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Main page | February 4, 2008 » February 3, 2008
Fourth-quarter, postgame photos
Posted by Mike McDermott Third-quarter photos
Posted by Mike McDermott No 19-0, Giants pull off upsetThe New York Giants have pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, preventing the New England Patriots from completing their undefeated season with a 17-14 come-from-behind win. Eli Manning led the Giants on the game-winning, 12-play drive which was completed with less than a minute to play in the game. We'll have more to come.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Moss gets SB momentRandy Moss, a non-factor for much of the first half, got his Super Bowl moment. On third-and-goal from the six, Moss was lined up wide right with single coverage provided by Corey Webster. Webster backpedaled a few steps, turned and slipped, falling on his belly. Moss was all alone to catch the go-ahead touchdown.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Welker ties recordThat last catch by Wes Welker, a 10-yard gain on second-and-6, was his 11th reception of the game, tying him with three others players for the most ever in a Super Bowl game. Cincinnati's Dan Ross (SB XVI), San Francisco's Jerry Rice (SB XXIII) and New England's Deion Branch (SB XXXIX) are the other players with 11 receptions.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Faulk returnsKevin Faulk returned to the field on New England's last drive.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Halftime photos
Posted by Mike McDermott Low scoringThe 10 total points scored through three quarters is the second-lowest total score through three quarters in SB history. In Super Bowl IX, Pittsburgh led Minnesota, 9-0, though three and won 16-6.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Faulk hurtKevin Faulk limped off the field after New England's previous drive. His injury has been announced as a leg and his return questionable, though Faulk was clearly grabbing his hamstring as he hopped off the field.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Brady sets SB recordTom Brady's 13th completion tonight was his 84th in the Super Bowl, breaking the record of 83 completions set by Joe Montana. Montana played in four Super Bowls and was 83-for-122 without an interception.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young What About Gostkowski?GLENDALE -- What is Bill Belichick saying about kicker Stephen Gostkowski when, rather than allowing him to attempt a 48-yard field goal -- indoors, yet -- the Patriots go for the first down on 4th-and-13 at the NY 31? Especially considering how much pressure the Giants have been getting on Tom Brady?
Posted by Jim Donaldson Belichick wins challengeErnie Adams strikes again. Adams, one of Belichick's most trusted advisers and the one who tells him whether or not he should challenge plays, advised him well as New England got new life when Belichick challenged whether or not Chase Blackburn got off the field before Lonie Paxton's snap. Referee Mike Carey sided with New England, and the team got 5 yards and a drive-reviving first down.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young First-half photos
Posted by Mike McDermott History on Pats sideTeams leading at halftime in Super Bowls are 32-7 so history is on the Pats side to go 19-0.
Posted by Rob Lee Defense Wins ChampionshipsGLENDALE -- There is, of course, still another half of football to be played, but Super Bowl XLII, so far, has been yet another example of why "Defense Wins Championships" has become a tried-and-true adage. Although the Patriots are ahead on the scoreboard, 7-3, they have to be concerned about their inability to protect Tom Brady. The Giants pass rush -- Justin Tuck, in particular -- has pressured Brady constantly, making it extremely difficult for him to throw the ball deep. He has been sacked three times, twice by Tuck. Perhaps, in the second half, the Patriots should try to connect on shorter, quicker routes, to move the chains and negate New York's powerful pass rush. Fortunately for the Pats, their defense has shut down the New York offense, limiting the Giants to a field goal on the game's opening possession. The problem, however, is that the Giants have done an excellent job of controlling the clock, racking up a whopping edge in time of possession, 19:27 to 10:33. That's frighteningly similar (if you're a New England fan) to what Bill Parcells' Giants did in Super Bowl XXV against the favored Buffalo Bills and their prolific offense. The Bill had the ball for only 19:27 in a 20-19 loss to New York.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Halftime thoughtsClearly, first and foremost for New England is better protection for Tom Brady. In the team's last meeting on Jan. 29, Russ Hochstein and Ryan O'Callaghan filled in at right guard and tackle, respectively, due to injuries to Stephen Neal and Nick Kaczur. Though Brady was pressured quite a bit in that game, he was sacked only once. He has been sacked three times so far today. Part of the problem for New England is they are getting into long-yardage situations, and New York bring Justin Tuck onto the field on obvious passing downs. It is Tuck who has done most of the damage, strip-sacking Brady at the end of the half. Brady didn't look to Randy Moss until late in the second quarter, and Moss has one catch on three pass attempts his way. Though it wound up not mattering because of Ellis Hobbs' interception a few plays later, Amani Toomer's 38-yard reception in the second quarter should have been waved off, as he pushed off of Hobbs, shoving him under the chin, as the ball came in. One miscue for New England defensively was when Pierre Woods lost the fumble he had clearly recovered. Woods immediately fell on a fumble by Ahmad Bradshaw, but in the scrum was rolled over and stripped of the ball. Had he held on, the Pats would have had the ball around the New York 33. New York is playing conservatively on offense, and clearly has the game plan to play keep-away from Tom Brady by eating time off the clock. Bill Belichick is renowned for his ability to adjust, and his team will need to make several changes, particularly on offense, in the second half.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Hochstein replaces NealPatriots offensive lineman Russ Hochstein replaced right guard Stephen Neal after he injured his knee in the second quarter. The Giants continue to pressure and sack Brady with the Patriots offensive linemen banged up.
