What happened to the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV in trying to score on a brutal, intimidating Baltimore defense is what used to happen to opponents who boxed Mike Tyson.
We are talking about the old-school Tyson, when his punch was the most feared in the sport and before he bit on people’s ears. Boxers used to enter the ring with plans against Tyson. Each thought he had found the antidote, the cure. But once that first punch landed squarely on his jaw, those plans would suddenly disappear in a painful haze.
Last week in the days leading up to the biggest game of his life, Giants quarterback Kerry Collins exemplified the team’s confidence on offense. He spoke to teammates, not arrogantly, but passionately, about how their game plan would prove successful against the Ravens.
Of course, that is what Collins is supposed to say. He’s supposed to be confident. He’s a professional. He’s the leader of the team.
Then the Giants’ offense stepped into the ring against the Ravens, their bag full of plans in hand, and were promptly blown out 34-7. The Giants felt the hits by linebacker Ray Lewis and his teammates. Barber had 5 yards in five carries in the first quarter. The tight ends were not a factor. Those suspect Ravens cornerbacks? Few Giants wideouts had a sniff of open air.
And Collins? He threw four interceptions, tying a Super Bowl record, proving that the best plans melt like butter when Baltimore takes the field.