Eli Manning is going to Disney World.  He deserves to enjoy a fairy tale vacation because he took his team to a fairy tale ending in what started out a tumultuous season.  Does anyone remember the 0-2 start and the bickering in the locker room?  Does anyone recall the repeated calls for Tom Coughlin to be whacked?  Does anyone remember Tiki showing up everywhere to pronounce the Giants 2008 season ‘dead’?  And here we are, watching a ticker-tape parade with Eli and friends kissing the Lombardi Trophy!

Looking back at the game itself, I understand the decision to give Eli Manning the MVP for his leadership, especially during what should go down in Giants’ lore as ‘The Drive’ with a little over two minutes left.  Having said that, I think the Giants’ D-Line deserved the award.  The G-men front four kept Tom Brady off rhythm all night long.  He didn’t have to pick himself up off the turf that much through the entire 16 games of the regular season combined!  Then, if it comes to a video highlight or game changing play award, that one has to go to David Tyree.  The catch he made using both hands and his helmet while Rodney Harrison was assaulting him - nothing short of brilliant.  If he doesn’t make that circus catch, I don’t know if the Giants make it to the endzone.  It was that key a play.  And how about Tom ‘red-face’ Coughlin?  He was having to wear body armor under his clothing at press conferences, for crying out loud!

What of the Patriots?  Saying they were nearly perfect is like saying someone is nearly a virgin.  What does that mean?  Mercury Morris watched as the Patriots’ moving truck was turned away and forced to leave his neighborhood.  Sure, this Preacher missed on picking the game, but I hope you followed the one piece of advice I gave that was a sure hit: Did you order your copy of the Patriots’ 19-0 book?  It will be worth some cash in time.  Buy a copy and have Mercury Morris sign it!  (If you can get into his neighborhood.)

Now that the Giants are champs, Daniel Snyder’s fleet of armored trucks should be rolling up Steve Spagnuolo’s driveway.  Will the Redskins’ Richie Rich owner get the Giants’ D-Coordinator?  My guess is… yes. 

Then there is the Pro-Bowl.  Ho-hum.  Who is covering the game this year?  The ‘E’ network?  Joan and Melissa Rivers working the Red-Carpet?  Ryan Seacrest? 

So, how about a hero, goat and quote?

The Hero ~ I gave it away earlier - The Giants’ D-Line.  They showed us that Tom Brady is human.  They showed the NFL how to bring game to the Patriots.

The Goat ~ Patriots Coach Bill Belichick.  I was thrilled to see him not only shake hands with Tom Coughlin but also to give him a man-hug.  But - and with Belichick there is always a but - to walk off the field when the NFL forced the Giants to run one last play, leaving your defense out there alone to take their medicine.  Classless.

The Quote ~ From my favorite Super Bowl Commercial - Bud Light cavemen… “Wheel Suck!”

Back later this week to talk free-agency needs, deeds and greeds as the off-season begins.  (And, no… I don’t predict the Pro-Bowl.  Go to Joan Rivers’ website.)