Posted by Rob Lee First throw to MossOn first down of New England's current drive, Tom Brady threw downfield for Randy Moss; it was the first time this game that Brady had looked for his Pro Bowl receiver. Brady was hit by safety Gibril Wilson as he let go of the ball and neither Moss nor his defenders were in position to make a play on the ball.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Game attendanceToday's attendance at sold out University of Phoenix Stadium is 71,101.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Neal questionableStephen Neal was injured on the second sack Tom Brady absorbed on New England's last possession and limped off the field. His injury has been announced as a knee; his return is questionable.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Hobbs turning it on
Perhaps stung by comments that he's a weak spot on the Pats' defense, Ellis Hobbs has turned it on a bit of late -- his heads-up interception of Eli Manning on a pass attempt batted up by Steve Smith, was his third pick in the last four games.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young First Playoff Pick for ManningGLENDALE -- The interception thrown by Eli Manning that went off the hands of rookie wide receiver Steve Smith into the hands of Ellis Hobbs at the New England 10-yard line was the first pick of the postseason for the NY QB. Coming into the Super Bowl, Manning had completed 53 of 85 passes in the playoffs, for 599 yards and 4 TDs.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Gisele in the houseSince we know you were so concerned, FOX cameras just confirmed that Tom Brady's girlfriend, model Gisele Bundchen, is here at the game. Pamela Anderson, Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy are among the other celebrities on hand.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Giants: longest driveIt has just been announced that New York's opening drive, which took 9 minutes, 59 seconds, is the longest drive, time-wise, in Super Bowl history. The two total possessions for the first quarter, one for each team, is also a game record.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Pats respond
GLENDALE -- While the Patriots' first possession didn't last as long as New York's, the end result was better. While the Giants had to settle for a field goal, the Pats pounded it in from the 1-yard line, Laurence Maroney going in over the right side, giving New England a 7-3 lead three seconds into the second quarter. The Patriots covered 56 yards in 12 plays, using 5:04.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Super Bowl history in first quarterThe two possessions (one by each team) is the fewest in the history of the Super Bowl.
Posted by Rob Lee Giants Off To Good Start
GLENDALE -- The important thing for the Giants is not hat they scored three points on their opening possession, but that they ate up 9:59 on the clock.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Gay, Harrison injuredRodney Harrison and Randall Gay were injured on the same third-down play. Harrison returned after sitting out one play; it appeared that he had the wind knocked out of him. However, Gay left the field holding his right arm close to his body; his return is questionable.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Lose Toss, Win GameGLENDALE -- It's a great omen for the Patriots that they lost the coin toss. In all three of their Super Bowl victories, the Pats lost the coin toss.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Pregame photos, part two: On-the-field hoopla
Posted by Mike McDermott Game Faces OnGLENDALE -- Happened to be standing in the back of the press box when the Patriots assistants came off the elevator, accompanied by Scott Pioli, the club's brilliant director of player personnel. They were, not surprisingly, all business -- walking purposefully, and unsmilingly -- to the coaches' booth.
