Super Bowl 42 Party

I used to be a bigger sports fan. While in college, I would read every single article on ESPN.com and while working on computer projects:)

After I started working, I have been less of a sports fan. But Super Bowl is such a big media event in this country that I almost alway make a effort to watch it, even though most of the Super Bowl games are boring.

About a week ago, during an after dinner conversation with A in his apartment, I commented that A's new 50" plasma HD TV would make his pad the perfect place to watch Super Bowl. A graciously agree to host a little Super Bowl party, inviting S and a couple of his friends from work.

Coincidentally, T called me up on Saturday and ask where I was going to watch the game. T lived in New Hampshire for a couple of years and is a casual fan of the Patriots. He is in the process of relocating, so does not have a TV nor cable service at this time. I invited him along to A's party.

I am actually a closet Giants fan. When I started watching football years ago, New York won the Super Bowl in 1987 and 1990. My favorite Giant is Joe Morris, a 5'7" running back. While he was small in size, he was an extremely powerful runner and always gained the tough yards.

On the other hand, I like Tom Brady. He was the starting QB at the University of Michigan the same two years I was there. Brady was unappreciated while in college, and I always felt sorry for him because of that. Therefore, in most cases, I tend to root for the Patriots. But since the Pats are playing against the Giants, I know who I will be rooting for. My loyalties in sports are always clearly drawn:)

The game started on a high note for me. The Giants had a good opening drive, and while they only scored a field goal, their success in sustaining a long drive gave me great hope. They were able to move the ball consistently against the New England defense, which kept the high power New England offense off the field.

New England came back on a scoring drive of their own, which was expected. Afterall, the Patriots got a good kick off return and their offense too good not to score with such a short field. My main concern was New England seems to be running well.

Then both offense had stalled as both defense heightened their intensity. Since the Giants were the underdog, I was worried they were not taking advantage of their opportunities in the red zone. I had seen way too many games where not taking advantage of scoring opportunities came back to haunt the lesser talented team.

But I was pleasantly surprise the New York defense was able to stop New England offense fairly consistently. The pass rush was getting to Brady and the running game for New England was ineffective.

At half-time, even though the Giants were down 3-7, I felt pretty good about their chances of winning.

Then, at the beginning of the 4th quarter, it seems to me the Giants' defensive line was getting tired. Also, the short passing game of the Patriots was starting to gain momentum and New York looked like it might get scored on. Given Giants' offense did little after the first drive of the game, I was not sure how they would react to being down by 2 scores.

Luckiy, the defense held again and more importantly, Eli Manning led the Giants on a drive which resulted in a touchdown and took the lead. However, with the amount of time remaining on the clock and how tired the Giants' defense were, I was not surprise when Tom Brady marched the Patriots methodically down the field for a score.

With only ~3 minutes remaining in the game, I was not sure Eli could led the Giants on another scoring drive. Things looked shaky when they had to convert a 4th down to keep the drive alive. Then came the biggest play of the game when Eli escaped the entire New England D-line to launch the pass and David Tyree made the catch with his hands and helmet.

Amazing play!

The Giants' confidence seemed boosted by that play and went on to score another TD. New England got the ball back with 35 seconds remaining. At this time, I was 90% certain the game was over, but with Brady at the helm and needing only a field goal to tie, one could never be sure.

I was relieved when the Patriots chose to attempt long passes instead of throwing short pass near the sideline to get into position for a field goal. With a prevent defense, long passes were unlikely to succeed.

Indeed, the defense held one more time and the Giants won their third Super Bowl.

In hindsight, Bill Belichick's decision of not going for a field goal in 3rd quarter was the difference in the ball game. Everyone in our party was surprise by that decision. It was also unusual that decision was not scrutinized much by the media after the game.

All in all though, it was an exciting game. Also, A had a wonderful setup for a Super Bowl party and everyone had a great time.

I enjoyed it even more with the Giants' victory.