After not one, but two heartbreaking finishes in the conference championship round of the NFL playoffs, only two teams remain.
The New York Giants and the New England Patriots have been building steam on a slow collision course for nearly two weeks—indeed throughout the playoffs, and arguably since their clash on the big stage in 2008—the last time either of them has enjoyed the Super Bowl spotlight.
The Patriots glided into that game 12-point favorites after an unprecedented undefeated 16-game season and record-busting touchdown numbers from quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Randy Moss. But the wildcard Giants team that year, on the back of a solid defensive unit and surprisingly elusive quarterback Eli Manning, beat the Patriots 17-14.
Both teams are poised for the rematch. The Patriots this year may not be the anointed all-time greats they were four years ago, but they still have Brady and they still have coach Bill Belichick, who have won three Super Bowls together. They still claimed the top seed in the AFC. But their defense couldn’t slow a traffic jam, allowing the second-most passing yards of all time this year. They also barely won their conference championship on a ghastly missed field goal attempt by Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff.
The 49ers also had their wind knocked out in an NFC conference championship loss to the Giants. Jacquian Williams forced a 49ers punt return fumble in overtime to give Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes an easy field goal. This week, the Giants will bring their quick pass rush to try to discombobulate Brady, and Manning has discovered reliable receivers over the season in Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.
The Patriots are favored by three points despite a 24-20 Giants win when the teams met in week nine of the regular season.
For the fans, even so distant from their beloved teams, the scene couldn’t be more serious. Mike Denesha, a die-hard Giants fan visiting the Lakeside area from Chicago, shared his analysis: “The Patriots defense have a definite weakness, and part of it is that Brady doesn’t like to take a hit, whereas Manning’s not afraid.”
Denesha plans to cheer his team from Mexico.
Need a place to enjoy the occasion? The American Society of Jalisco in Guadalajara (Av. San Francisco 3332, Colonia Chaplita) will have their regular event, providing a bowl of chili, potluck botanas, and a cash bar. There will also be a small (ten-peso) random betting pool based on final score. Entrance is 60 pesos and doors open at 3 p.m.
American Legion Post 7 in Chapala (Morelos 114) will also host a get-together for the affair, with bowls of chili for 40 pesos and regularly-priced drinks. Entrance is free.
Many bars and restaurants across the metro area and in the lakeside region will also be screening the game live, with lashings of ale and botanas on the side, no doubt.
Super Bowl XLVI kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, February 5.