Patriots Football Weekly Blog

Erik's Extra Point: Tyree on a bad-luck streak

Did David Tyree make a deal with the devil? After making “The Catch” in Super Bowl XLII — and thereby helping shatter every Patriots fans dreams of a perfect 19-0 season – he hasn’t been back on the football field for the New York Giants. And his chances of being there in time for training camp have been dealt another blow.

According to a CBS Sportsline feature over the weekend, Tyree has suffered yet another setback in his attempt to come back from a season-ending knee surgery and subsequent hamstring injury he suffered last off-season. Tyree admitted in the story that he the process has been “frustrating” for him, as he watches other Giants receivers get valuable reps in his place.

So, yeah, he will go down in Super Bowl history for his still-can’t-believe-it play against New England, but he seems to have been paying the price ever since.

Crazy Super Bowl bets

Fans (Patriots fans and non alike), PFW needs your help. During a pre-Super Bowl XLII edition of our radio show, “PFW in Progress,” our intrepid editor, Paul Perillo, made the following proclamation: “If the Giants win the Super Bowl, I’ll shave my head.”

Well, New York lived up to its end of the bargain. Sadly, ol’ Paulie Walnuts did not.

But we’re sure there must have been countless other such ridiculous bets made between friends, enemies, and casual acquaintances in the days leading up to the big game. We want to tell those stories (preferably, ones that have pictures to prove that the bet was fulfilled) in an upcoming issue of PFW.

If you know of anyone who made a bet like Paul’s, or even crazier, but who actually is living up to it, tell us about it. We’ll feature the most creative, outlandish, and just plain funny ones … hey, we’ve got to find a way to laugh  to keep from crying.

Thanks in advance, everyone.

Through three quarters…

worst Super Bowl ever played and there isn’t even a close second. Just an awful display of football by both teams. It is what it is.

Still waiting

As Fred says, I like to give the nod when I believe the game is in hand for the Patriots. Generally, that happens at some point in the first half but no so tonight. I said before the game that I would probably to do once the Patriots got a two-score lead, and I was poised to do that after Ellis Hobbs’ interception but the offense responded with a weak three-and-out and continued that poor play for the rest of the half. The Patriots offensive line better get the protection straightened out soon or that nod might never come tonight.

Sights and sounds

Fred Kirsch just reported that a “gentleman” wearing a Ted Johnson jersey was vomiting profusely just outside of the press box in the concourse. Boy I wish I could jump up and down and watch the game with that guy.

Kraft hugs

Robert and Jonathan Kraft are on the Patriots sideline right now hugging players as they go by and get in line to stretch. The team is now in the midst of stretching while the Giants have already moved on to positional drills. It’s early, but New York is in the lead in terms of warm-ups.

Minor NY lineup change

The Giants will have Corey Webster start at cornerback in place of Sam Madison, although Madison is active and is scheduled to play.

Everybody Loves Raymond

I remember two years ago when I wrote my award-winning story on little known practice squad player named Raymond “Bubba” Ventrone. Since then, Bubba and I have not only shared a special bond but between us but he’s become a cult hero among Patriots fans. Perhaps its because he’s wearing my old high school number or the fact that we’re two guys who beat the odds to become the success stories we are today. I don’t know the exact reason but you need the Ray Ventrones of the world on your team to win Super Bowl titles. I’m happy that Ray will always be able to say that he was on the active roster for a Super Bowl team. I also placed a small wager on him for game MVP. I believe the odds are 500 billion to one. Go get ‘em Bubba!

Alicia Keys

Wow, that woman is gorgeous in person (even through my binoculars). She just did a rockin’ live version of her #1 hit “No One.” Great stuff.

Another hefty lefty sighting

I just saw Paul Perillo eating a cookie in the press box. Thank you. I’ll be here all day.