ESTELLE, ATLANTIC RECORDS " AMERICAN GIRL"

QUOTA-BLE:
"Let me be different. Let me be that person your not use to hearing...I got to the point, between the last album and this album, where I stopped apologizing for being the person that I am. I feel I owe it to the people to be 100% honest in my lyrics. I'm just satisfied with who I am, and who I'm turning out to be." -- Estelle

Armed with soulful ballads, a dose of British charm and the humility of a star on the rise, Atlantic/Homeschool Records new artist Estelle welcomed Detroiters into her heart and Detroiters welcomed her into theirs, giving us a taste or just a “touch” of her slow and easy like molasses voice with a twang. When I first heard the hit single “American Boy” ft. Kanye West off her soon to be released album, “Shine”, my neck twitched, tilting side to side, feet tapping subconsciously while my conscious mind contemplated, “Hmm, do I really like this song?” It didn’t take me long to overcome and bury my small kernel of doubt. This is the “American” girl and first artist endorsed by and signed to John Legend’s record label Homeschool Records after all. The more Hot 102.7FM boasted about her talents and her upcoming performance and introduction to Detroit on Friday, April 11, 2008, the more she intrigued me. Though Estelle released self-created “18th day” under V2 Records in London, her second album promises to be a sensually tasty treat laced with funk, soul and reggae from artist and producer collaborations such as Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Wyclef Jean, Will.i.am, Mark Ronson and Cee-lo & Jack Splash.

"Her sound is a unique blend of hip hop, pop, reggae and soul,” explains Legend. “She has a special voice, unlike any other voice out there in mainstream music, and she can really write. She writes hip lyrics with unforgettable melodies. I recognized that in her when I first worked with her in 2004." He continues, "I'm excited and honored to have Estelle as the first artist on my label, Homeschool Records. I believe the world is going to fall in love with her album, as I already have. Estelle is an amazing talent, and she's going to do big things."

Detroit’s movers and shakers, some I knew and surprisingly many I didn’t recognize packed into the second floor of Grand Central Lounge (Harmonie Park, Downtown Detroit), waiting patiently while sipping on array of drinks from the custom bar (including specialty promotional drinks courtesy of Absolut), buzzing with anticipation.

“How much longer before she performs?” I asked Estelle’s DJ and my personal friend from London, DJ Smashrelly (though the promoter that evening was a personal friend as mine as well, DJ Smashrelly placed me and my boyfriend on his guestlist to come down to hear her perform and to finally meet him in person after all these years.) I couldn’t wait to rock out to “American Boy” but something told me that she didn’t need Kanye to carry her music and the rest of the songs from her arsenal would stir in me the same hyped feeling. And I was pleasantly blessed with "Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)", produced by Swizz Beatz, another surefire hit.

Sue me for thinking that Grand Central would have faster food service and that my boyfriend’s salmon would actually be fully cooked. So we unfortunately only caught a song or two toward the end of her performance but the vibe in the room was unanimous, Estelle was a hit! Her stage presence and improvisational style combined with the synergy of her backup singers and her band (featuring DJ Smashrelly) provided the crowd with an passionate live performance reminiscent of her influences Ella Fitzgerald as well as Mary J. Blige and has been compared to Lauryn Hill.

If this is what a genuine original mix of music sounds like, Estelle is that unique infusion your not use to hearing ---- the type of artist that has all but disappeared from mainstream music today. Look for her album to drop on Friday, April 29th.

Estelle ft.Kanye West - "American Boy"


VISIT ESTELLE ONLINE
http://www.estellemusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/estelleonline

THE FOUR MUSKETEERS

One for all and all for four? For the first time in NCAA tournament history, four, count em, four no.1 seeds have finagled and dazzled their way to the big dance-off. Yes, this one is special folks. In a tournament of surprisingly a few and far in between “Cinderellas”, (No.10 seed Davidson surpassed all expectations and wowed fans with its tourney run of firsts before being barely uprooted by Kansas in the Elite Eight and No.12 seed Western Kentucky came within 4pts of blowing past UCLA before succumbing in a loss.), never has four mega conference winning heavyweights ever been assembled under one roof and yet Memphis (37-1), North Carolina (36-2), Kansas (35-3), and UCLA (35-3) will take San Antonio by storm for a tourney showdown of epic proportions!

While the analysts have it, successfully “projecting” the four best teams in the country, there can only be one team left standing and none of these four junior led powerhouses are going down without a fight.


