Although the New York Giants are going to require superlative performances by its entire football squad in order to defeat the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, six Gotham players in particular need to step up above-and-beyond the call of duty.
1. Quarterback Eli Manning
Eli’s coming. That, in itself, has never before intimidated an opponent because of Manning’s penchant of choking under pressure, making bad passes and playing erratically. But he’s been on a tear ever since the Giants nearly beat the Pats in Week 17 of the regular 2007 NFL season.
Manning is on a tear, and he’s going to have to continue his sterling play if New York has any chance at all against the juggernaut known as the New England Patriots. Manning’s only thrown one interception since Week 17, compared to eight touchdown passes. He’s broken 250+ yards twice, once against these very same Patriots.