It's official. Super Bowl XLII will host Eli Manning and the New York Giants as well as Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. This is quite surprising considering where these two teams began the season: an 0-2 start that had the fanbase questioning the QB as a franchise disappointment and an organization wrapped in a cheating scandal of which they were found guilty. But lo and behold, these two phoenix-like teams have risen above the ashes and landed themselves in the big game; which is appropriately being held in the suburbs of Phoenix.
Last night, Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress froze the Packers dreams of returning to the Super Bowl. Burress played beyond his average greatness, catching 11 passes for 154 yards, and forcing two defensive penalties out of Packer Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris during his 60-minute workout.
Earlier in the day, it seemed that the Patriots were faltering from their usual level of play, led by Tom Brady's carelessness in his passing game. The Chargers defense, who led the NFL in interceptions and takeaways, picked off Brady three times (including his first red zone interception in two years).Then the second half began and the Patriots became wise to using the small-ball approach; a shift that would turn the game around for them and allow them to control the ball for a staggering 21:38. Tailbacks Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk combined for 221 yards and 35 touches from scrimmage.
Needless to say, Sunday February 3^rd won't come quietly, as these two set up for a great rematch. For sports cards collectors, this is the golden ticket for authentic sports memorabilia. Manning vs. Brady. Burress vs. Moss. The match ups at each position are star-studded and fully aligned for an exciting clash. The autographed memorabilia from this meeting should be something worth holding on to.