2012 Super Bowl: New York Giants Vs. New England Patriots -- Bragging Rights, Legacies At Stake
by Ed Valentine on Feb 5, 2012 7:00 AM EST
in New York Giants News
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The New York Giants and New England Patriots meet Sunday in the 2012 Super Bowl, a game that will add another chapter not only to Giants-Patriots history but to the history of the hard-fought New York-New England sports rivalry.
Whether it is New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox in baseball, or Patriots vs. Giants in football, this is a regional sports rivalry that pits friends, neighbors, co-workers and sometimes family members on opposite sides of the rooting fence.
Venture into New England and let it be known you are a fan of the New York sports teams and you can be made to feel very uncomfortable. New York sports fans may be somewhat more tolerant of those within the state's borders who root for New England's teams, but that doesn't mean they don't believe those New England fans are on the wrong side of the fence.
These days, New York fans have the upper hand. The Giants have the most recent Super Bowl title, of course making it even sweeter by earning it at the hands of the Patriots in 2008. The Yankees have the baseball upper hand as well, having won the 2009 World Series while Boston last won in 2007.
There is much more at stake today at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis than bragging rights, however. There is a championship at stake, there is history to be made and there are legacies at stake.
Today's Super Bowl XLVI marks the first time quarterbacks who have each won Super Bowl MVP trophies -- Tom Brady for New England and Eli Manning for the Giants -- will oppose each other in a Super Bowl game.
This is, of course, the sequel to the Giants' 17-14 victory in 2008, one of the best and most historic Super Bowl games ever. The Patriots are a different team than the 2008 group that was 18-0 heading into that contest, and have spent the week denying that revenge has anything to do with this game.
After that game, and the Giants' 24-20 regular-season victory this season, you can bet, however, that the Brady Bunch burns to crush the notion that the Giants are Patriot-killers.
There are legacies at stake today.
For New England, this is the fifth Super Bowl in 11 seasons for the Brady-Bill Belichick Patriots. They have won three of four and are commonly and justifiably considered among the best QB/coach duos of all time. A victory further stamps Brady and Belichick among the greatest of all time. A loss? The Patriots haven't won it all since 2005, and two straight losses will have to tarnish that legacy somewhat.
For the Giants, there are also legacies on the line. Manning, the quarterback, and head coach Tom Coughlin have never seemed to have the full support of the Giants fan base or the New York media. A victory today, though, and that gives them a distinction no New York quarterback/coach combo has ever had -- that being a combination that has won multiple Super Bowls.
Further, there has been much discussion this week that a victory lines up both for eventual enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Very likely, that is the case. Winning multiple Super Bowls is not an automatic ticket (ask Jim Plunkett), but it is pretty close.
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Eli and Coughlin
Win or lose, they’ve already banished all the naysayers during this improbable run to the Super Bowl that is so reminiscent of 2008. All week I kept thinking about Coughlin, and how sweet this must be for him. Then I just read MG’s article about his relationship with Kurt Warner. It’s must read stuff for Giantss fans. TC is a special man and we Giant fans should all appreciate that in the moment. And Eli became Elite before our eyes this season. No more doubts about these two. I think they take us to victory today.
Go Big Blue!!!
Go Giants!
Agree with you on all accounts except that Eli has been elite for several years now.
This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.
So anxious I can't sleep
Been up watching giants videos since 4am..
by Fire In The Hole on Feb 5, 2012 8:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I woke up every hour on the hour thinking about the game...
nywins42 needs a new screen name - "nywins46" sounds great!
Just ordered FatHeads for all available Giants. Now I have something to aim at when punching holes in my wall.
Oh god, me too
I couldn’t sleep last night. I’m so anxious! I think i need to cook all day to take the edge off :)
FINISH.
You down wit JPP?
I got 99 problems but a Vick ain't one!
by Flynner on Feb 5, 2012 8:06 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
a rec for you
"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent"
by Larry Soprano on Feb 5, 2012 8:08 AM EST up reply actions
this usually goes on Friday's
but I had to sit on it for this week
You down wit JPP?
I got 99 problems but a Vick ain't one!
It's finally Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!
Let’s go Blue!!!!!!!!
by Pinstripes&BigBlue on Feb 5, 2012 8:06 AM EST reply actions
Maybe
They can postpone the game till Tuesday. The Giants can pick up Underwood on waivers on Monday, and beat the Patriots game plan out of him. Take that BB
Cant he just show up and start telling us the game plans unless Belechik is using him as a trojan horse.
