Super Bowl Halftime Thoughts
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 7:10 PM CST
in Football
80 comments
I guess I've been jonesing for football more than I realized, as I've been watching this Super Bowl with great interest. With this being the last time to talk about a meaningful football game for seven months, a few halftime thoughts:
- Smartest thing the Giants have done so far tonight is keep the ball away from Asante Samuel - among a build-don't-break defense centered on controlling the line of scrimmage, he's the lone playmaker.
Update [2008-2-3 21:10:26 by HornsFan]: They're still picking on Randall Gay here in the second half. Smart, smart, smart.
- Second smartest thing they've done is keep Brady on the sidelines. The Patriots haven't been able to get in any kind of a rhythm yet; part of that is the Giants offense staying on the field.
- Though the halftime chatter will be about what a great job the Giants did in the first half, the truth is they're not in great shape. Despite doing a great job in a number of key areas, they trail 7-3. Remember: the Patriots aren't the most obscenely talented team year in and year out. They don't win because no one has the talent to stay on the field with them. They win because their coaches makes better in-game adjustments than anyone else in the league. So New York enters the adjustment phase trailing by four points. Not good.
- One adjustment New England is sure to make in the second half is to tweak the offense to more quick hitting pass plays. They're excellent at killing teams vertically, but the Giants' defensive line is the best in the NFL. With so little time for vertical routes to develop, look for the Pats to start spreading the field better and making the Giants defend sideline-to-sideline.
- The Giants' receivers have cost this team at least six points.
Update [2008-2-3 22:42:11 by HornsFan]: Eli was good throughout this game, but it wasn't until the second half that the receivers matched his play. That catch by David Tyree was the most unbelievable catch in a big game I've seen in a long time.
- On the extracurriculurs: Have the commercials gotten worse, or have I gotten older? Either way, they're no longer an attraction.
- In particular, what's up with Bud Light? Nativism, provincialism, and glorification of the idiocracy? Maybe it's always been that way, but it seems worse than ever.
- On Fox: crap, as usual. Joe Buck is as much a robot as the dancing Cylon graphic, while Troy Aikman remains the king of stating the obvious. It's a team of two play-by-play guys.
Enjoy the second half...
--PB--
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Broadcast
Fox always tries to be way too hip. CBS always tries to have a stick way too far up its ass. I kind of like NBC except for that awful wrap-up show before the Sunday Night Game.
Another thing I hate about Fox, and please try to understand what I'm saying, is I think it goes so far out of its way to glorify the troops to the point I think it's the commercialization of American pride. I just feel all dirty when they pound it into me. Fox Sports Radio especially.
by Longhorn13 on Feb 3, 2008 7:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It's a fair point
Though admittedly a fine line to walk. I think it's good to honor and shout out to our troops who are out their on the front lines, but it's easy to go too far and seem to be exploitative. I think you're right that Fox doesn't always walk that line well.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 7:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I can't take it anymore
PB, several times you have said "frak," and now the Cylon reference? Is there another BG freak out there like me? It's a great show.
My thoughts on the game: I'm finding myself wanting both teams to lose. Can that happen?
by hornbone on Feb 3, 2008 7:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yes, sir
A good friend made me watch the show recently and I'm hooked. Waiting for Season 3 to come out on DVD so I can get fully caught up.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't
mind Buck and Aikman as they seemed to have stayed out of the way of the game.
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 7:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Another fine line
Better this than an announcing duo who yaps without adding information, but there are play-by-play guys out there who point out things during the game that enhance my viewing of the contest. Gary Danielson comes to mind.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 7:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
enhance your viewing?
You're just getting greedy, now. I want someone who tells me what to think by yelling over the deafening boredom of a game being played without some sort of life-and-death hype attached.
Kidding. Yeah, I agree.
by hornbone on Feb 3, 2008 7:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Giants
need to continue to run the ball, especially on first down.
Commercials - There's a very European feel to these, aren't there?
And yeah, you're getting older. Try not to get to cynical. :)
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 7:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Still no vertical passing game for NE
There's just no time. They've got to keep throwing underneath; take a shot deep a little later.
Also: should've punted there. Make the Giants go the length of the field here. This isn't a great offense.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 7:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Haha
Did I just see Johnny 5 getting sucked off by a shop vac?
by chief on Feb 3, 2008 7:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i thought
that was a little... uh, weird myself.
Perhaps we should seek counseling. :)
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 7:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Burress drops another
Tough catch, but my goodness you have to make that
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 7:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Whoever makes the big play in the 4th
This quarter determines your MVP. Whomever makes a game-sealing play in this quarter should be the guy.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great throw
Eli playing good football.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 8:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i'm amazed
the Giants made it this far without Shockey.
You know all those drinks were his.
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Have to admit I thought he would stink it up toda
But he has played efficient, smart football, and that was a heck of a TD throw.
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
they
need to run the damned ball into the end zone now.
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
or play
action.
they could score on play-action too. that'd work
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Another great throw from Eli
This time for 6 points.
