It was excruciating. The Patriots led, 17-15, with 3:46 remaining when Eli Manning took over on his 12-yard line. After a season of bending-but-not breaking, the Patriots’ defense finally cracked. Jump-started by a sensational 38-yard catch by Mario Manningham (this year’s David Tyree), Manning moved the Giants 88 yards in nine plays. Playing the odds, and the clock, the Patriots lay down and waved Ahmad Bradshaw into the end zone on a second-and-goal from the 6-yard line with 57 seconds left to play.
How’s that for irony? The Patriots intentionally allowed the Giants to score the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl.
So instead of a fourth Super Bowl victory since 2001, the Patriots have two straight last-minute losses to the Giants.
Instead of Tom Brady winning his third Super Bowl MVP, Eli Manning won his second.
It was Goober over Glamour.
Again.
Tom Coughlin beat Bill Belichick.
Again.
New York beat Boston.
Again.
“We just didn’t make enough plays,’’ said Brady. “It came down to the fourth quarter. They made some plays at the end that allowed them to win the game . . . But I’d rather come to this game and lose than not get here.’’
Curses. Is this some sort of cosmic payback for what the Red Sox did to the Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series?
In 2008 we saw a game-clinching interception sail through the hands of Asante Samuel. Last night it was Wes Welker dropping a Brady pass that would have effectively guaranteed victory for the Patriots.
In 2008 we saw Tyree make his ridiculous velcro-helmet catch when all seemed lost for the Giants. This time it was Manningham reeling in a 38-yard pass Manning threw to start the winning drive.
So close. So many times. The Patriots were inches from a clean getaway in two Super Bowls and have nothing to show for it.
