Weird is a good way to describe Super Bowl XLVI

Monday, February 6th, 2012 4:05 PM

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By Brad Spencer

Sports Editor

Well before the game and just before kickoff, you had people telling you they didn't want Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to win because he already had three Super Bowl rings and this marked his fifth appearance in the big game. One person even quipped, "Too much success kills me." You both had a good laugh on that one, but you were puzzled by the logic.

If you based your reasoning for rooting for the Giants on Brady having too much success in his career, then the same can be said for the Manning family. Dad (Archie Manning) never won a Super Bowl, but he played in the NFL for 13 seasons and was even a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Two of his sons have won Super Bowls.

What if Brady were the Bears quarterback? Or what if Jay Cutler wins the next three Super Bowls? Are you going to say sayonara and pledge allegiance to the Vikings? It's too bad you were forced to drop the Bulls in the 1990s. Man, that Michael Jordan must have really let you down.

Then, there was this: "I'd like to see Eli Manning and the Giants win, but I don't really care who wins."

Puzzled wasn't the feeling anymore. You were befuddled. If you don't care who wins, then don't say anything else. Munch on your wings, sip your beverage, double dip the chips in the guacamole dip if need be, but say no more. Pick a team and stick with it, or spend the time picking the meat out of your teeth.

Oh, no, please don't. "I'd like to see Eli Manning win because he's had to live in the shadow of his older brother."

Say what? Now you're just baffled.

In 2008, Eli led the Giants to a Super Bowl win over Brady and the Patriots, the year after his older brother Peyton led the Colts past the Bears in the Super Bowl. He's now won two Super Bowls and been selected MVP of both. There are no shadows in the Manning family. It's very bright.

I don't mean to come off snarky — or worse, crotchety — but it was just an odd Super Bowl. Two East Coast teams, one with the worst defense in the NFL. A twangy rendition of America the Beautiful. Somebody named M.I.A. flipping me the bird. A jolly young fellow bouncing about on a tightrope — which appeared excruciatingly painful at times. Patriots receivers dropping passes. An undefended touchdown. A safety from an intentional grounding call. Madonna doing cartwheels.A last second Hail Mary pass.

It was an odd Super Bowl.