Pressure's now on New England. Good stuff.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 8:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
compare this to this yea'rs big games in college football where there was no defense anywhere.
It's wonderful to watch a defensive game. This is good stuff, man!
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How bad does that Adam Sandler movie look?
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 8:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
and
you expected????????
Wait... has Adam Sandler played a goofy spy yet?
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone here, right now with 9 minutes left,
and the Giants up 10-7 actually still think the Giants are going to win?
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 8:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yes!!!!
because I suffer from eternal optimism.
Holy shit, man, against Texas this year, I actually thought that our defense could have turned around the whole season.
How f'ed up is that????!!!!
Whoeee!
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jackie Moon!
Finally a commercial worth watching.
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 8:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
But I laughed out loud
at the Planter's Cashew woman as well.
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
aha
it was nervous laughter as you tried to figure out your attraction to her?
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hated Welker at Tech.. God I hated him.. but
now he is one of the most enjoyable players in the league to watch. Good for him..
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 8:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Giving hope
to little guys everywhere...
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 8:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember that game in Lubbock.. 2002. Makes me
sick to this day. He killed us.
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon New York
Plenty of time left. Let's go here.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 8:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Eli vs Tom
here we go.
obviously the question after this will be whether or not Eli is still Peyton's little brother, or has he earned the right to be himself.....
Calm thyself, Eli.
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I would really want New York to win
if Eli didn't rub me the wrong way. I guess, like cornnation said to PB, I shouldn't be so cynical.
by hornbone on Feb 3, 2008 8:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yeah
damnit, I bet you're not even 40 yet. You're not even a man yet!
Be Happy, you have plenty of time left to get all cranky. :)
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3rd and 10
Giants have three timeouts here. Need to decide NOW whether they intend to go for it or not. If they want to go for it if they fall short - pick up something here 5-8 yards underneath. If they're gonna punt on fourth, then make sure this pass attempt is deep enough.
If I were Coughlin, I'd go for the two-downs to make 10 yards strategy.
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 8:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
WOW!
Just WOW!!!!!
by Paragon SC on Feb 3, 2008 8:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hell
that was...
they ain't going down easy!
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A receiver should ALWAYS
use their helmet as a third hand.
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 8:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This is great
Best Super Bowl in a long time
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That amazing catch by Tyree... We are going to
see that play on replays for a long time.
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 8:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yes
One of the most amazing catches in the history of the NFL
by Peter Bean on Feb 3, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
waaaghaaaa
Burressssssss
Holy crap!
Burress, the guaranteer!
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 8:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I hate the Mannings with a passion
I never want to see them succeed.
by chief on Feb 3, 2008 8:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
it's too late
for that, you fool.
They've already succeeded. It's just the level of success they'll achieve that we're all watching.
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 9:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta love it!
Just unreal!
by Paragon SC on Feb 3, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
BOOOOOOOOOOOOM Mother Fucker!!!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
by Paragon SC on Feb 3, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Alford
just beat Hochstein.
Hochstein is a backup guard from Nebraska. poor bastard.
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm tired of the 72 Dolphins
time to move on
by Paragon SC on Feb 3, 2008 9:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
FOX
just happened to have all that Dolphins tape handy...
heh heh heh
18-1. I love it!!!!!!!!!!
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 9:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
there
could be a fumbled snap that turns into a 15- lateral play....
I'm just sayin'.....
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 9:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sorta wanted Seau to get a ring, but this is too
good to watch.
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 9:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
So, I guess
Wes Welker doesn't get the MVP after all?
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 9:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Aaron Ross: 1 Ring, Dan Marino: 0 Rings
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 9:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is Belishit
going to get hammered for leaving the field early????
You know that it was only a second, but he's not helping his cause. sonabitch might have shaken hands with Coughlin, but screw that.
Stand there.... take defeat like a man, you SOB.
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
DITKA called it on the radio
AM 1300 'The Zone' pregame. He actually said 27-24 NY, but he still called a three point upset. Wow.
by burntorangenance on Feb 3, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Blah.
In addition to the 20+ commercials with Peyton, I guess we'll see an equal amount with his retarded little brother now. This whole brother storyline is going to get old a lot faster than a perfect season.
I'm not even a Patriots fan... just disgruntled with the media.
by chief on Feb 3, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
great 4th quarter
The Giants D-Line was the MVP. Manning looked as good or better than Brady at times.
Football season is officially over.
by MMHorns on Feb 3, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
But but but
Next week the Pro Bowl?...
It is never over!
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you
watch the pro bowl?
really?
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I lived in Hawaii...
it was what we lived for every year.
It didn't take much to get us going out there.
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 9:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that's
cool.
Wow. I've never watched a pro bowl. not even hungover. :)
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!
by cornnation on Feb 3, 2008 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When our aggy game
started at 6:00AM local time every year
we were just excited to be tailgating after sunrise...
by horndude on Feb 3, 2008 9:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Plax say the Pats would score 17 and then
he got ripped by the media. Awesome.
by the1austin on Feb 3, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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