Tonight, I dine in hell...

The reason I say this (actually misquote it from the movie 300), is that for the past 2 weeks I've repeatedly said that I'd sell my soul to see the Patriots lose the Super Bowl. Guess someone took me up on my offer. And, if hell is all the evangelicals would have you believe, I'll be surrounded by Patriot fans led by Bill Bellichick when I get there! In any case, whatever the cost, it was definitely worth it!

I have listened quietly for 2 weeks as everyone (my health club locker room, local news outlets, national news outlets, the Sports Guy) wrote/bragged about the inevitability of a Patriots 19-0 season. To them it was a fait-'accompli. I never said a word, I just seethed inside knowing that they were probably right and fighting the urge to take out a Nancy Kerrigan contract on Brady as he smugly laughed about the Burress 17-point "guarantee". I've also learned that it's somewhat foolish to argue with a Patriots fan; they tend to rationalize wins and losses equally well. I'm sure we'll see some of that in the local media as well:

1. The no-call against Amani Toomer for offensive pass interference against Gay (hand in the face-mask) - no big deal as the giants immediately turned it over inside the red-zone
2. Not calling Eli Manning as "In the Grasp" during his 4th-quarter Houdini-like escape and throw downfield to Tyree - I say hats off to the zebras for letting 'em play.

I'm sure the New England conspiracy machine will be out in full force. Here's the bottom line: the Patriots got their asses whipped physically last night, and Tom Brady looked decidedly average under constant pressure from an inspired Giants defense. New York outplayed 'em, and anyone who thinks otherwise is dreaming. Similarly, those who really know football will be forced to agree that the Patriots defense was exposed - really starting to show its age.

I'm gonna keep this post short, and I'm not gloating (much), but God this is gratifying. Let's also give a shout-out to my man Eli Manning for showing grace and grit on the biggest stage in sports. I think it's great that he received the super-bowl MVP award, but anyone who watched the game knows that it should be shared collectively by the Giants defensive line and coordinator.

So, here I sit on Monday morning after the Super Bowl, soulless, but happier for it nonetheless - Dad, save me a seat by the fire. Before I sign off, I'll leave the Patriots fans with two great ESPN links that have nothing to do with the game, but that I found fascinating this weekend:

• A great article by Gregg Easterbrook about lingering and continuing questions on spygate; really great insights.
• Really thought-provoking article (for men) from Jemele Hill about how Tom Brady gets away with behavior that other men would be vilified for

Go Giants! Well done!

Update: here's a link to the Sports Guy's article, and surprisingly, it's not entirely graceless (which is a surprise), but rather poignant (which is why he's the best sportswriter in the game)...