Posted by Jim Donaldson No Troy; no joyGLENDALE -- It's probably the right move -- heck, with the Patriots at 18-0, if Belichick made it, it's undoubtedly the right move -- but, sentimentally, it would have been wonderful to see Troy Brown active for tonight's game. He has played in only one game this season -- against Miami in the final, regular-season home game. He returned six punts for a total of 55 yards, with a long of 28. But he also fumbled a punt, which the Patriots lost, although it didn't wind up costing them any points. Brown has played in three Super Bowls during his 15 years in New England. He missed Super Bowl XXXI against the Packers. Some people felt that, if he had been in his usual spot on special teams, Desmond Howard might not have broken free on his game-breaking, 99-yard kickoff return in the third quarter. In Super Bowl XXXVI against the Rams, Brown had 6 receptions for 89 yards. He caught 8 passes for 76 yards in Super Bowl XXVIII against Carolina, and had two catches, for 17 yards, in Super Bowl XXXIX against the Eagles.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Pregame photos, part one: Players and fans arrive
Posted by Mike McDermott Brady's ankle appears fineTom Brady just ran out onto the field and jumped up and down a few times. He was not running with a limp. His high-ankle sprain doesn't look like it will be a problem.
Posted by Rob Lee Giants' corner changeThe Giants have announced that third-year corner Cory Webster will start at right cornerback in place of Sam Madison. Madison suffered an injury against the Patriots in Week 17 and he did not play in New York's first two playoff games. He did play in the NFC title game against Green Bay.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Pre-game showGLENDALE -- The pre-game show is underway. Alicia Keys performed on a stage at midfield, singing her current hit "No One" and several other numbers. The stands are between a quarter and a third full.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Game inactives - no TroyFor the Patriots For the Giants
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Super Bowl statsSome miscellaneous numbers about the Super Bowl: Super shares Trophy details Super standings Super Bowl MVPs The award has gone to a defensive player eight times, but for seven games: for Super Bowl XII, Dallas defensive linemen Randy White and Harvey Martin shared the award. That is the only time the award has been shared. Most appearances Tedy Bruschi will become the 14th player to appear in five Super Bowls, joining Marv Fleming (Green Bay, Miami), Larry Cole (Dallas), Cliff Harris (Dallas), Charles Haley (San Francisco, Dallas), D.D. Lewis (Dallas), Preston Pearson (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Dallas), Charlie Waters (Dallas), Rayfield Wright (Dallas), Cornelius Bennett (Buffalo, Atlanta), John Elway (Denver), Glenn Parker (Buffalo, Giants), Bill Romanowski (San Francisco, Denver, Oakland), Adam Vinatieri (New England, Indianapolis). Quarterback numbers Brady already holds the record for completions in one Super Bowl, when he had 32 against Carolina in 2003. Coin toss curse? Band of brothers Who's old?
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Perfect Game GLENDALE -- It intrigues me that it seems so much of America seems to be rooting against the Patriots. If you went to a baseball game, and the opposing pitcher had a perfect game going with two outs in the ninth, would you root for him to walk the next batter? Most people would pull for the pitcher in that situation, which makes me wonder why there aren't more "neutral" fans pulling for the Pats.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Silver Anniversary Super Bowl GLENDALE -- This is Super Bowl XXV for me. That was one of my all-time favorite Super Bowls, only in part because it was my first. It was an unforgettable day for me, sitting in the huge, open-air press box atop the Rose Bowl, on a brilliantly sunny day, watching the legendary Steelers, with such all-time greats as Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, Franco Harris, "Mean Joe" Greene, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Mike Webster, Mel Blount, Donnie Shell, John Stallworth, L.C. Greenwood, Dwight White, Rocky Bleier. I honestly don't think of that game as being all that long ago, until I stop and realize that this is Super Bowl XLII, that was Super Bowl XIV, and many of the Patriots playing today weren't born when I covered my first Super Bowl. I've often said, and written, that, for writers, the ideal Super Bowl week would be to spend Monday through Friday before the game in New Orleans, enjoying the food and festivities in the French Quarter, then fly to L.A. on Saturday to play the game in Pasadena on Super