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Eli Manning Plays for 30 Minutes, Tom Brady Plays for 60; Patriots Win, Go 16-0


Nothing like a little drama before the inevitable. The New York Giants, like the Colts, Eagles and Ravens before them, put up a valiant effort. But in the end, well, the Patriots were just too much. That and Eli Manning realized he was Eli Manning, throwing a costly interception midway through the fourth quarter with New York trailing by three points.

On New England's go-ahead touchdown -- which had just as much to do with Giants safety James Butler going coverage-optional on Randy Moss as it did with a great Tom Brady pass -- both Moss and Brady set single-season touchdown records. Moss for receptions (23), and Brady for throws (50).

After Laurence Maroney punched it in from five yards out, the Patriots led by 10 points with just under five minutes to go in the game. Manning threw a touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with 1:04 on the clock, but the onside kick failed. And that was that.

Credit to Manning for playing a near flawless first half, but unfortunately for the Giants, football games are 60 minutes. And, obviously, congrats to the Patriots for going 16-0. Now there are only three things left to be decided in 2007: Will Bill Belichick win Coach of the Year (Peter King says yes!) Can New England win it all? And how will Mercury Morris cope?

New England Patriots 38
New York Giants 35

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