Sadly, the hometown heroes - the Indianapolis Colts - aren't in this year's Super Bowl.  I suppose that's OK since they did win it last year.  Even if they would have squeaked by the Chargers, if they played the Patriots the way they played San Deigo they would have been killed. 

I'm excited that Eli Manning is playing for the world championship.  The Giants played the Pats better than any other team this season, and I think they have a real shot. 

Unfortunately, in the midst of their record-setting season the Pats have had some of the worst press.  The old addage that any press is good press doesn't really apply to this franchise.  The more they're in the news for their success, the more angry blog posts and comments are posted online.  Fans of the 1972 Dolphins don't want their favorite team's moment in history to be surpassed by Tom Brady and crew.  Negativity runs rampant when it comes to the Pats winning season - when it wasn't so long ago (after 9/11) that the nation celebrated when the Patriots (how symbolic) won the Super Bowl.

Belichik doesn't like the press - which only fuels the fire.  The only good press the team gets is really only publicized in the Boston area it seems - so how is the rest of the nation supposed to get to know this team and actually root for it?

I had someone from Boston tell me that the Pats aren't allowed to do commercials like the Colts - which, they argued, made them more real.  I have to disagree.  The nation has seen Peyton Manning (and his family) in various commercials and on SNL.  I have friends from SC who comment on how funny Manning is and how they like the Colts because they seem "real."  The Pats should exercise some good PR and get out there a little more - they might convert some fans.

I wish I could report I'm indifferent as to who wins Sunday's game, but I really want the Giants to win.  Why?  Because I can't stand the Pats.