Super Bowl: Giant Spark Plug

Alyssa "G-Men Girl" Franklin

BGB Featured Columnist

The running game of the Giants which in the past have been the team’s trademark has been less than stellar this past season.

However towards the end of the season it seemed that the Giants have had a spark ignite it back to life.

The spark was Ahmad Bradshaw. He had started the season and by the bye week it had come to light that he had a broken bone in his foot. He would miss the next four games.

When Ahmad started returned back from his injury it seemed to have ignited the fire that the team was needing after some devastating losses.

On his return back the Giants faced the Cowboys in Dallas and even though he did not start the game because of a team violation he seemed to have fired up everyone including his best buddy Brandon Jacobs.

Since then having the little guy back in the game the Giants have made a fantastic run to the Superbowl. It has been amazing watching him play. He may not be the biggest or strongest guy but he shows so much heart and resilience.

No matter if he only gains a couple of yards or 20 yards, he will fight for every yard possible. He’s a fighter and that has been shown over and over again. He is a major contribution on this team and his teammates know it.

They see the energy and the heart that he brings to the game. No matter how much he hurts, he never complains and never is negative. He is a true competitor.

For such a little guy you would never know that he is one of the best at picking up a blitz if he is not running the ball and is a great option for Eli when Eli has to get it out quick. I honestly believe he is a jack of all trades.

Not a lot of people cared if he signed back with the Giants back in the preseason or not but I bet if you ask them that question now they care a lot that he is a part of this organization. The team feeds off of him and you can see the change in the locker room with him there.

They see what he goes through as far as pain and being tired but he never lets it get to him. That’s motivation right there. No one will even bother to complain about anything when you got a guy with a broken bone in his foot fighting and clawing for everything out on the field.

A lot of strong guys in the league are big guys. The kind of guys you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. They are the kind of guys that you take notice of as soon as they take the field.

Well, Ahmad isn’t the big and tall guy but he has a huge heart and loves his team. People take notice of him but it’s not because of his size. It’s because they know the kind of power back he is and he will fight for it all.

At 5 foot 9 inches, no one would look at him as a Giant but he’s the biggest and best little Giant on the squad.

Giants vs Patriots: Five Greatest Moments in the NY-Boston Sports Rivalry

Shale Briskin
BGB Contributor

For over a century, the New York vs Boston sports rivalry has been among the most intense city rivalries in all of sports, especially because the rivalry has touched upon all four major American sports. So many unforgettable memories have occurred between the two cities, which made it very difficult to come up with five top moments. Nonetheless, here are the top five moments in the New York vs Boston rivalry:

Moment #5: Bucky Dent's Home Run in 1978

On October 2, 1978, the Red Sox had to beat the Yankees in order to make the postseason. The Red Sox blew a 14 game lead in the AL East and had to win their final eight games just to force a one-game playoff against the Yankees. However, after doing all that, the Red Sox ultimately fell short as the light hitting Yankees shortstop Bucky Dent hit a three-run home run that became the difference in the game. The Yankees won the division, and ultimately the 1978 World Series, while the Red Sox would not get back to the World Series until 1986.

Moment #4: David Tyree's Amazing Catch in Super Bowl XLII

Just four years ago on February 3, 2008, the Giants made an improbable run to Super Bowl XLII to take on the undefeated 18-0 Patriots, who were going for a perfect season. Thus, the Patriots were heavily favored to win the game. However, the Giants' defense swarmed Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and gave the Patriots' explosive offense a lot of trouble moving the football. It was a very close game for most of it until Giants quarterback Eli Manning evaded a sack and made a tremendous pass to David Tyree, who used his helmet to catch the ball. It instantly became one of, if not the greatest moment in Super Bowl history. This reception helped Manning set up a 14-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, which ended up being the game winning score as the Giants won 17-14.

Moment #3: The Red Sox Defeating the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS

A year after Aaron Boone's walk off home run sent the Yankees to the 2003 World Series over the Red Sox, the two teams met in the ALCS once again in 2004. The Yankees won the first three games of the series, but in Games Four and Five, the Red Sox rallied in extra innings to win both of those games. Game Six was marked by Curt Schilling's "bloody sock", but despite his ankle injury, he still managed to pitch seven solid innings as the Red Sox won 4-2. The Red Sox then went on to win Game Seven to become the first team in MLB history to win a seven game championship series after being down 3-0. The Red Sox ultimately won the 2004 World Series, which broke their 86 year championship drought. Thus, the ALCS win was very critical to the Red Sox' championship run that year.

Moment #2: Bill Buckner's Error in Game Six of the 1986 World Series

After losing to the Reds in the 1975 World Series, it took the Red Sox until 1986 to get back to the World Series. With an offense led by former MVP's Jim Rice and Don Baylor, plus All-Stars Wade Boggs and Dwight Evans, plus a pitching staff led by 1986 AL Cy Young Award Winner and MVP Roger Clemens, the Red Sox were favored to win the World Series. Their opponent in the World Series was the Mets, who had dominated the National League and were led by former Cy Young Award winner Dwight Gooden. Their offense was just as explosive, with players like Gary Carter, former MVP Keith Hernandez and Darryl Strawberry in the middle of the lineup. The Red Sox won the first two games at Shea Stadium before the Mets came back and won the next two in Fenway. After the Red Sox won Game Five, the Mets returned to Shea Stadium with their backs against the wall.

