This weekend, the sports world will descend on Indianapolis in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI.
As a native of Indianapolis, I couldn’t be more proud to see the biggest game in sports in my hometown. With the Colts suf- fering through a 2-14 season, I’ve been looking forward to the Super Bowl all season.
Sunday, Eli Manning led the Giants to a rain-soaked overtime victory against the 49ers to reserve their spot while the Patriots defeat- ed the Ravens to set up a Super Bowl rematch from 2007.
The Patriots entered Super Bowl XLII 18-0, attempting to be just the second team ever to finish a season undefeated.
The underdog Giants shocked the world with a 17-14 victory for one of the most improbable wins in NFL history.
As a Colts fan, there is nothing in this world I hate more than the New England Patriots. I would root for terrorism before I would ever consider cheering for the Patriots.
The thought of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady hoisting the Lombardi
Trophy in Lucas Oil Stadium, “The House that Peyton built,” makes me sick to my stomach.
The Patriots will be the home team and will use the Colts’ prac- tice facility leading up to the big game. They will dress in the Colts’ locker room and take the field through the same tunnel.
The football gods have a cruel sense of humor.
To say I’m rooting for the Giants would be a tremendous understatement. I am on my knees begging and pleading for New York to once again take down the Patriots.
Peyton Manning’s kid brother will have to do what he could never accomplish – beat New England twice in the playoffs.
This is a dream matchup for the NFL. Both teams come from large cities in the Northeast with huge fan bases. It’s a rematch of one of the best Super Bowls of the last decade. The ratings should be through the roof.
But, for me, it’s going to be an uncomfortable week.
Brady using Peyton’s locker. Belichick cozying up in Tony Dungy’s former office.
It just doesn’t seem right.
For the Giants to beat the Patriots, they have to get pressure on Brady with their front four like they did in 2007.
Guys like Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Jason Pierre-Paul must have big games for New York.
Eli Manning and the Giants offense should have no prob- lem scoring on the New England defense that rated 31st in the NFL during the regular season.
New York wide receivers Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks give the team three legitimate weapons to stretch the field and open up the running game for Ahmad Bradshaw and BrandonJacobs.
Ultimately, I believe the Giants will beat the Patriots.
The New York defense will get enough stops to keep the New England offense from putting up north of 30 points.
But even the possibility of the Patriots being crowned champions in Indianapolis has me shaking in my boots.
So come on Giants. Do the city of Indianapolis and the entire country a favor and whip the Patriots on Super Bowl Sunday. What do you say?