Sunday. I've covered five Super Bowls in New Orleans, three of them involving the Patriots. I was in the Superdome for Super Bowl XX, when the Pats were overpowered by the defensively dominant Chicago Bears, 46-10. The Bears' "46" defense that season, designed by Buddy Ryan, was the best I've ever seen in 32 years of covering the NFL (dating back to the '76 season, when I covered George Allen's Washington Redskins for the late, lamented Richmond, Va., News Leader.) With Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, former Patriots lineman Steve McMichael, and William "Refrigerator" Perry up front, Mike Singletary, Wilber Marshall, and Otis Wilson at linebacker, and Doug Plank and Gary Fencik in the defensive backfield, the Bears were fearsome. Dent was quoted somewhere this week as saying that this New England defense couldn't compare with Chicago's. He's right about that. But it's also true that the offense of the '85 Bears, despite having Walter Payton at running back, doesn't compare with the firepower of the 2007 Patriots. Super Bowl XXXI was spoiled by the furor surrounding Bill Parcells' impending departure, as well as Desmond Howard's game-breaking, 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, after the Patriots had closed to 27-21 in the third quarter. Super Bowl XXXVI, however, was truly memorable, with young Tom Brady leading the Patriots to a stunning, 20-17, upset of the St. Louis Rams, aka "The Greatest Show on Turf." The moment when Adam Vinatieri sent his game-winning, 48-yard field goal through the uprights as time expired is one Patriots fans never will forget. A topic for debate tonight at Super Bowl parties throughout New England is whether a win over the Giants, completing an undefeated, 19-0 season, is "bigger" than the Patriots' first championship victory.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Patriots have arrivedThe Patriots have arrived here at University of Phoenix Stadium; FOX just showed a clip of Bill Belichick walking in. Even though New England is technically the home team for this game, Belichick was wearing a suit, and he and the players do for all of their road games.
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Tip of the cap to "Tipp"GLENDALE -- Good news to hear that Andre Tippett, who starred at linebacker for the Patriots from 1982 through 1993, was elected Saturday to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was as a pass rusher that "Tipp" truly excelled. Big linemen could block him -- if they could get their hands on him. And that was a very big "if." He would line up wide of the tackle and blow past them with his tremendous speed off the line. Even if a tackle could move into position to block him, Tippett's skills as a black belt in karate enabled him to fend off a would-be blocker's efforts to get his hands on him. Pity the poor running back who found himself trying to stop Tippett from getting to the quarterback. A running back was simply no match for Tippett's combination of speed and power. The only way to control him was to double-team him at the line of scrimmage with a tight end and tackle, then keep a running back in reserve, in hopes that, by the time three players had taken a shot at him, the quarterback would have gotten rid of the ball. A second-round draft choice out of the University of Iowa, Tippett was a five-time Pro Bowler, from 1984 through '88. The team's career sack leader, with 100, he set a club record with 18.5 in 1984, racked up 16.5 in '85, and had 12.5 in '87. He joins John Hannah, one of the two or three greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, Mike Haynes, and Nick Buoniconti as former Patriots to be elected to the Hall of Fame. Only Hannah and Tippett spent their entire careers in New England.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Kraft statement on TippettDidn't get a chance to post this last night, as it was released quite late, but the Patriots did release a statement from owner and chairman Robert Kraft on Andre Tippett's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: "I couldn't be happier for Andre and his family. He was a dominant defender who wreaked havoc on opposing offenses throughout his Patriots career. I was a huge fan of his during his playing career for his work on the field and have become an even bigger fan of his since his retirement for his work off of it. I think all of New England was rooting for Andre when we left Boston earlier this week, knowing that it could be a very special week for a very special person. Today's selection for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame validates what New England Patriots fans have known for a long time -- that Andre Tippett was quite simply one of the greatest players in NFL history."