North Carolina Tarheels
Sure Ty Hansborough is a Junior All-American and the ESPN.com Player of the Year but will he break under pressure? The race for Hansborough to win a national title before potentially exiting for the NBA draft is on and poppin’ like Chris Brown going “wall to wall” in his latest music video. The Tarheels have what you would call a winning history (Ranked no.2 All-Time with 17 Final Four appearances, ranked #1 in the nation for the 6th time, won 2 national championships to name a few) and of course there’s the graduation and ascension of the most infamous Tarheel of them all, Michael Jordan. What North Carolina possesses where other teams lack is the selflessness in which they play and the knowledge that each role is important. A role each player executes well. It’s easy to focus on Hansborough yet let’s not rule out the other four McDonald All-American players, Quentin Thomas, Bobby Frasor, Danny Green and Ty Lawson along with the majority of the Tarheels’ recruiting class. With a talented offense like this, North Carolina will work together to create those open shots despite the season statistics indicating the Tarheels’ will be stagnant against high caliber opposing teams. Carolina will defend the perimeter well but must avoid Kansas driving to the hole for easy baskets and keep a holey defense well patched. Coaching experience combined with sheer will and stellar offense might just advance these roleplayers to the NCAA finals.

Memphis Tigers
With a physical and athletic prowess Memphis has managed to silence its critics salivating at the mouth at the thought of a potential downfall at the hands of tourney favorite, the Texas Longhorns. Once the Tigers’ Achilles heel, foul shooting was all but the team’s savior in its 81-67 Elite Eight win over Texas. It is clear that many question whether Memphis deserve the right to play in the Final Four often criticizing their bounce pass style of play, however at this point one should consider how balanced of team Memphis is (perhaps the second most balanced team of the four remaining, next to Kansas.) Their hunger is apparent. Their appearance as NCAA Champions in two of my three bracket scenarios calls for their win over Kansas and North Carolina respectively is no mistake. They have shown that the USA Conference is a force to be reckoned with time and time again, defeating powerhouses Georgetown, USC and punishing teams offensively and defensively resulting in a 37-1 winning record. Of course, Kevin Love is no secret as UCLA’s post big man weapon, yet the contributions of Tigers’ guards, JaJuan Smith, O.J. Mayo, JP Prince, Robert Vaden, Stefon Jackson and Lamont Jordan will be just as instrumental in the Tigers’ ferocity with their opponents beyond this past season. If the Tigers’ can keep the Bruins’ off the perimeter, put up the numbers from the line like they did against Texas and keep Josh Shipp at bay, look for this underdog to tango in San Antonio in the national championship game for a well deserved title.

Kansas Jayhawks
Analysts have been heralding the Jayhawks as the most balanced team since before the tournament began, even going as far as to declare them the 2008 NCAA National Champions (save Dick Vitale nominating fallen Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh will reign supreme, eh Dick? I’m still scratching my head on the reasoning behind that one.) What North Carolina lacks in size, Kansas makes up. Kansas gets two points for both roster depth and overall balance. At their best, few teams have been able to slow KU down on offense. On the defensive end, KU limited Arizona and USC to a mere infant crawl on points and on the boards while keeping a pesky Davidson at bay. Don’t underestimate North Carolina on defense though as their performance has improved nicely during the second half of the season The question is simple. Will the Jayhawks bring their A-game? The key will be limiting Ty Hansborough while creating opportunities for the front court to shine. The Tarheels have struggled with well balanced teams that have a strong front court. Kansas certainly has that going for them. The statistics favor Kansas but stats don’t win championships, defense does. The Jayhawks’ better hope theirs can outweigh the synergy of the Carolina offense now that Ty Lawson is suited up and the Tarheels’ are running full throttle.

UCLA Bruins
One of the critical keys that could be the difference maker Saturday with the Bruins, the collision course destined for the NBA known as Darren Collison (besides built Ford tough forward/center, Kevin Love.) While Collison possesses tenacity, the lack of a perimeter game leaves UCLA with the toughest uphill battle facing them to continue onto the big dance in San Antonio and ultimately clinching its 12th National Championship. Pressure will also fall on a consistently shooting, Josh Shipp whose surgery on his right hip cost him most of the 2005-06 season and has been linked to his inability to duplicate successful shots in practice to successful shots on the court. Though UCLA has held three consecutive Final Four appearances, a national championship still eludes them. Will their thirst to be champions be enough fuel to win over an overpowering Memphis? The Bruins' won't be able to count on coasting with a big lead let alone a miracle win in this matchup and is all to familiar with flirting with disaster (almost becoming an honorary member of upset central at the hands of 9th seed Texas A&M and 12th seed Western Kentucky.)If prepared, UCLA will come to play with an athleticism and defense that rivals that of an NBA team (They can pull down rebounds and shoot free throws with the best of them). They'll need it to stave off star Tigers' defense killers Kevin Dorsey and Chris Douglas-Roberts who can kill D's patrolling the paint and who can deliver one good stroke from behind the arc. UCLA had better stick to what's tried and true, transitionally defense and an attacking offense (nil on the three pointers) if they any hopes of beating Memphis. Talk about a Miracle Mile.

