by Ben on December 29 at 5:33PM
The cowboys attempt to run the Earps out of town and Wyatt (the family figurehead) turns the other cheek for a while hoping to abstain from a return to a life of violence. However, two events - the shooting of Virgil and murder of Morgan - leave him with a fiery vendetta against the cowboys that can only be quenched with bloodshed. Eventually, a fully motivated Wyatt along with buddy Doc Holliday and cowboy defectors the ruthless duo of Texas Jack and Turkey Creek Johnson set out to destroy the cowboys. What follows is an improbable cameo by Charlton Heston and a montage of the fearsome foursome killing cowboy after cowboy in every way possible.
As I watched this movie the other day, I couldn't help but think of the Patriots. This was a team up to last year's AFC championship game loss at Indy which was modest in the way they approached playing the game as well as building their roster. Now, Bill Belichick has become Wyatt Earp and the shootings of his brothers - the AFC Championship game loss = Virgil losing use of his arm and Spy Gate = the murder of Morgan - have changed the Pats focus from simply beating opponents to absolutely overwhelming them. Tom Brady is the Holliday to Belichick's Earp fully having his back and hired guns Randy Moss and Wes Welker quickly bought into Belichick's cause and have raised their games to a new level. Aside from a close call in Baltimore and a gut check in Indy, the Patriots have been downright unstoppable beating opponents ranging from the Cowboys to the Dolphins in dominating fashion.
Tonight at Giants Stadium is the final showdown. Just like Tombstone didn't end until Doc Holliday finished off his nemesis, defacto cowboy leader Johnny Ringo (who was in the unfortunate position of being the second fastest gun in the west to Holliday at the time), the Patriots remain one step from completing their revenge upon the NFL.
Overall, the Giants matchup decently with the Pats. They have the ability to rush the QB with their front four and control the game on the ground with a consistent running game. Given the fact that blustery conditions are the norm at Giants stadium this time of year, the Pats pass game may be slowed a bit and the maligned running game will no doubt be tested. These factors could result in a closer game then many people expect if the Giants can take care of the ball (this means you Eli).
Tom Coughlin has shown no indication this week or from his past coaching exploits that he intends to rest the starters. With about an hour to gametime, it appears everyone from Plax to Brandon Jacobs will start and play a considerable amount. It will serve as an excellent tune up for some of the Giants youngsters, especially the guys in the secondary - Aaron Ross, Kevin Dockery and James Butler - going up against arguably the league's finest wide receiving corps and QB. Additionally, Ahmad Bradshaw has a good opportunity to further develop his game, facing a very active front 7. The experience gained tonight against one of the league's best defenses will help him to continue building on his week 16 breakout performance with an eye towards the playoffs where he will be needed.
Given that I expect a physical game tonight (Coughlin and Belichick would have it no other way) let's first and foremost hope for an injury-free game. If the Giants can play at a high level on both sides of the ball they will arrive in Tampa with added confidence when the second season begins next week.
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humbug.
everything was clicking, even with some questionable calls...and yet the whole game I kept thinking the bottom would fall out.
love being right.
hate being right.
so it goes.