Say all you want about the Giants' pass rush and the miraculous connection between Eli Manning and David Tyree. We say the key to the Giants' Super Bowl upset of the previously perfect Patriots was the Giants' approach to their regular season finale against New England.
With playoff positions set, the Giants had little to gain by going all out against the Patriots in week 17. Tempted to rest players and protect them from injury, instead the Giants Honored the Game, gave their best effort and thrilled the nation by pushing the Patriots to their limits.
The Giants' decision to Honor the Game let players on both teams know that the Giants planned to meet the Patriots in the Super Bowl. The confidence and commitment entailed in Honoring the Game fueled the Giants' unlikely playoff run and eventual Super Bowl championship.
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Posted by David Jacobson at 02/04/2008 08:46:20 AM |