When Ahmad Bradshaw tumbled backwards, like a third grader at field day, into the end-zone for the game winning touchdown everyone cheered. New York Giants fans and New England Patriots fans alike, although drastically different but solely differentiated in thick accent, not fandom or obnoxiousness, were ecstatic.
But analysts and Bradshaw’s own quarterback, Eli Manning who was screaming “Don’t go in the end zone”, saw the scenario differently. They were concerned about giving the ball back to Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. But why? Bradshaw’s finest moment wasn’t filled with joy, elation and seeing dreams that he had as a young kid on the playground in Bluefield, Virginia, instead it was filled with doubt.
Bradshaw is a hero; one that, in the final moments, slayed the dragon even with an uncertain survival and victory.
If the touchdown had some earlier in the game, or for a matter of fact, if one, lone Patriots player had decided to attempt to tackle Bradshaw on his six yard trot up the middle he may have been the MVP of the Super Bowl. Of his 72 yards on the day, 50 of them came on scoring drives for the Giants. He accounted for numerous first downs and set the tone for the game in the second quarter.
In Super Bowl XX, Walter Payton, “Sweetness”, widely considered the best running back to ever play the game never got to smell the sweet air of the end-zone. Looking back, most Chicago Bears fans and general football fans find this to be a travesty. A Super Bowl touchdown is something special; a game-winning one is something no one should be able to forget. (Note: He did not score in Super Bowl XLII four years ago.)
It would have been a lack luster end to an NFL season that was almost for not. Let Lawrence Tynes kick a field goal and inevitably have his exuberant holder shout profanities after the kick sailed through. So don’t be mad at Bradshaw.
I agree!
ReplyDeleteYou MUST score when you CAN score! Too many bad things can happen on a kick. Of course, crazy endings can happen on a final drive and Hail Mary passes. But, those players all deserve to have an impact on the game. Everyone remembers Kordell Stewart throwing 70 yards to Michael Westbrook in the CU-Michigan game. Every sports fan remembers Flutie to Phelan. Everyone remembers McMahon to some other BYU player.
Plus, kickers don't deserve to win or lose a game! The game should not be won or lost by a skill that a 60 year old man can do. A lot of people, well anyone with any athletic talent, can kick a 20 yard field goal. That Bud Light commercial where the guy kicks into a pot of chili because he has kicker stress anxiety - just a commercial.
To win the Super Bowl?? Come On, Man!! Well, unless the kick is over 50 yards maybe.