The score in Game Six was tied 3-3 after nine innings, but in the 10th inning, the Red Sox scored two runs to take a 5-3 lead. In the bottom of the 10th inning, the Mets were down to their final out when their offense started a big rally, which was capped by Mookie Wilson's grounder on the first base line that Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner did not field and the Mets ended up winning Game Six 6-5. The Mets would go on to win Game Seven as well, which continued the Red Sox' championship drought.

Moment #1: The Red Sox Selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees

The origin of the New York vs Boston sports rivalry began when former Red Sox owner Harry Frazee ultimately decided to sell his star pitcher and outfielder Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Ruth had demanded a raise that was twice as much as his previous salary. When Frazee rejected the offer, Ruth stated he would refuse to play until he his salary doubled. Frazee ended up losing patience and sold him to the Yankees. The Red Sox would end up regretting this move for years. While the Yankees ended up winning a record 27 World Series championships since acquiring Ruth, including the first four with Ruth leading the team, the Red Sox would win another World Series until 2004. Thus, the selling of Ruth to the Yankees became known as the "Curse of the Bambino". The years after the move was made ended up becoming very frustrating for Red Sox fans, whose team seemed to always choke in the big games. Nonetheless, the Red Sox finally won a World Series championship in 2004 and won again in 2007. As a result, the "Curse of the Bambino" no longer exists.

Unsung Heroes

by A. Daniel Carman, BGB Assistant Editor

The story of Super Bowl XLII has been played and replayed this week as we get ready for the rematch in Indianapolis. The Giants aren't as big of underdogs this time around, and they won the regular season matchup, so the Patriots and their friends in the media are spinning it as 2007 in reverse. "You guys never thought we'd be here," said Chad Ochocinco, than whom no more insufferable receiver exists. Really, Chad? The Patriots have been the #1 seed two years in a row, 14-2 last season, 13-3 this season. I'm pretty sure that just because Vegas has learned something about Super Bowls over the years doesn't mean that ANYONE ever counted the Patriots out. On the other hand, the Giants were 7-7 and on the verge of elimination when they went on this streak. Who is the real underdog here?

Across the board, this team is better than the 2007 team. They may not be the extreme underdogs this time, but they've been playing with the eye of the tiger for two months now and I believe with Antrel Rolle that they will not be denied. I could break down both teams as many media outlets have been doing ad nauseam and I think the Giants would do well. But as we learned last time, it's the intangibles that count. Then it was little-known special teamer, David Tyree, who scored the first go-ahead touchdown and then made the amazing helmet catch that kept the game-winning drive alive.

So who is this year's David Tyree? The Giants are a perpetual Island of Misfit Toys, as new heroes emerge from everywhere on the roster. Jake Ballard came from nowhere to become the best Giants tight end since Mark Bavaro. Jacquian Williams proved he was worth the fifth round draft pick. Steve Weatherford demonstrated that he was better than the Jets gave him credit for. But the one that sticks in my mind is special teamer and wide receiver, Devin Thomas. Picked up from the Redskins last season during the wide receiver holocaust down the stretch, I remember seeing him snag some balls and thinking, "This kid could be good." Then he was banished to return duties where he notoriously struggled until he was benched in favor of questionable rookie Jerrell Jernigan. I began to think I was wrong.

But he's had a key catch to continue a scoring drive in the season finale against Dallas. Then last week in San Francisco, he proved his worth. He recovered two fumbles, including the one that set up Lawrence Tynes' game winning field goal. Both were extremely head's-up plays. If he didn't pick up that first ball, the refs would have gotten another one wrong and perhaps the 49ers win without overtime. He also had a key blocked punt in a win over Washington last year. Like Tyree, Thomas is virtually overlooked out there. Opposing defenses know they have to guard Nicks, Cruz and Manningham and that is hard enough. Look for Devin Thomas to slip through the cracks and I think Eli will be finding him for a touchdown at some point. GO GIANTS!

New Jersey Gov. Christie’s Call for Super Bowl Parade Embodies Jealousy

Tom Uddo

BGB Contributor

Only a few weeks into the new year, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has already stirred the pot between the Garden State and their big brother, New York. After a short run in the 2012 Republican Presidential nominee race, the controversy has yet to end. On the “Today” show, one week before the New York Giants played the San Francisco 49ers, Christie proclaimed that if the Giants win the Super Bowl, the parade should be held in Jersey.

Fast forward two weeks and the stage is set for a rematch against the New England Patriots in Superbowl XLVI. Luckily, the football gods chose not to jinx the Giants after Christie’s remarks (as the baseball gods did to the New York Yankees in 2010 after NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg claimed that they would win the World Series).

