In ‘meaningless’ game, skills were exhibited

September 04, 2009|Bob Ryan, Globe Columnist

FOXBOROUGH - No jokes here about this being a useless exhibition. It was actually a lot of fun.

Of course, none of the big guys played, at least not for the Patriots (Eli Manning led his team to one touchdown and then sat down), but we all knew that going in. Anyone had to know coming in that this was going to be a game in which you’d need a program.

What no one knew was that the Patriots would spot the hated world champions once removed three touchdowns in the first nine minutes and change and would then keep the New York Giants out of the end zone for the rest of the evening, or that Brian Hoyer would play the entire game at quarterback and would lead the Patriots to a 38-27 victory. Nothing will ever make up for the disappointment of Super Bowl XLII, but seeing the Giants lose made the ride home a lot more pleasant for the fans.

They were probably wondering why they had bothered to come during that gruesome first quarter. It’s always a push when attempting to evaluate whether an offense is that good or a defense is that bad, but the fact is the Giants scored three spectacularly easy touchdowns in their first three possessions.

How easy?

This easy: 1. five plays, 73 yards, in 2:59; 2. four plays, 57 yards, in 1:48; 3. three plays, 78 yards, in 1:13. Yup, it was zip, zip, zip, and 21-0 before the game was 10 minutes old. It’s rather amazing the stadium didn’t empty out right there.

And then Brandon McGowan made a play.

The onetime Maine Black Bear made a nice read on an Andre Woodson pass, made an interception, and took it to the house from the 27. Things were never the same after that. Suddenly, the Patriots had real life.

“Every time you get to score when you’re down like that, there’s going to be a lift,’’ said McGowan. “That’s how the game goes. That’s my job - to make plays.’’

The thing about Game 4 is that jobs are on the line. This is the final chance to impress the Boss and the underbosses. From what Bill Belichick was saying, McGowan did himself a pretty big favor with that pick.

“We picked him up from Chicago because of pretty much everything,’’ said Coach Bill. “He’s a tough kid. He tackles well. He’s got a lot of things going for him, athletically, physically, competitively. He’s got some experience. He does a good job in all areas. He’s a versatile guy.’’

Ah, but is he positively, absolutely going to make the team? The coach wasn’t saying. C’mon, let’s get serious. Bill Belichick is still Bill Belichick.

But I’d remember the name, were I you.