While partial to North Carolina, I have to hold true to two of my three tourney brackets predicting Memphis as National Champions (maybe next time UCLA.) There's something about those underdogs that draws me in. Could it be their struggle mirrors my own? Well that's part of it but to be totally honest it just makes for a better story.This will be Memphis' first national title should they succeed. Plus there's nothing better than a good old fashion "I told you so" that comes with the territory of being underestimated despite your skill level and or talents. A rub it in their arrogant faces feel so to speak ha! Well, tonight to the victor goes the spoils! The chance at a national championship! Roar on Tigers'!

Memphis vs UCLA, Saturday April 5th @ 6:07pm EST
North Carolina vs Kansas, Saturday April 5th @ 8:47pm EST

DOWN TO 'THE WIRE'

QUOTA-BLE:
"The series finale was great but I think they could have emphasized the street side more. Fans watch 'The Wire' to see the gritty side, the drug dealers." Kwame Patterson aka Monk, HBO The Wire

Notorious for its innovative programming, HBO has churned out mega hit shows that have run circles around primetime pilots and have left them scrambling. Shows such as critically acclaimed The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Sex and the City and sleeper hits like The Wire, Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm offer an alternative to the melodrama surreal life painted on primetime television. Snubbed by mainstream award committees, 'The Wire' has continued to rack up street fame, critical acclaim and press accolades that resonate from the hood to the suburbs.

“This is TV as great modern literature, a shattering and heartbreaking urban epic about a city (Baltimore) rotting from within.” – TV Guide

“The breadth and ambition of "The Wire" are unrivaled and that taken cumulatively over the course of a season -- any season -- it's an astonishing display of writing, acting and storytelling that must be considered alongside the best literature and filmmaking in the modern era.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“Brilliant, scathing, sprawling, The Wire has turned our indifference to urban decay into a TV achievement of the highest order.” – USA Today

“The Wire” is a beautiful, brave series. This is its best season yet.” – New York Times on Season Four



What is it about this gritty crime drama that has me and millions proclaiming The Wire as one of the best, if not the best show on television? For once the critics and fans agree. This week, the grippingly dramatic, keep you on the edge of your seats season, comes to a sad but necessary end, with the series finale currently airing on HBO and on HBO On Demand. Just when Season Four gave me a taste, Season Five picked me right back up, pulling me in for more. Who could better answer the mysteries of The Wire's popularity than my personal friend, actor Kwame Patterson aka "Monk"

How did you land an audition for 'The Wire'?
By one of the casting directors who attended the play I was in, “As Cherry Hill Turns.” I played a character called Mike Mike. I was only supposed to be cast for one episode.

Who is Monk?
Marlo’s lieutenant. You have to go through the lieutenant to get the product. I’m the person who brings the drugs to you, I’mma bring you those keys. I also oversee the crews on the street. Like a business man. A personal assistant.

How close is Kwame to Monk?
In a past life, Kwame was pretty close to Monk. That’s what made it easy for me to step into the role. I grew up in that environment. I’ve seen a lot, been around a lot. Now Kwame and Monk are totally opposite.

What was it like to work on the set?
It was fun. Very family-oriented. No big egos (from what I can see). Everyone was welcoming with open arms. If I had any questions, they got answered. I enjoyed myself.


What was your favorite moment from 'The Wire'?
From season four, I’d have to say the scene where I was in the park, passing out money to the kids. I love kids. Even though I don’t have any. You couldn’t see it on camera but between takes we were having fun. With season five, it was that scene where Snoop and O’Dogg were shooting at cats on the corner. It was me driving that truck. The camera crew was in front of me and they had us do it like 20 times. I had to whip the corner at 100mph with only a few inches to spare to avoid hitting the film crew. Snoop and O’Dogg were all over the place. If they were shooting, they would have shoot each other. They were like “Dog, are you trying to kill us?” It was fun. We were laughing the whole time. I got to be stunt driver and got to speed legally at the same time.