This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.
So many good points in this article.
So many compelling storylines for this game, none bigger that the legacies that are on the line for both coaches and both QB’s.
If anyone thinks that revenge is not on the minds of Brady and Belichick I would point them to watch “A Football Life” of Belichick on NFL Network. It is from the 2009 season and there is a scene shot in Belichicks office where Brady walks into his office in the week before a game with the Colts, sits down and says, “We have been waiting two years for this.” Meaning they have been waiting for a chance beat the Colts.
I hate it when these guys downplay rivalries and the enormity of certain games. I know they have to do this in front of the media or the media will just blow it way out of proportion, but I find it refreshing when guys like Mike Tomlin say, “This is Ravens week, the game does mean more.”
It is my contention that the revenge factor is a pivotal psychological hurdle for Brady in particular. If channeled properly it can be a source of focus and strength. Or, it can be a source of anxiety and distraction.
The truth. The REAL voice of reason
Big storyline today
Osi.
This is his payday game. Each sack is worth about a Million bucks in his next contract. Expect this man to be exceptional today.
You down wit JPP?
I got 99 problems but a Vick ain't one!
Well
It would be his first against the Pats. Not knocking him. I find it hard to believe myself, but I just read that this week.
Go Giants!
i want Osi to have at least 2 strip ball away sacks with our defense scoring on those.
JPP with 2 and Tuck with 2 and 3 or 4 more by others.
This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.
Thank you Ed, Sean, Mike and the BBV community
For making this the best Super Bowl run ever. Thanks for the insightful articles, well thought out posts, the super humor, and the great photos. This site has made my season.
Go G-men!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Why is Tom Quinn still here? I loves me some Coach Clawfin.
Ahh gameday
Finally you’ve arrived cantttttt wait. This is it G-men time to get back whats ours!!
by Giants36 on Feb 5, 2012 8:22 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Now how do I get through the next 10 hours without hurting myself?
by Pinstripes&BigBlue on Feb 5, 2012 8:29 AM EST reply actions
I have been battling fits of hyperventilation since Friday...
I was told to breathe into a bag to suppress the attacks. I think it’s working because every time I put the plastic grocery bag over my head I pass out fairly quickly.
nywins42 needs a new screen name - "nywins46" sounds great!
Just ordered FatHeads for all available Giants. Now I have something to aim at when punching holes in my wall.
Well 10 hours to go all the talkin is almost over... Time to win a Champiomship!!!
Why is Tom Quinn still here? I loves me some Coach Clawfin.
So my 5 year old ran into our bedroom at 6am this morning screaming
“Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Today is the Super Bowl!!!”
"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent"
You've trained him right!
I feel him – waiting 2 weeks for this game to happen, make it’s feel like Christmas day for me, too!
LOVE IT!!!!
That’s a fine young gentleman you are raising there LS.
I know how the kid feels, it feels like Christmas for me too!
The truth. The REAL voice of reason
That's adorable
Your kid is destined for greatness, clearly!
VERY GOOD
Team TAWD:
The entire 53 man roster of the 2011 New York Giants
by The Always Well Dressed... on Feb 5, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Before things get going today...
Before things get ramped up today, just want to say the group of commenters here has been a great community for me all season. Thanks for helping me keep my sanity realizing I’m not the only crazy Giants fan out there!
This is a great site and home to us Giants fans all over the world.
This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.
I'm ready
Gonna get some nervousness out with a pre-game run set to the same “GIants SB Mix” Itunes playlist from 4 years ago. Some inspirational tunes like “Lose Yourself” and “Heroes,” and some not so inspirational like “Natural Born Killaz” and “Girls Girls Girls.” Then some wings, already marinating, beer and brauts, homebrewed beer. And then hopefully afterwards, victory scotch.
Let’s do this thing!
Jim Plunkett
Should go in just for beating the Sheagles in Super Bowl XV
by Pinstripes&BigBlue on Feb 5, 2012 8:48 AM EST reply actions
Check out my updated profile pic
I updated my FB pic to that this morning, with the disclaimer of – “In anticipation of tonight’s game. Not trying to tempt fate, but rather embracing the power of positive thinking! Go Giants – let’s bring this baby home!”
