The Giants and Pats are now tied in number of Super Bowl wins at three.
Besides the Super Bowls, the Giants have won four other NFL championships before there was a Super Bowl: — in 1934 (the “sneakers game”), 1935, 1938, and 1956; they also were named champion in 1927 by virtue of their record (there was no championship game). The team has played in 18 NFL championship games.
Pats coach Bill Belichick left the field before the game was over (he did stop briefly to shake Tom Coughlin’s hand). Ditto for Tom Brady.
The game was the second most-watched television show in history, topped only by the M*A*S*H finale. (Obviously that makes it the most-watched Super Bowl ever.)
“Incorrect” merchandise — touting “New England Patriots: Super Bowl XLII Champs” and so forth — is sent to poor children in Nicaragua.
In case you were wondering, regarding the “incorrect” merchandise that was obviously printed and stitched long before the game:
The rest of the world benefits as well, thanks to a partnership developed in 1994 between the NFL and World Vision, a global relief organization. By next week, World Vision will deliver the preprinted (and incorrect) Patriots Super Bowl champion gear to underprivileged children in Nicaragua.
Clearly Eli Manning’s quarterbacking skills remain average at best, and with key injuries it’s gonna be tough just to make the playoffs.
Perhaps the Giants’ best bet is a bit of intimidation. They could take a page from the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks. Here’s what they do before every game:
Other athletes (you know who they are) would be whining all over the press if one of their teammates was getting higher praise.
But not Michael Strahan. He’s been to the Pro Bowl seven times, and his gap-toothed grin is a signature of the Giants. But this year he’s been outshone by fellow defensive end Osi Umenyiora.
And he doesn’t care. Strahan isn’t jumping up and down shouting about how wonderful Michael Strahan is, and how the newspapers should be writing more about Michael Strahan.
Instead, commenting on how he’s been double-teamed by the offenses the Giants have played, Strahan said,
"Being I am the oldest one out there, and the slowest one out there and the weakest one out there and the most pathetic one out there, I would think that they would [double-team Umenyiora], but that hasn’t happened," he said. "I have to take what I can get and work with it."
That’s class. He doesn’t need to act like a big baby to prove his worth. He’s a great guy and a great player and he’s secure in that. Bravo.