Posted by Shalise Manza Young PHOTO: Field is Ready
The field at The University of Phoenix Stadium is ready for Superbowl XLII
Posted by Gretchen Ertl What Am I Missing?GLENDALE -- I wrote a column on Spygate/Spectergate in Saturday's paper, so I don't want to go over old ground, but the subject continues to be a hot topic of conversation. Here's what I don't get: The Patriots broke the rules. They were caught. They were fined. Heavily. The organization was embarrassed. Presumably, Bill Belichick was embarrassed. Certainly, his reputation took a hit. There is no doubt that the Patriots filmed the signals of opposing teams a number of times. There is little question that other teams did similar things. Which, I emphasize, does not make it right. Similar things happen in other sports. Stealing signals has long been part of baseball. Much has been made in the past year of the fact that Bobby Thomsen knew what pitch Ralph Branca was going to throw him when he hit the "Shot Heard 'Round The World" to win the third and decisive playoff game for the National League pennant in 1951. Todd Pletcher, a multiple Eclipse Award winning trainer of thoroughbreds, was suspended last year when his barn was found guilty of medication violations. He "served his time" on the sidelines, and returned to business -- highly-successful business -- as usual. The point is, no one is arguing the Patriots were wrong, and deserved to be punished. So why the ongoing concern over past wrongs? Are the Giants going to have to forfeit the '51 pennant to the Dodgers? Should Pletcher forfeit his Eclipse awards? The Patriots weren't doing any illegal taping once the Jets blew the whistle on them, and they're 18-0.
Posted by Jim Donaldson Welcome to the Super BowlHey all -- The Day is here, which for different reasons I'm sure we are both so grateful for. It's been a long week of work here in Phoenix, which began with the drama of The Ankle and ended with the Rebirth of Spygate, though there was a bright spot in Andre Tippett's selection to the Hall of Fame yesterday. For all of you, it's probably been even longer, as the last two weeks have probably seemed never-ending. At any rate, we are here on the scene at the University of Phoenix Stadium, where the roof is closed, the field is so colorful it looks like it's been redone using Technicolor, and the final pre-game on-field preparations are being made. Apparently, the grass here -- grown in Alabama -- is the fastest track in the league, which is good news for Randy Moss. Of course, if Moss is faster that means the Giants' defenders are as well. As we noted earlier in the week, Mike Carey will be the referee today, the first time he's been in charge at a Super Bowl. Carey was also the referee for the Pats-Giants Week 17, and each team was flagged five times in that game. We will of course be keeping you updated on everything and everything as we get closer to game time. shalise
Posted by Shalise Manza Young Curran: Pats by 31Old friend Tom Curran, now the national football writer at NBCSports.com, is out with his prediction for the game:
Posted by Art Martone Specter to continue investigation into SpygateSen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., didn't let the fact that today is Super Bowl Sunday stop his crusade against the Patriots and the National Football League. In fact, he stepped it up. Specter announced on ESPN's Outside The Lines that he will summon NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to his Congressional office Tuesday morning, and that Senate hearings could result from his investigation. "It could go to hearings," Specter said. "This is a matter to be considered by the [Senate Judiciary] Committee. I don't want to make any broad assertions or elevate it beyond what I have a factual basis for doing. We're going to follow the facts and if warranted, there could be hearings." Goodell said on ESPN Radio's Mike And Mike In The Morning he would be happy to meet with Specter, though he again denied the league was involved in a coverup of the Patriots' activities. "People are implying that this is some type of cover up," Goodell said. "... I think it's exactly the opposite. We were the ones who brought these facts out to light. We were the ones who took the unprecedented discipline to send a very strong message to people [to] don't violate the rules. And I think that's what we want. We want every team playing on a level playing field and I think that's what we have." In related news . . . -- Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul blasted Specter's actions, calling it a case of ''big government . . . once again [inserting] itself into the lives and private business of American citizens.'' Paul said if he were president, the government would not run ''investigations into how a private company resolved a private matter.'' -- Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was among those noting that the Comcast cable system -- the second-largest contributor to Specter's last election campaign -- is in battle with the NFL over getting the NFL Network placed on Comcast's basic cable system. Specter, Collier noted, has intervened politically on Comcast's behalf in this fight before. More than one blogger (including this one, who calls Specter ''a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast'') is commenting on the Specter-Comcast connection as an explanation not only for Specter's actions, but his timing. -- ESPN.com's investigative reporter Mike Fish, who earlier talked to ex-Patriots assistant and Rhode Island native Matt Walsh, has another long piece about Spygate in which Drew Bledsoe is quoted liberally. Bledsoe says he knew nothing about any taping the Pats may have done before Super Bowl XXXVI, when he was still with the team, but adds: "Listen, that kind of stuff has been going on for as long as there have been video cameras. I know people are trying to make this out like this is some huge scandal, but it is at every level. You talk about college, you talk about high school -- people are taping stuff, and that is what they do. And they try and gain an advantage that way."
Posted by Art Martone |
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