The Super Bowl seemed as though it was going to unfold similar to the 1986 Fiesta Bowl for the college football national championship. In that game, Penn State took a 14-10 lead late in the game. The Miami Hurricanes were driving down the field, late in the 4th quarter, and Miami QB Vinny Testaverde threw an interception in the red zone in the final minutes, and Penn State fans went into a frenzy. So last night when Eli Manning was driving the Giants down the field in the closing minutes, I was waiting for the interception. Or the fumble. But instead, Patriots fans were left in shock.
Since I am first and foremost a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, the Patriots are not my favorite team. But I can’t help but admire what they’ve accomplished this year, and recognize the fact they have a great team with arguably the league’s best head coach. I’m somewhat peeved that somewhere last night, Don Shula was celebrating the fact his ’72 Dolphins team remains the only NFL squad to ever win it all without a loss. Pop that champagne cork again, you pompous blowhard.
So what’s a New England sports fan to do on this day after the shocker? The Celtics have an NBA-best record of 36-8 which, in the weak Eastern Conference, means they’ll probably clinch home court for the playoffs next week, or something like that. But I don’t follow the Celtics all that closely. For me, the day after the shocker means one thing: pitchers and catchers report on February 14.
UPDATE: I forgot to note on posting this earlier, but I’m blaming Bill Belichick’s sweatshirt. Seriously, he’s a great head coach, but has he no idea of sports superstition and karma? He’s guided a team through 18 straight wins en route to the Super Bowl, and for the big game he trades in that ratty old gray sweatshirt he’s been wearing all year for a new red one? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And in sports, if you’re winning games, don’t change your sweatshirt.