Christie stated that since the Giants play in New Jersey, as well as train there, the parade should be setup within their state lines. When he was questioned on the “NY” logo that appears on the team helmet, Christie responded, “That’s about it,” in reference to the association that the team has with their hometown.

Apparently, Gov. Christie does not understand that a majority of the fans that attend the games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hail from the 5 boroughs as well as Long Island. To make the matter worse, Christie is a die-hard New York Jet fan and Rex Ryan supporter. When the Giants and Jets faced off on Christmas Eve this season, Christie told the media, “The Jets have been the more consistent team this year.” Proclaiming that the, “Jets are going to win.” As we all know, they did not and many believe it was the loss against the G-Men that brought the Jets into a total downward spiral.

The question remains though, is Gov. Christie serious about a Giants parade next week if all goes according to plan at SB XLVI? There could only be one reason to explain the nonsense and dare I say it, but it is jealousy. It is pure and evil loathing of their neighbor and the accomplishments of the city that never sleeps.

Christie has to give the sports fans of New Jersey something to be proud of. The New Jersey Nets are on the verge of heading to Brooklyn and the Devils haven’t looked like a championship team in the past three seasons. The last time a team brought home a trophy was in 2003 when the Devils won the Stanley Cup, a memory that is long forgotten. For many Jersey fans, they see the Giants and Jets as their teams, but their is another state, a MUCH bigger state and city especially, that feel entirely different; the one directly across the Hudson River.

For New Yorkers, any parade is not a real parade if it is not down the “Canyon of Heroes,” with memories of 2007 when the Giants completed the route. It is true, the Giants do not play in New York, every knows this, but that does not mean that they cannot be OUR team. Christie is looking for any idea to latch onto in order to promote his platform as governor, and you cannot blame him, but this idea is one that is shortsighted and not thought through.

There is perhaps no greater sight then the sidewalks cramming with millions of fans as the players travel down the street with confetti streaming down from the rooftops. What could Gov. Christie possibly have in store to top an event like this?

In case everyone forgot, when the Devils won the Stanley Cup in 2003, the “parade” was held in the parking lot of the Continental Airlines Arena in front of a mere 20,000 in attendance.

New York has done championship parades right every single year and there is no reason to stop now. If Christie wants a parade in his state, maybe he should support the team that is on the edge of winning their second championship in five years; the NEW YORK Giants.

Eli Manning: Three Reasons the Elite Debate is a Thing of the Past

Jake Silver

BGB Contributor

Over the summer, Eli Manning turned heads and raised eyebrows when he suggested in an interview that he is in the same class as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and big brother Peyton. His comments were largely met with scorn and derision from most of the football world, which has seen Eli as nothing more than a glorified game manager for most of his career.

Rather than wither under the weight of his own expectations, Easy E came out and dominated 2011 in record-setting fashion, augmenting arguments based on his previous achievements and forever ending the "Is Eli Elite" debate.

Here are three reasons why the argument is old news now.

Reason #1: Elite Conquests

During his two Super Bowl runs, Eli Manning has vanquished some of the greatest names the game has to offer as far as his counterparts go. While it could be argued that quarterbacks do not directly play against each other, elite quarterbacks are not expected to be outplayed in the postseason. In '07/'08, Eli defeated Jeff Garcia, Tony Romo (widely considered the better QB at the time), Brett Favre, and then Tom Brady, all on the road and in hostile environments. He decisively outplayed all of them in each contest.

During this 2011/2012 run, Eli has defeated the young upstart Matt Ryan and superstar Aaron Rodgers, heading into a second showdown with Tom Brady. All are impressive notches on Manning's belt, and they prove he can stand toe-to-toe with any QB in the league and win.

Reason #2: Captain Clutch

2011 was not an impressive season for Big Blue by any stretch. Featuring the league's bottom ranked rushing attack, 27th ranked defense and a throng of injuries, the playoffs were no more than a flicker of hope in the minds of die-hard fans. Yet Manning decided to put the team completely on his back, leading the G-Men to six fourth quarter comeback victories in 12 wins counting the playoffs. During those comebacks, Eli became the only quarterback in NFL history to throw 16 fourth quarter touchdown passes in a single season, breaking the record co-owned by brother Peyton and Johnny Unitas. Not too shabby for a "Game Manager".

Reason #3: Elite Numbers

During the 2011 season, Eli posted the best yardage numbers of his career by nearly 1,000 passing yards, narrowly missing the 5,000 yard club with 4,933 regular season yards, finishing in 4th. He finished 7th in overall passer rating with 92.7 after spending much of the season in 3rd place. His 29 touchdowns were good for 6th, while the other five QBs who threw for more TD's probably can't tell you what a running back does.

Eli Manning has crossed the threshold into the class of elite QB's, there is no arguing the point after his 2011 campaign. When the "NFL's best quarterbacks" are mentioned, Eli must be given the respect he has earned

When he faces off again with Tom Brady on Sunday, a victory this time will not make him elite, but rather launch him from elite to legendary. That is the threshold upon which Big Blue's signal caller now stands.