Super Bowl Stunner: Eli Manning, All Growed Up
NFL February 4th. 2008, 10:42am
Yes, we will get to non-Super Bowl stuff shortly, but we really need to hammer the game first; seriously, how incredible was it?
All season long, we acknowledged the inadequacy of Eli Manning. The man threw four interceptions at home against the Minnesota Vikings, including three pick sixes! Yet in the Super Bowl, he did not turn into Rex Grossman, as we suggested he could have. Eli’s Houdini act on the final drive instantly became one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history, right up there with Leon Lett and Don Beebe, the Mike Jones tackle at the 1-yard line at the final horn, the John Riggins stiff-arm run, and Marcus Allen’s incredible 74-yard TD (we still recall where we were that night 24 years ago – just barely, though). You can enjoy the video of Manning’s career highlight after the jump, but one thing to look for – just how bad of a call it is by Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. It’s terrible. There is little or no emotion, despite the fact that it was the fourth quarter of a close Super Bowl game involving a team striving for perfection. (Could Keith Jackson have said Whoa Nelly! twice in a six-second span? Perhaps.) Stop Mike Lupica just asked us: What if Gus Johnson had the call? Imagine the possibilities.
Final thought on Eli – yes, he has arrived. Lastly, a selfish sentence – our attire to the Super Bowl party we attended: a Dillon Panthers Tim Riggins jersey over a longsleeve shirt. Nerdy as hell, but it is the only football jersey we own. We received it as a birthday present recently.
59 Responses to “Super Bowl Stunner: Eli Manning, All Growed Up”
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February 4th, 2008 at 10:45 AM
They called the whole came as if they had just woken up from a nap. In fact, Aikman looked like he had bed-head all through the playoffs. An epic ending with no memorable call that will become part of history.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:45 AM
From the mind of a 2007 Eli Manning fantasy owner –
F YOU, ELI. You singlehandedly destroyed my team and then decided to show up when the fantasy season wrapped up. Thanks for the memories, jackass.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I still can’t believe Eli got out of there and I definitely can’t believe Tyree caught that. Just spectacular.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I have hated Eli since the stunt he pulled on draft day. I have to say that after watching him last night, I was very impressed. I still hate him, always will. I don’t think he can be called an “elite” QB, but he has shown us that he can be a good QB.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I still cant believe it…Rodney got a good shot on the ball and he just clamped down. Unreal.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Fixed!
February 4th, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I couldn’t hear the announcers and it sounds like I didn’t miss much.
That was an incredible play, and to think Tom Coughlin was that close to being fired. I am not a Giants fan but to see their emotion and how much it meant to them was refreshing.
I also thought the Peyton and Eli moment that the cameras caught was pretty funny, I kept waiting for them to stop talking and start licking Oreos.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Where did you find a Tim Riggins jersey??
February 4th, 2008 at 10:53 AM
This means that you can almost never question Eli again. Lots of QB’s have super bowl rings. Some of those with played great (Steve Young, Phil Simms), some played poorly but still won (Big Ben, Trent Dilfer).
Very very few QB’s have led last minute, 4th quarter, game winning TOUCHDOWN drives in the Super Bowl. Even Brady only has game winning FG drives. Donovan was puking in a similar situation a few years ago, Eli played cool and calm. I was very impressed.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Gus Johnson might have generated enough nuclear energy from his excitement to power the city of Glendale for three weeks.
But this is the kind of stuff Eli was doing at Ole Miss to make him the number one pick. My hat goes off to the coaching staff that got the kid comfortable enough to play to his strengths, make better decisions, and get the team behind him as a leader.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Although Easterbrook gets a bad rep on this site. He has been saying one thing throughout the playoffs that rang true. The regular season NFL passing leader has never won the Super Bowl.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I was too busy jumping out of my chair and screaming to hear Joe Buck and Troy Aikman’s sedated, monotone call.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Did Emmitt Smith write this headline?
February 4th, 2008 at 11:07 AM
moss is beginning to stir some shit up. are we about to get TO 2.0?