FWIW – that’s the one that was on display in 2010 at the broadway show Lombardi – ironically, it’s the same one that the Packers ended up taking home last year.
Sweet!
The question I have is about the guy in the background. Is he a Lombardi Trophy sized man?
nywins42 needs a new screen name - "nywins46" sounds great!
Just ordered FatHeads for all available Giants. Now I have something to aim at when punching holes in my wall.
That is awesome.
I tried to get down to NYC to see the show when they had the Giants SB tropies there for that few weeks. Didn’t happen, and I felt I missed a great opportunity.
My old Navy buddy who grew up and lives in NOLA just texted me good luck and reminded me that everyone down there has always called Eli, “the worst Manning of them all.” We laugh about that now and will be laughing even harder should my boy bring home the goods for a second time.
I love me some Eli Manning…
The truth. The REAL voice of reason
Nice! Underwear guy is back to celebrate the superbowl with us guys!
Also, 9 1/2 hours and counting…..
Ed said he is working on it to rid of it.
This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.
i woke up at 7:14ET
and ive been counting every dragging hour and minute since
"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid
"11 guys playing as 1 are HARD to beat" -Justin Tuck
In preparation for moments in life like these...
I’m glad I refused to learn how to count.
Who got the last laugh now…MATH!?
nywins42 needs a new screen name - "nywins46" sounds great!
Just ordered FatHeads for all available Giants. Now I have something to aim at when punching holes in my wall.
Hahahaha!!!!!!
"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."
About to drive off to a friend's place to watch the game, so I won't be on BBV till tonight or tomorrow.
Stay safe tonight peeps, and let’s stomp ’em out one more time.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Feb 5, 2012 9:01 AM EST reply actions
The New York vs. Boston rivalry
It’s so true and nicely put. My father, a lifelong Bostonian and massive Red Sox fan, would become positively apoplectic at a loss to the Yankees. He started turning the sound off the TV during matchups and finally just stopped watching the games. I think that probably saved a few TVs from flying objects. ;-)
Is it game time yet?
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
My take
Im thinking jacobs is gonna be super monstrous in this game. J. Ballard is already mad about Gronk’s media love. Pats cant match the intensity of the Giants.
I got a feeling.....
That tonight is going to be a good night!
NYG 35 x Pats 14
I'm going to the gym.
I don’t want to but I have to go run off some of this nervous energy.
I think I was more calm on the days my kids were born….
The truth. The REAL voice of reason
super excited for this.
We’ve been waiting for this all year!! Let’s go G-Men!!
by TootooReigns on Feb 5, 2012 9:16 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Woke up at 5:30
Aleady did almost all the prep but the (limited) cooking. Reading everything on the webs. Think I’d better lay down for a while. Everybody else around here still sleeping.
Good luck to us all!
FINISH!
bad juju
I had a dream about the game last night.
It wasn’t what I wanted. Let’s hope I was getting a wrong signal.
Now everyone will say Eli is in Bradys class. F*ck me
by PatNation85 on Nov 6, 2011 4:31 PM PST
by AJ_in_VA on Feb 5, 2012 9:26 AM EST via mobile reply actions
hopefully it was just a coincidence
JPP for 2011 DPOY!
by NewYork! on Feb 5, 2012 11:29 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
My testosterone is raging
My game face i on, playing bruce and southside really loud. My New Jerseyness i overwhelming my girlfriend.
I just want to see Brady on his back all day long
Tuck, Osi and JPP make it happen!!! Lets get another trophy!!!!!!
Brady
He’ll speed it up if he’s getting pressure. One of the things that makes him so tough is his ability to adapt to the speed of the rush.
Go Giants!
I feel sorry for him
"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent"
by Larry Soprano on Feb 5, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Yup
Enjoy bbi catch ya on the flipside of being sb champsss
by Giants36 on Feb 5, 2012 9:35 AM EST via mobile reply actions
The only thing that really worries me about the game is whether or not the defense can handle the hurry-up...
That’s gonna happen. It has proven to be a Giants weakness and I’m surprised teams didn’t do it all year.
nywins42 needs a new screen name - "nywins46" sounds great!
Just ordered FatHeads for all available Giants. Now I have something to aim at when punching holes in my wall.
It should be alright and we can do hurry up offense too.
Our defense is used to hurry up and will not have to fake injures to slow the game lol.