Who was your favorite character on the show?
Snoop. She’s the realest thing on the show. Everything about her is real. Her name is actually Snoop. She did time. She led a tough life. It’s a blessing to see how far she’s come. She’s not really a character, she’s almost playing herself.

What can viewer’s expect from the Series Finale?
The series finale was great but I think they could have emphasized the street side more. Fans watch 'The Wire' to see the gritty side, the drug dealers.

What will happen to Marlo?
It’s a rumor going around that he’s gonna go fishing. His boat is gonna capsize and he’s gonna drown (laughs)

Will there be a new TV show similar to ‘The Wire’?
Yes. I think so. Sooner than people think actually.

Will they be releasing ‘The Wire’ movie?
There are rumors they are gonna make a movie but Lord knows when that’s gonna happen.

It was a pleasure interviewing you (in fake British accent)

It was a pleasure being interviewed by you (laughs)



To see more pictures of Kwame on the set of 'The Wire'
Visit Kwame Patterson on Myspace

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END OF AN ERA: FAVRE RETIRES

In an emotional annoucement, a teary eyed Brett Favre revealed his retirement during a press conference, after 17 seasons as one of the NFL's most record setting quarterbacks of all time. "I promised I wouldn't get emotional," he choked between an ebb of tears. "I've watched hundreds of players retire and you wonder what that would be like and you think you're prepared ...It wasn't about the money or fame or records. I hear people talk about your accomplishments and things. It was never my accomplishments, it was our accomplishments." The 38 year old "gunslinger" from Missisippi first stunned his agent, Bus Cook and Packers coach Mike McCarthy with his intentions on Monday, March 3rd.

Favre had always been admired and acknowledged for the passion in which he played the game."His accomplishments are legendary," General manager, Ted Thompson said. "And it's the passion with which he played that made everyone a Brett Favre fan." His killer arm, competitive spirit and insatiable thirst to play the game, recently shattered former Miami Dolphins quarterback great and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino's record of most touchdown passes and most yards passing as well as John Elway's record for most career victories.

With only a month before the draft in April and June looming on the horizon it would seem that an announcement of retirement has come prematurely. Many in the league such as NFL analyst Troy Aikman, question whether Favre will actually stay retired. Walking away when the smell of turf and the screams of thousands of fans are ripe in the air would fill the average sports fan with a sense of nostalgia. For a legendary quarterback, it would call to him like the familiar embrace of a past lover.


The career stats he leaves behind are remarkable to say the least; a Superbowl win, 5,377 career completions in 8,758 attempts for 61,655 yards, 442 touchdowns and 253 starts (including the playoffs, 275 starts), the most of any quarterback. If I failed to mention another record he holds for 288 interceptions,forgive me for not wanting to relive an ill fated 2005 season where the Packers went 4-12. Under normal circumstances, I would cling to this stat laughing in maniacal glee at any Packers misfortune, but I happen to respect the NFL's only three-time MVP. Despite all his achievements, the 23-20 loss that catapulted the New York Giants to a 2008 Superbowl win as a result of an interception during overtime of the NFC Championship game , had to have delivered a confidence shaking blow.

Who are we to not believe Favre's sudden bout with mental fatigue and lack of desire for the game? Can you very well blame the man? In this dog eat dog world, it's often all or nothing. Even after news spread like wildfire across the internet and newswires everywhere, analysts contemplated Favre’s return and critics weighed in on Favre’s status as one of the best quarterbacks ever.

"I have way too much pride," Favre commented. "I expect a lot out of myself. And if I cannot do those things 100 percent, then I can't play." The only thing that would make the game worth playing would be another Superbowl win. With a virtuoso of talented wide receivers to tap into, this may very well be possible even without the acquisition of Randy Moss (although Favre downplayed the Packers lack of iniative in cementing a deal with Moss, Favre’s disappointment was apparent and has been widely speculated as a major reason for his “sudden” retirement).

I’d rather go out at the top of my game than to stay in and suffer another failure to clinch the ultimate game. Favre just might be on to something there.

Related Articles:
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ENTRIGUE~MY BDAY WEEKEND RECAP

What better way to bring in your birthday with family and friends?

This past weekend I had a little slice of nostalgia celebrating my birthday at the Wrecklamation Greek Alumni event at Grand Central Lounge in downtown Detroit. Friday kicks off the weekend at Grand Central Lounge with the G Lounge series, giving party goers a new theme and new experience each week brought to you courtesy of Good People Entertainment and D Macon, the party professional.