February 4th, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Spencer, what do you mean? What did he say?
February 4th, 2008 at 11:13 AM
in all fairness, the Leon Lett play had no impact on the game whatsoever.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:14 AM
@spencer, What did Moss do/say?
February 4th, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I have hated Eli since the stunt Tom Condon pulled on draft day.
Fixed
February 4th, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I guess I will have to stop calling Eli “Corky” now. The announcers were horrible, and maybe Fox could have showed Eli or Plaxico’s or even the Giants bench’s reaction after the last TD instead of what Peyton was doing up in the box. I understand the Eli/Peyton angle but maybe I would have liked to see my Giants celebrate winning a Super Bowl instead of Peyton celebrating his brother’s TD pass.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Jumped out of my seat. one of the greatest plays in SB history. I had no rooting interest in this game, it turned out exactly how I wanted.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Tyree’s catch will live on forever. If he does half that well in The Gauntlet, the Rookies will beat the Veterans.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:25 AM
it could be nothing, but he commented on his relationship with belichick and simply said, “we don’t converse.” that coupled with the huge loss, his impending free agency (and subsequent contract demands that the pats historically don’t pay) and moss’ past assholishness, im just saying there’s a possibility.
and i realize that im WILDLY speculating something that could be innocuous.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I think there’s something to that, Randy is a me guy, always has been always will be. You don’t think he’ll be bitching all summer about how they should have used him more in the playoffs. You think he won’t be angry if they lowball a contract offer to him. The honeymoon is over, he will be back to complaining.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Wow, talk about taking a dump on people. I dont forsee Moss doing sit-ups in his driveway and holding them hostage. I think he will take the discount cause it hurts so bad to come that close. He wants a ring to cement his legacy and will come back to get it.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Did anyone make an attempt to read Bill Simmons’ response to the game? I scanned through most of it and stumbled across this gem (I’m paraphrasing here) most people are going to remember this game because it was a huge loss for the Patriots and not because it was a huge win for the Giants. This is why I dispise Boston fans – they can’t even lose without claiming some sort of victory. “Sure the Giants won, but in the end no one will care! People only care about the Patroits!”
February 4th, 2008 at 11:40 AM
A little something for Mr. Simmons sent to his inbox…
Well, Bill. I guess you can hang your hat on being the best 18-1 team ever… WAIT. Ditka just called and reminded me that the Super Bowl Shuffle Bears in ‘85… You remember them, right? The Monsters of the Midway, the 46 Defense, Buddy Ryan, Singletary, PAYTON, Fridge, the frightening destruction of every team that went against them in the playoffs… went 18-1 AND destroyed the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Thanks for the reminder Coach Ditka! My memory must have failed me. Sorry about that. Back to the 2007 Patriots and their congratulations!
OK, Bill. You can now hang your hat on being the SECOND best 18-1… WAIT. The ghost of Bill Walsh just visited my work cube to remind me that the ‘84 49ers… You know Montana and Tyler and Craig and Clark and Lott and Turner and Board, and the beginning of the 1980’s Dynasty… went 18-1 AND won the Super Bowl too! Thanks Mr. Walsh for the reminder. I guess that drops the Patriots down another notch…
You and the entire New England Nation should not act innocent of your misdeeds. You know what I’m talking about. Its all New Englanders who MUST have made a deal with the devil to rid Misery from your town?… The same Misery that cost the Red Sox year after year, all of that horrible grief and pain, had disappeared without a trace. Now, after months of diehard cheering (and devil worshipping or whatever else has happened to explain the mysterious disappearance of Misery), the 2007 Patriots have the THIRD best 18-1 team of ALL TIME. Now, THAT is something that you and the rest of New England can hang your hat on. Congratulations!
Something that should really help you as you get through your pain is this; the rest of the country won’t forget this THIRD place team. Boston Misery is a tradition like any other (Cue the CBS Masters music) . After a few years of being misplaced, Misery has found its home again. Its something the rest of the country can ALL revel in.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Eventually, we decided that an upset of the Pats would be like the ‘86 World Series — more of a famous loss than a famous win, but something that would definitely get major play as a win because of the New York media.
