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NFL season now down to the Bowl
Source: Agencies |
February 5, 2012, Sunday
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TWO star quarterbacks, a rematch of a nail-biter from four years ago featuring many of the same key characters, plus Madonna - this Super Bowl has all the makings of another thriller.
A season that began in labor turmoil and wound up the most successful in league history is set for a fitting end today (tomorrow morning Shanghai time).
"It's actually been a very fun week here," said New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, seeking his fourth Super Bowl ring in 11 seasons, and doing it in the city where archrival Peyton Manning has worked for 13 years.
"It's a bit surreal to be playing in Indy's home stadium and to be practicing at their facility."
It's been even weirder for New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, whose superb season and chase for a second championship has been overshadowed by his big brother this week.
Even with the Super Bowl in town, the biggest storyline in Indianapolis this week has been Peyton's pain in his neck. Or, rather, his status following three neck surgeries in 19 months; whether the Colts will keep him around, at the cost of a US$28 million roster bonus due in March; and whether he's truly feuding with owner Jim Irsay.
Eli, who will surpass his brother for National Football League titles with a victory at Lucas Oil Stadium - yes, Peyton's Place - claims his sibling's issues are irrelevant to this game, in which New York is a 3-point underdog in line betting.
"I'm proud of Peyton. I've talked to him this week. None of that comes up," Eli said. "When I talk to Peyton, he does a great job of trying to keep me relaxed."
While Eli would own two championships with a victory, to one for Peyton, Brady could tie his childhood quarterback hero Joe Montana, and Terry Bradshaw, with four. Patriots coach Bill Belichick would equal Chuck Noll with the same number.
To get it, New England must protect its crown jewel. Four years ago, Brady was banged around so much by New York that it turned the Super Bowl in the Giants' favor.
Once again when they finally kick off today, the two biggest stars will be Brady and Manning - yes, Eli. Not halftime performer Madonna, but the quarterbacks on whose arms, wits and leadership this Super Bowl will turn.
A season that began in labor turmoil and wound up the most successful in league history is set for a fitting end today (tomorrow morning Shanghai time).
"It's actually been a very fun week here," said New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, seeking his fourth Super Bowl ring in 11 seasons, and doing it in the city where archrival Peyton Manning has worked for 13 years.
"It's a bit surreal to be playing in Indy's home stadium and to be practicing at their facility."
It's been even weirder for New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, whose superb season and chase for a second championship has been overshadowed by his big brother this week.
Even with the Super Bowl in town, the biggest storyline in Indianapolis this week has been Peyton's pain in his neck. Or, rather, his status following three neck surgeries in 19 months; whether the Colts will keep him around, at the cost of a US$28 million roster bonus due in March; and whether he's truly feuding with owner Jim Irsay.
Eli, who will surpass his brother for National Football League titles with a victory at Lucas Oil Stadium - yes, Peyton's Place - claims his sibling's issues are irrelevant to this game, in which New York is a 3-point underdog in line betting.
"I'm proud of Peyton. I've talked to him this week. None of that comes up," Eli said. "When I talk to Peyton, he does a great job of trying to keep me relaxed."
While Eli would own two championships with a victory, to one for Peyton, Brady could tie his childhood quarterback hero Joe Montana, and Terry Bradshaw, with four. Patriots coach Bill Belichick would equal Chuck Noll with the same number.
To get it, New England must protect its crown jewel. Four years ago, Brady was banged around so much by New York that it turned the Super Bowl in the Giants' favor.
Once again when they finally kick off today, the two biggest stars will be Brady and Manning - yes, Eli. Not halftime performer Madonna, but the quarterbacks on whose arms, wits and leadership this Super Bowl will turn.
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