Monday, February 04, 2008

Glad I was wrong

As it turns out, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress knew what he was talking about and I didn’t.
Burress stated before Super Bowl XLII, to much derision, that his team would pull the upset and it did. He also said the Giants wouldn’t give up more than 17 points, again to much derision, but they didn’t.
I blew it in both categories, but I've never been so happy to be so wrong.
The Giants’ 17-14 victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots was one of the most stirring moments in sports history.
While the first three quarters last night were enough to make viewers search for the remote and turn to the ''Puppy Bowl'' on Animal Planet, the last quarter more than made up for the lagging pace that preceded it.
The last 12 minutes were what we hope for in a Super Bowl -- Eli Manning shaking off pass rushers, David Tyree making an acrobatic catch to sustain a 12-play drive, Tom Brady heaving the football some 70 yards in the air in a hold-your-breath moment at the end.
The Patriots, who could have won their fourth Super Bowl in seven years, may one day be regarded as the NFL's most powerful dynasty. Because of what the Giants accomplished with their pass rush and their poise at the end, however, the Patriots won't get a seat at the head table reserved for perfect seasons.
The only place setting belongs to the 1972 Miami Dolphins and will until further notice. Their 17-0 record and collection of Hall of Fame busts remain the standard-bearer for the league.
You have to feel good for Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, Bill Stanfill, Jake Scott, Mike Kolen, Paul Warfield, Garo and the rest. It was widely assumed they would be eclipsed, but this morning they should have been savoring a champagne buzz from the previous night.
The latest and nearest threat to their legacy tripped with the finish line in sight.
The Dolphins' 17-0 season may well be the most impressive record in professional sports. I used to consider the most hallowed marks to be those achieved individually, Hank Aaron’s home run record and Roger Maris' summer of 61, but juiced baseballs and juiced players have caused me to see the numbers differenly now.
Miami’s 17-0 season remains pure.
Yes, it's tougher to run the table in the NFL now. Keep in mind, however, that the Dolphins played 11 regular season games with their backup quarterback and won without the benefit of hidden cameras or Human Growth Hormone.
What sports records resonate the most with you?

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