He likened it to the ‘86 Miracle Met team and the Buckner play. Seems about right.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Being a Colt fan, its a joy to know that Patriot fans will always have to endure the last drive by Eli, coupled with the shots of Peyton up in the booth, talk about sticking the knife in and twisting.
Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of humble fans.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:43 AM
(slowly standing up)
clap. clap. clap.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Manning face, Manning face, haha, pats are so great!
/Simmons is a douche.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:56 AM
2006: Peyton’s furious comeback kills the Patriots’ chance at 4 Super Bowls in 6 years
2007: Eli’s furious comeback denies the Patriots a perfect season
Pretty good for a family of heartless automaton quarterbacks with no drive who can’t win championships. Tom Brady is the meat in the Manning sandwich right now. They singlehandedly kept Brady from reaching the Montana/Bradshaw stratosphere, and the Patriots from being mentioned in the same sentence as the 1970s Steelers and the 1960s Packers. Good for them.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Its just a great day, I’m so happy. The pats deserved to lose, especially in that manner. They deserved it for
a) Running up the score on teams not named the Jets
b) Bringing in Randy “I play when I feel like it” Moss
c) Cheating (HGHarrison included)
d) Being smug asshats, following the lead of the coach
e) Running up the score, I hate that more than anything
February 4th, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Great post Wally’s World! One other point about douche Simmons – not only did he say the New York media is the only factor making this a great win for the Giants, he also goes on to insult Tampa Bay and Seattle by saying if they would have won, NO ONE would remember it as a “great win” because they’re not large market teams. I seriously can’t stand this guy. I’m not from Tampa or Seattle and that comment pisses me off!
February 4th, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I cant help but to think how badly I am going to get railed for saying this, but that game had a WWE feel to it…I know it was a huge upset and the Giants played “pretty good” but, It was almost as if NE offensive line suddenly swapped places with the Houston Texans…
It almost was a different team to me…almost as if the game was thrown to take the light away from all of the video taping scandal that NE finds themselves in…If the would have won it would be all about the tarnished legacy, but by losing, we now focus on the upset instead of the cheating….Addition by subtraction
I am reading this thinking to myself that I am a jackass for even suggesting it, but if I think it, i am sure it is in the back of others minds too…your thoughts?>
February 4th, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Why didn’t Mr. Sports Guy take a photo of himselg after the winning TD from Eli?!? I want to see how is the Simmons Face…
February 4th, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I really appreciate the “coopisms” they always make me laugh you bunch of asshatted fucktards
February 4th, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Add to my wishlist, i wanted to see the Mr.Sports Guy talking to his friends (who by the way hate him): “It’s unfair…it’s unfair…it’s my team…(crying)”
February 4th, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Unless I missed it somewhere else, no one made any mention of dickwad Jeremy Shockey watching the game from a box instead of down on the sidelines with his teammates?
February 4th, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Memo to Simmons…
The Celtics arent going to win the NBA Finals either
February 4th, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I was screaming at Eli to throw another fade to Plax with one second remaining. Just to step on Belichek’s balls one more time.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Thanks Mike, my wife and co-workers would roll their eyes and whole-heartedly agree.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:09 PM
@mikey: They played “pretty good” is like saying Jessica Alba is “decently hot.” NYG defense was insane last night.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Dirty, they showed him once or twice, it looked like he was “gettin his goose on” up in the box. Can’t be doin blow off a strippers ass on the sideline.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:12 PM
The football gods always make things right in the end. Karma is a bitch.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:12 PM
@Dirty Sanchez, i noticed Shockey and a lot of beer around him. I’m guessing that since the Giants and especially Eli played a lot better without him bitching and moaning about wanting the ball in every huddle, he’s going to be traded for a high draft pick so they can draft a defensive back. But maybe the Giants will take him back and bring Tiki also…
February 4th, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I was screaming at Eli to throw another fade to Plax with one second remaining. Just to step on Belichek’s balls one more time.