Special thanks to my best friend Dena, my girls Christina, Jatara,and Mika, my brothers, Eddie and Garyn, my cousin Leslie,my special friend Eric M for showing up early and letting me do my thing, D. Macon for inviting me to have my birthday party at Grand Central, Koolaid and Reggie of Prime Events for promoting and my other peoples from MSU and abroad (Steve, Akil, Yvette, Ebony, Party Guy Drew,J-Dee of Connected Entertainment etc) for coming out in the blizzard to help me celebrate. For all my friends that wanted to be there but could not, your off the hook for now lol but you better be around next month when I kick off my first monthly event entitled Dulce

Happy birthday to all my Pisces friends and associates (Latrice, Jai Lynn, Ambrose, Steve, Joe aka Logic, Joe, Angel Tara, Andre of Street Visionz, Ty of District 81, Ant of EyeCandy Modeling, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons)

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM MY BIRTHDAY PARTY

SUPERMAN THAT DUNK

If there was ever a doubt that Superman could fly, 6'11 Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard answered that question with his cape flying, gliding dunk from the free throw line in round 2 of the 2008 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest. Crowned the winner by unanimous vote by the All-Star judges (Magic Johnson, Darryl Dawkins, Dominique Wilkins, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, and Karl Malone) and 78% of fans worldwide, Howard's high flying antics were reminiscent of Michael Jordan, Dee Brown, Dominique Wilkins, Kobe Bryant hey day when the windmill, 360, one hand reverse, blind (one hand covering the eyes) and gliding from the free throw line were king. It was these dunks that set the standard for excellence and raised the bar to make the dunk contest the most anticipated event during All-Star weekend next to the All-Star game.

Since then there have been dunks that have captured the attention of and delighted audiences everywhere and earned that player entry into the dunk contest hall of fame.

2000 -- Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors
Reverse 360 dunk
Through the legs off the bounce dunk
Two-handed dunk from the free throw line
Vince Carter 2000 Slam Dunk Contest

2003 -- Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors (Only dunk champion to two-peat since Jordan in the 80's)
Two-handed off the bounce reverse dunk
One-handed reverse (off the bounce, racing down the baseline and jumping with his back to the basket)
Jason Richardson 2003 Slam Dunk Contest

2004 -- Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors
Underhand, off the glass, between the legs, one-handed dunk
2004 Slam Dunk Contest Highlights

2005 -- Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
Off the glass (at an angle), high off the glass, off Steve Nash's head for an alley-oop, spinning with a one hand flush dunk
2005 Slam Dunk contest Highlights

2005 -- Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks (Second youngest player to be crowned Dunk Champion)
Donning a Wilkins throwback jersey, windmill dunk
Leapfrog over Kenyon Martin, for an alley-oop dunk
360 reverse spin dunk

2006 -- Nate Robinson, New York Knicks (Only player under 6 ft other than Spudd Webb to win a dunk contest)
Bounce pass for a soaring jump over Spudd Webb dunk
Nate Robinson 2006 Dunk Contest Highlights

Regardless of the intensity and notoriety that the past 6 years of dunks have ignited, no dunk contest winner has sparked more recent hype than Dwight Howard. Living up to his hype in the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest, Howard rocked the crowd with an donning a superman cape and shirt, launched off the ground from just beyond the free throw line, skyrocketing the ball through the net, erupting a wave of perfect ten cards shooting up in a tidal wave of thundering applause and flashbulbs.

Technically speaking, the dunk of the night was a shot but WHO CARES?!! This year fans witnessed a return to creativity that the contest has only witnessed in spurts. Howard put the hit out on returning champ Gerald Green early, rounding out the first round with a head behind the backboard dunk. It was a improved version of Andre Iguodala's 50 in 2006. Held to the edge of my best friend's couch, the replay of Dwight Howard spinning and contorting his body mid-air, released a chorus of oohs and ahs, followed by a bevy hysterical giggles from my lips as my friend and I expressed mass disbelief at the monster dunk that had just flashed across the screen.

You gotta be KIDDING ME! This 6'11 wonder with the broad shoulders and boyish white tooth grin had just banged a 50 pointer home!