This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.
OT sorta but
has anyone read this yet?
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/patriots-heartlessly-release-tiquan-underwood-eve-super-bowl-004651704.html
Wtf Belidick? What a douche move. I hope we whoop their butts for this
Nets Mets Giants All day Every day.
Beware the Lopez
NY Giants Tribute
we should sign him so he can sack the shit out of brady
"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid
"11 guys playing as 1 are HARD to beat" -Justin Tuck
just an idea lol
"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid
"11 guys playing as 1 are HARD to beat" -Justin Tuck
I think he did it purposely on Friday
So he wouldn’t clear waivers until Monday. Would’ve been nice to hear the game plan Bellichek had cooked up from an inside source.
Cant the guy still walk in and spill the beans on his own?
This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.
I'm ready!!!
Let’s go G Men
You just got Tysoned!!!!!!
Superstitious
I’m watching this one alone. If it was any other Super Bowl I would be watching it with my friends. BBV has become a good luck charm! Go Giants!
by ChicagoGiantsFan on Feb 5, 2012 9:57 AM EST reply actions
I'm going to an amish restaurant
for breakfast this morning, I intend to eat so much bacon that I leave looking like Andy Reid.
by Big Blue Fan In Ohio on Feb 5, 2012 9:59 AM EST reply actions
Hahahah!!!
Clog the heart I’m enjoying Bloddy Mary’s right now!!!
Why is Tom Quinn still here? I loves me some Coach Clawfin.
Can I please have the story book ending!!! Football Gods hear me!!!!
Giants!!!! Giants Giants!!!!! Giants!!!!!!!
Why is Tom Quinn still here? I loves me some Coach Clawfin.
Are you worthy?
COSTANZA!?
HaHa!
You know it’s game time when we start praying to the heavens!
Go Giants!
lol
"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent"
by Larry Soprano on Feb 5, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
that ain't just rick james
its rick james B*TCH!!
by thatdamHBdraw on Feb 5, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
LOL
Team TAWD:
The entire 53 man roster of the 2011 New York Giants
by The Always Well Dressed... on Feb 5, 2012 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
I'M ALL IN!!!
GO OUT THERE AND EAT BRADY!!!!
by weejer on Feb 5, 2012 10:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions
its kinda an out there question
but im not the only one who screams at the top of my lungs so that people in the next township can hear it when we sack an opposing QB right?
"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid
"11 guys playing as 1 are HARD to beat" -Justin Tuck
Lol
Nope! I yell so loud that my wife is taking my son (5 months old) and leaving our home for the game!
by Giant Ken on Feb 5, 2012 10:55 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
my mom gets pretty mad when i yell for sacks
but it gets pretty bad, theres been instances where she almost kicked me out of the house because i got so bad haha…but college will be here soon enough, so lets hope i get a giants fan as a roommate lol
"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid
"11 guys playing as 1 are HARD to beat" -Justin Tuck
ESPN showed the old eli/peyton commercial just now
I forgot how funny that was. And also, how young Eli looked.
Yes, I am a Giants fan. Now that we got that out of the way....
IMPEACH DOLAN!!!!
I bELIeve in ELI!!!! - Primetime -
The Big Boy Cometh....Team Jacobs
Marines say Oorah; BBVer's say SUAMBP! say it with me - Suuaahmbp!!!!
by wilddre22 on Feb 5, 2012 10:41 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Game day baby!!!!!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
by Giant Ken on Feb 5, 2012 10:53 AM EST via mobile reply actions
g men go
feeling twitchy cant wait gotta cook up some hot giant chile homebrews already open and tastin gooood go giants
Win Or Lose
I loved being on this site and all the fans. A very up and down year for the team but BBV was always strong. Not a goodbye from me, I’ll be around here all offseason but to those that take this time off, Thanks for making this site f*ckin awesome and see you in August.
GO BLUE IN 46
Team TAWD:
The entire 53 man roster of the 2011 New York Giants
by The Always Well Dressed... on Feb 5, 2012 1:07 PM EST reply actions
No doubt...I have alot of fun out here with everybody...Great bunch of folks..with a good deal..
Of football knowledge and a great sense of humor…I enjoy the serious football talk and the laughs..
"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."
I'm a sophomore at Boston College
and it’s going to be a Civil War up here tonight…I’m bleeding blue though, fighting the good fight.
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