I was thinking the same thing. Because you just know that if Tom Brady would have had an NFL record on the line, he would have done it if the roles were reversed. Or maybe he wouldn’t do things like go for it on 4th downs, throw cheap touchdown passes from the one-yard line, or throw bombs when they’re up by 35. Nope, he never did that.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:17 PM
The perfect weekend. Monk/Green HOF announcement on Saturday and then the Pats tank last night. In both cases, it couldn’t have happened to a better group of folks…
February 4th, 2008 at 12:19 PM
The 86 “Miracle Mets” were the best team in Baseball, and were favored to win the Series. The miracle came from the circumstances of their comeback in Game 6 not from their stature as a team that year.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I don’t understand how this post started as an Eli congratulatory post, and devolved into an anti-NE fan post. I understand that everyone is sick of having the Pats shoved down their throat, but is that the fan’s fault or the media (ESPN) for calling the the greatest ever during the regular season?? As a Pats fan, I cringed whenever I heard/read that, and with good reason it turns out.
I’ve commented on a previous post today that in my opinion it was the arrogance of the NE coaching staff and lack of adjustments that lost the game for them. Other teams in the NFL have gone undefeated and lost the championship (albeit not during the “SB Era). It wasn’t our “misdeeds” or selling our soul to get rid of the “Misery” of Boston. Are you kidding me? Vitriol just spews forth more vitriol.
Congrats to the Giants and their fans. Now you have the same number of SB trophies as the Pats (that’s as bitter as I’m going to get).
February 4th, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I was happy for Monk as well but all I have heard about him is what a douchebag he is, and I think that is why it took him so long to get in the Hall of Fame.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:28 PM
St. Bear, I understand. And I agree with you that it’s at least partly the media’s fault.
By the way, am I the only one who noticed that we haven’t seen this much ESPN “Best Team Ever” hype for a football team since the 2005 USC football team? By the way, how did that work out?
February 4th, 2008 at 12:30 PM
I noticed the USC/Texas comparison, too JPG. Funny that the games ended in similar ways, also. Underdog scores a TD with less than a minute left. Favorite gets one last shot to come back but isn’t able to pull it off.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:33 PM
st. bear…i feel bad for you becaues you seem like a level-headed, respectful pats fan (rare, yet i have sympathy. im a level-headed, respectful OSU fan and have still been feeling the fallout from getting waxed by florida).
but at the same time, after reading barstoolsports.com for the last 5 months, it’s great to see such an arrogant fan base suffer.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I agree its the media first. Fans second, as a pats fan that just sits back and reads the comments rather than make a comment it made me bitter all year hearing other fan bases dump on them for (w/ reason) cheating, scoring too much, too little. What made me even more bitter is the reaction of the pats fans (Simmons being the national voice) and it just got really out of hand. I thought the team handled it incredibly during the regular season and it just turns out they caught a team that played out of their minds and deserved it.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:24 PM
st. bear… didn’t mean to take away from Eli. He played a very good game and was stellar in the 4th quarter (if you don’t count the 3 potential picks that the Pats had and dropped)… I only posted my rant on Simmons because it was the top article about the Super Bowl at the time!
February 4th, 2008 at 1:36 PM
cbh49er
monk was never ever ever called a douche by anyone ever, the reason he didn’t get in before was because he didn’t talk to the media much, he wasn’t comfortable with them and if you listened to him on speaker phone after the announcement of his induction on saturday you could tell he still wasn’t comfortable with it all, but teammates and coaches all loved and respected him and opposing players respected him as well
February 4th, 2008 at 2:01 PM
why no love for Smash Williams’ #20 jersey?
February 4th, 2008 at 2:52 PM
[...] you were Eli Manning, fresh off your upset win over the New England Patriots and winning the Super Bowl MVP, would you rest, or move on to your second sport? Second sport, of course! Eli and Peyton Manning [...]
February 4th, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Mannings = Cheater killers