A tough act to follow would be putting it lightly but somehow, Minnesota Timberwolves guard, Gerald Green putting the icing on the cake so to speak with a dunk he called "Birthday Cake." I swear if the replay hadn't been shown on this one, the genius of this creative dunk would of been lost on me. As I watched, Green climb a ladder, place a lone cupcake at the top of the basket and climb back down, I couldn't fathom what he possibly was gonna do? Sing Happy Birthday? Dunk without making the cup cake fall off the rim?

Maybe next time, he'll don a birthday hat, dunk, blow the candle out and lick icing off his fingers after taking a bite! Ha ha




(MJ on the Evolution of the Game)

“I’ll give you a great example of the evolution of the game,” Jordan said. “In the slam dunk contest, the major feat was to take off from the free throw line. Dr. J was the first to do it, then I did it. What was different about the way the two of us did it?” When a pause produced no answer, Jordan said: “Dr. J, when he took off, he ran. I dribbled, which is harder to do because you’ve got to get your rhythm together. People never even noticed that. That was my way of improving on what Dr. J did. That was taking it to the next level—the evolution of the dunk. And then in the All-Star Game in 2000, Vince Carter took off with two hands from the free throw line. That’s the evolution of how change happens. Dr. J ran, I dribbled and Vince Carter is adding the two hands, which is increasing the norm.”

The evolution of the slam dunk champion continues...

More on 2008 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest
2007 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest and Past Dunk Contests

" A GIANT IMPERFECTION"

On Sunday, February 3, 2008, the nation witnessed the greatest upset in Super Bowl history. The second most watched Super Bowl game saw the New York Giants (10-6 during the regular season) and Eli Manning be transformed from underdogs to the princes of New York and Super Bowl XLII champion darlings. What formula of success did they follow? What lone tactic did they execute to go down in history books as the first NFC wild card team to win a Super Bowl while simultaneously robbing Las Vegas of $2.6 million (Can you say all time record?)? Here’s a peak into the Giants not so hidden arsenal of gridiron weapons. Patriots, are you listening?

– I Can of Whoop Ass -- It was a 3pt loss to the Patriots 38-35 during the regular season that gave the Giants their road rage, resulting in a wild card playoff bid and three playoff wins against the Bucs, Cowboys and Packers on the road. Yes having a can of whoop ass unleashed on you sometimes does wonders. In the Giants case, it was a good old fashioned ass whupping that gave the Giants their swagger and confidence to go on to become record setting Super Bowl champions.

Eli Eli Manning – America’s goofy kid brother seemingly shed his dork status overnight. From stealing Tom Brady's mojo with a 12 play drive of his own to shaking off four or five defenders in a scramble, Eli’s antics on the field have gained him an upgrade into the rising quarterback league with the likes of Tony Romo, Ben Roethlishberger and Drew Brees, a Super Bowl ring, an Super Bowl MVP trophy and a horde of advertisers foaming at the mouth. Early in the game, Manning ignited a scoring drive with a 45 yard pass to rookie tight end, Kevin Boss and a perfect end zone strike to David Tyree to seize the lead, 10-7 in the first half. Not bad for an ex-prima donna criticized for poor decision-making and leadership skills.

1) Defense – Giants defensive ends, Michael Straham, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora know something about the phrase, “Defense wins championships.” The Giants defensive line accomplished what no other team could do all season; Put a lock on the Patriots virtually unbeatable offense, holding them to 81 yards and 7 points in the second half while putting Tom Brady in the pressure cooker (Brady was sacked 5 times. The most sacks Brady received all season).

Giants leave Brady dazed and confused

20 Rookie Class 2007 --Perhaps the most unlikely of heroes, wide receiver Steve Smith (drafted in the second round from Southern California), tight end Kevin Boss (drafted from Western Oregon in the fifth round) and Ahmad Bradshaw (drafted in the seventh round from Marshall). Smith delivered his best performance carrying for 50 yards with five catches, four of which resulted in first downs. Kevin Boss set up New York’s first touchdown in the first half with a catch for a 45 yard Giants gain. Bradshaw utilized his speed while Brandon Jacobs tore at the Patriots defensively. Jay Alford, another rookie notable, delivered one of Tom Brady’s sacks forcing two ill fated ‘Hail Mary’ plays that ultimately sealed New England’s fate.

Rookies deliver crown for Giants

Whether you take into account the above four factors or you just realize the Patriots just played poorly, the Giants are the thrilla in manila that had 97.5 million viewers glued to their seats. Will they repeat? Probably not, but the 1972 Miami Dolphins team will forever sing their praises as the team that single handedly saved their undefeated record and posed the question ‘How will the Patriots be remembered?’ in analysts minds nationwide.

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