No need for Tom Brady and his mates to play coy any longer. After months of playing "one game at a time," there's only one game left in what has been a shining season for the New England Patriots.
When they meet the Giants in Glendale, Ariz., two Sundays from now, the prize will be both a Super Bowl championship and a chance to make history. A win and the Patriots not only match the 1972 Miami Dolphins by going undefeated, but they will have accomplished that feat by winning 19 games vs. the 17 victories recorded by Don Shula's team 35 years ago.
Brace yourself for the hype as the nation awaits yet another title clash between teams representing New England and New York, two regions of the country whose rivalry dates back to colonial times.
We suspect most would just as soon see the game played next weekend, but the NFL is determined to milk every ounce of p.r. out of its premier event. (And to be honest, it may take players from both teams that long to thaw out from the subfreezing conditions in which both the AFC and NFC title games were played on Sunday.)
But at least Patriots coach Bill Belichick and others can be honest when they respond to questions during the media blitz that awaits them in the desert. No longer will they have to pretend they're "not looking ahead" or insist that their only focus is "next Sunday's opponent."
There's only one team and one game left separating these Patriots from a 19-0 record. Let the Super Bowl buzz begin.
When they meet the Giants in Glendale, Ariz., two Sundays from now, the prize will be both a Super Bowl championship and a chance to make history. A win and the Patriots not only match the 1972 Miami Dolphins by going undefeated, but they will have accomplished that feat by winning 19 games vs. the 17 victories recorded by Don Shula's team 35 years ago.
Brace yourself for the hype as the nation awaits yet another title clash between teams representing New England and New York, two regions of the country whose rivalry dates back to colonial times.
We suspect most would just as soon see the game played next weekend, but the NFL is determined to milk every ounce of p.r. out of its premier event. (And to be honest, it may take players from both teams that long to thaw out from the subfreezing conditions in which both the AFC and NFC title games were played on Sunday.)
But at least Patriots coach Bill Belichick and others can be honest when they respond to questions during the media blitz that awaits them in the desert. No longer will they have to pretend they're "not looking ahead" or insist that their only focus is "next Sunday's opponent."
There's only one team and one game left separating these Patriots from a 19-0 record. Let the Super Bowl buzz begin.
