tight, the “other” Manning, Eli, is suddenly “the” Manning, with brother Peyton on the sidelines watching his little Brother lead the Giants to the big show. Although no mantle has been passed, Eli has squashed any comment about not living up to his last name, not being able to lead a team, and not being able to play when the weather is not to his liking.
In the end it was Brett Favre who blinked, heaving up an interception in overtime, which the Giants gladly drew in, capitalizing with the game winning field goal, 23-20. It was Eli Manning who kept a cool hand on the throttle of the New York Giants’ offensive attack, besting the more experienced Favre in Favre’s backyard. That is the price a gunslinger sometimes pays.
Tom Coughlin goes to his first Super Bowl as Head Coach, and maybe someone might want to tell Coach about skin protectant in sub-zero temperatures. Dude looked like his face was going to fall off with 14:00 to go in the first quarter. Had Lawrence Tynes missed his third field goal in a row, Tom Coughlin might have choked his Kicker to death right on the field. Luckily for Tynes and the New York Giants, Tynes made the game-winning 47-yarder, his 3rd made field goal of the night.
The New York Giants, a most unlikely Super Bowl entrant, escaped from the middle of a wildcard pack to NFC Champion, all three playoff wins coming in hostile territory, including two versus 13-3 opponents that had byes in the first round. Congratulations New York Giants—the biggest hill is yet to be climbed, but for now, enjoy your unexpected bounty.
P.S.—Tell Budweiser to lose those ads, like now. That Doofus giving his Masters thesis on brewing when we’re trying to get our NFC Championship on–not feelin’it!
Question if you wish to comment: How surprised are you by the Giants winning the NFC?
