Something Super to root for: drama

I sat down for Super Bowl XLII without a rooting interest.
I hate the Giants.
I’m tired of the Patriots.
And, like most people, I was pretty much convinced New England was going to win.
At first, I talked myself into pulling for the Pats — at least I’d be watching history if they won.
Plus, I hate the Giants. (Seriously, I’m an Eagles fan. It comes naturally.)
But then the game started, and the Giants started dominating.
Maybe the Pats weren’t a sure bet? Maybe this New York team could beat them?
The fact the Giants trailed almost the entire game only added to the intensity.
If only Eli Manning could get the offense going, they’d have a shot. Then came the greatest fourth quarter I’ve ever seen in a big game.
The Giants took the lead.
The Patriots took it back.
And then it was Eli vs. the clock. For a guy who I’ve never liked, I suddenly found myself rooting for him to succeed.
Eli Manning was the underdog — to Tom Brady, to his older brother Peyton — and I wanted him to prove everyone wrong.
When he ripped himself free of the Pats’ grasp on a crucial third-down play and heaved the ball to David Tyree — who made one of the biggest clutch plays ever, trapping the ball against his helmet for the catch — I almost cheered.
When Eli found Plaxico Burress in the end zone a few plays later, I did cheer.
Am I suddenly a Giants fan? No way.
Am I an Eli Manning fan? No on that one as well, though I’m closer than I’ve ever been.
Will I remember this Super Bowl as one of the best? Definitely.
Not because the Giants won — still can’t stand them.
Not because the Pats lost — I really don’t have any grudge with them.
I’ll remember XLII because it provided some of the best drama on television — just like the biggest sporting event in America should.

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