The Starting Five

(Getty Images)

The last great catch in a season that included plenty like this

The New York Football Giants for the second time in four years are Super Bowl Champions, defeating the New England Patriots 21-17 in a game that will once again be remembered for one of the great catches in Super Bowl history.

Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham hauled in a 38-yard reception from Eli Manning in the midst of two defenders – toeing the sideline on the opening play of the Giants 88-yard game-winning drive that ended with running back Ahmad Bradshaw scoring on a 6-yard run.

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Four years ago, the New York Giants prevented the New England Patriots from becoming only the second undefeated team in NFL history – edging the Patriots 17-14. The game-winning drive that included a miraculous catch by David Tyree before Eli Manning sealed the victory with a touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress.

What seemed like an impossible rematch as the NFL emerged from its lockout, is now a reality as both teams are looking to win their fourth Lombardi Trophy.  In 2008, I went against the grain and history - going with the Giants. Call me crazy, but I’m going with the G-Men again!

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Ndamakong Suh: Got arm? Kevin Love: Got face?

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(Josh D. Weiss/US Presswire)

If you don’t know anything about these Philadelphia 76ers know this – Doug Collins has a resilient group of young men. The Sixers once again bounced back from another 20+ point loss to the Miami Heat only to rebound with a win - avoiding back to back defeats so far this season. Tonight, it was the Atlanta Hawks who were defeated soundly by the Sixers two weeks ago. Six of the nine players used by Collins scored in double figures as the Sixers defeated the Hawks 98-87 in a huge road win in which the Sixers were without Elton Brand who missed last night’s game with a thumb injury.

Rookie Nikola Vucevic led all Sixers scorers with 15 points.

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(Michael Perez/AP Photos)

One-third into the season and the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat come into their second meeting of the season with identical records(16-6). For three quarters, the Sixers played like they were ready to challenge for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Miami Heat went on a 15-0 run in the final period while LeBron James had six of his eight assists in the 4th quarter as the Miami Heat defeated the Sixers 99-79 – snapping the Sixers four-game winning streak.

Dwayne Wade led all scorers with 26 points.

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The 2012 NBA All-Star starters were announced exclusively on TNT

It’s that time already huh? I have to say, covering the Sixers that the MVP’s of this Philly team are Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand. Neither has stats that jump out but their glue is what will make Philadelphia stick moving forward. Glamor wise, if any of the Sixers belong on the team, it’s Iguodala. Sitting in press row when the quarter sheets are passed his line will be 10, 10, 10, 4, 3, 2. Yeah crazy. The Chicago win was huge and yeah Derrick Rose was a little sick, but it was still a Philadelphia win nevertheless and Iguodala shined. The panel gives their choices for reserves and total balloting is below. Should be a pretty good discussion who belongs and who doesn’t league wide. Interested to see what you all have in mind…

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Throughout everything, Dundee remained loyal to Ali

Growing up, he was a name. Pop would talk about Ali, but Angelo Dundee’s name would be attached. By the time he trained Sugar Ray Leonard, his name was commonplace in our household. His name was Dundee, but in my eyes, Loyalty is his name. You could also make a case for Mr. Dundee being the best coach ever. He was more than a motivator, he was a man. This is the best tribute I’ve read on Dundee’s passing. Rest in prowess sir. Go down that Soul Train line just one time why don’t you.

(H. Rumph Jr/AP Photos)

Andre Iguodala has been embattled in Philadelphia since the departure of Allen Iverson – often the subject of trade rumors and the object of the fan’s frustrations. Through it all, Iggy has remained professional. In what is shaping into a special season, the accolades are starting to come in – a possible spot on the 2012 Olympic Team and a very real shot at earning a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star roster. Last night in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls the small forward put on a full montage of his skills with a collage of dunks, steals and assists – earning a standing ovation from the 18, 325 in attendance that may have turned the corner on Iguodala.

With their convincing 98-82 victory over the Bulls we know the Sixers already have.

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In the Part I of our discussion, Fritz Pollard III gave me his position on Tim Tebow, Robert Griffin III and some insight into how the decisions made in the media can impede the progress of Black youth in America.

Mr. Pollard and I conclude our conversation but not before he adds more of his unique insight into Mike Singletary and college athletics - he even gives us his Super Bowl prediction.

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(AP/Photo)

The Sixers have feasted on teams in the lower half of the Eastern Conference while enjoying an impressive home stand - sprinting out to a 14-6 start. Skeptics have lined up, reluctant to anoint the Sixers as a legitimate contender in the East.

Everyone can breathe easy now.

The Sixers outscored the Orlando Magic 21-9 in the 3rd quarter and led by as many as 19 points on their way to a 74-69 victory, sending the Magic to their fourth consecutive defeat.

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The 23 year old defensive end had 86 tackles (1st among NFL lineman), 16.5 (4th)sacks and 2 forced fumbles this season…

No. A resounding no. So many other stories…if you look…and the monster above is one of them. This notion that quarterbacks control football seems lazy…and crazy. It’s not like Allen Iverson and the rest of the Sixers. Across a football field, so much talent factors into the outcome. As we’ve seen this year, less than 10 passes can get you a victory but a stout defensive front four that includes JPP propels your team into the Super Bowl.

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(Howard Smith/US Presswire)

Andre Iguodala celebrated his 28th birthday in grand style, posting his eight career triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. A rebound and two points came on a spectacular off-the-backboard feed to himself. Meanwhile the Sixers won their 14th game of he season 95-74 over the Detroit Pistons.

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(Matt Slocum/AP/Photo)

It was a royal beat down.

Hip Hop star turned Hollywood leading man turned Sixers co-owner Will “Fresh Prince” Smith along with his wife Jada and son Jaden were among the over 16,oo0 in attendance at the Wells Fargo Center.

Lou Williams came off the bench to lead the Sixers with 17 points as the home team rebounded nicely from Wednesday night’s loss to the New Jersey Nets to pound the Charlotte Bobcats 89-72.

Angered by his team’s output, Bobcats coach Paul Silas decided to watch from the visiting locker room as he was ejected in the second period with his team trailing 45-25.

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Heading into tonight’s game (I hear Will and Jada will attend) vs the 3-16 Charlotte Bobcats, the 12-6 Philadelphia 76′ers are a little wounded. They lost a heart breaker to Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets…a winnable home game that got a way, and are dealing with minor injuries to their front line (Hawes, Vucevic). More importantly, there’s a different aura permeating through the Wells Fargo Center. After wins the Liberty Bell tolls, confetti rains and more times than most this year, the fans leave happy. One of those fans is Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff. I’ve chatted with Jeff before, but this a different Sixers team. This is a team on the road up. Jeff is a season ticket holder so I thought I’d update our previous conversation with some post lockout Philly optimism…

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