The headline says it all, and I'll be the first in line to apologize to Eli Manning. I have to admit that I was one of a number of pundits that wasn't big on Eli Manning. After the "I don't want to play for a loser" pout I really had no love for him. My pops put it best, We dont need his whiny (expletive), we had Ryan Leaf. I was hoping he fell flat on his face as playing in New York would in kind eat him up. But after his sterling performance in the NFC title game, I am ready to apologize. I've said it before, no one will mistake Eli for Peyton as their games are totally different. But no one will dog his pedigree. He played the game with guts and determination. He will always look like a lost puppy, I've given up on thinking that he will ever get anything more than that, but damn. Manning pplayed fearless and everytime the Pack would score and the Lambeau faithful would rise up in cold thunder, Eli would shut them up with a well managed drive. No rocket throws, but the occasional precison sniper pass that seemed to always get the G-Men to a first down. It wasn't pretty but it was played with a gutty aplomb. Give the kid some love, he earned the win.
I watched the game at my local watering hole, figuring that I'd endure the braying of the local chapter of Packer fans. As the game seesawed back and forth. I kept hearing these fans keep making annoyed sounds. It was as if, how dare Eli Manning dare play such a good game. He's overdue for a rushed throw or a dumb mistake. Then it turned to even dumber quotes.
"I think the NFL is scared to let the Packers win."
"Favre would beat Brady in the Super Bowl, the NFL doesn't want that."
"The Refs are giving the Giants all the breaks."
Nevermind the fact that their hero Favre was making a host of puzzling decisions and throws, nevermind the Pack kept making one dumb penalty after another. I would point that out and immediately get shouted down. "Shut up you stupid Viking fan, you're just hating on the Pack like usual." I thought it pointless to make the point that I picked the Pack to win, I just sat and watched the Giants miss chance after chance to bury the Pack. When Tynes missed the game winner at the end of regulation. The bar erupted in cheers, there was no way that the Pack would lose in OT.
"Home in OT, the Pack won't lose."
I decided again that it would be fruitless to remind the Pack fans that the last NFC Title game that went OT was lost by the home team (My '98 Vikes)
The Pack won the toss in OT and I silently thought run the ball, play it close to the vest and wear the G-Men defense down.
Favre throws an INT 2 plays into the OT.
I stood up from the bar and paid my tab, as the stunned Pack fans watched in disbelief. I said loud enough to be heard. "Thats ballgame, next pass Favre throws will either be in July or when they retire his number." I got a number of hateful stares, but the look on the faces of the fans there told me that they knew I was right. I heard a forlorn retort
"Manning will crack under the pressure, Coughlin won't let Tynes try another field goal after two misses."
I stood at the door of the bar when Tynes came out for the 47 yarder. When he kicked it, I simply shouted. "Good Night Green Bay." I've seen enough good field goal kicks to know when its over. The kick split the upright and I let out a chortle as I turned. And I heard a glass hit the door as it was closing behind me.
I know there are a lot of classy Pack fans, but it was fun to torment them a little.
Oh and the Pats slogged through a ho-hum game to go 18-0. You are going to hear so many "Giants have no chance." stories for the next two weeks I wont even acknowledge them beyond my words previous. The G-Men have a punchers chance, but I doubt that Hoodie man will let his team lose focus enough to let them take a swing. I'll preview the game next week.
I'm joining the ranks of those pundits starting to slowly switch to college basketball. Here is the initial Bandit Hot 5, posted every Monday from here to the end of the conference tourneys. Next week if there is a shakeup, I'll post who was where last week.
KJ's Hot 5
1. Kansas (18-0) Better team in a better conference, Jayhawks are the most dangerous team in the nation
2. Memphis (17-0) I dont care that both major services have the Tigers #1, playing in the weak C-USA still holds them back.
3. Tennessee (16-1) The meat and potatoes part of the schedule is coming, but the Vols are a tough squad
4. North Carolina (18-1) Now you didn't think anyone would go perfect in the ACC, did you
5. (tie) Washington State (16-1) Wazzu is looking tough out west, but there still is an Arizona and an Oregon trip to make
5 (tie) Duke (15-1) I'm a notorious Duke hater, but they are a 1 point loss at Pitt from being unbeaten. The next two roadies (Va. Tech & MD) will be a true test.
Next 5 UCLA (16-2), G-Town (14-2), Indiana (16-1), Michigan St (16-2). Wisconsin (15-2)
Is that enough to chew on?
Before I step out, I have to make remembrance of the King Holiday. I would hope that everyone here took at the very least a minute to gage how much Dr. King meant to this country and how far this country has come because of the groundwork that he laid, there is so much more to be done but at least there is a path to follow. I was in junior high when the holiday was made a national one, but I was lucky enough to be in an area where the holiday was already celebrated. So much that still needs to be done, but I think it is great that we can celebrate the work of a great man.
Until Next Post Fellow Sports Fans
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