One of the enduring images from New England’s historic Super Bowl XLII loss to the Giants four years ago was Bill Belichick’s red hoodie sweatshirt.

According to Belichick’s lady friend, Linda Holliday, the red sweatshirt of doom will not make a return engagement when the Giants and Patriots lock up at Super Bowl XLVI.

@RapSheet It's official…no red hoodie at Superbowl XLVI! 👏😄🍀—
Linda Holliday (@Linda_Holliday) January 25, 2012

Super Bowl XLII was the first and last time Belichick wore the red hoodie.

Essentially, it’s the NFL’s equivalent of Bobby Heenan’s white and gold waiter’s jacket look from Wrestlemania III.

Reportedly, Belichick is going with his usual blue or gray hoodie, which is mandatory in this situation.

The babyface version of Hulk Hogan would never wear anything at Wrestlemania other than his traditional yellow tights with red kneepads and yellow boots.

Belichick is no different. Keep the standard.

One man apparently not concerned about the nation’s economy is rapper supreme Birdman.

Earlier this week, he tweeted his willingness to bet anyone $5 million that the New England Patriots will defeat the New York Giants on February 5 in Super Bowl XLVI.

The front man on such rap classics as “Always Strapped”, “Y.U. Mad”, and “What Happened to That Boy”, feels pretty confident about the Pats. However, his challenge has not gone unanswered.

50 Cent is offering to bet “Birdman Skittles” a smaller sum of $1 million.

https://twitter.com/#%21/50cent/status/162364047021457408

Birdman has yet to respond.

“Baby” hopes to repeat his success with last year’s Super Bowl. He won $1 million on the Packers, who defeated Pittsburgh 31-25 last year in Dallas.

This would not be the first big ticket wager made by a celebrity on New England during the season.

Boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. won $1 million after the Patriots slammed Denver 41-23 last December.

Super Bowl XLVI remains just under two weeks away but it is rather clear that one man will be a resounding loser in the court of public opinion in the days, weeks, and months to follow the festivities in Indianapolis.

Once upon a time in a galaxy not so far away, some people considered Peyton Manning to be the greatest quarterback of all-time.

However, once the confetti settles at Lucas Oil Field on February 5, Manning’s legacy is going to take a dent.

Should the New York Giants win their second Super Bowl since 2008, there is a quiet movement that will gain momentum due to our current state of paralysis by analysis method of sports journalism.

Indeed, people will continue to ponder whether Eli Manning is a better quarterback than his big brother. The argument will largely center around Eli’s two Super Bowl rings and Peyton’s lone ring.

Debate will also ensue over Peyton’s 9-10 playoff record; while with a Super Bowl win over the Patriots, Eli’s mark will be a stout 8-3.

Meanwhile, the younger Manning will gain a second credit to his résumé that Peyton did not achieve…a level of playoff mastery of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Peyton’s Colts could only muster a 1-2 record in three playoff games; on the other hand, Eli would be a tidy 2-0 in Super Bowls over the historic quarterback/coach duo.

Even though it might seem preposterous on the surface, an Eli vs. Peyton discussion will get real during the offseason.

As for Eli’s counterpart on Super Sunday, let’s go back to 1989′s Lethal Weapon 2.

During that film, an enraged detective Martin Riggs (played by Mel Gibson) wanted to destroy the South African mob responsible for killing his wife and then, years later, his girlfriend.

Riggs drove his pickup truck to South Africans’ hideout; attached a rope from his truck to one of the house’s supports; and then proceeded to rip the house down from a hill until it was a fiery mess.

Essentially, that is what the combination of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will attempt to do the Giants, Manning family, and city of Indianapolis.

A Patriots win would mean Indianapolis’ greatest rival over the last decade would accept the Vince Lombardi Trophy in their house.

Brady would claim his fourth Super Bowl ring and to me, would indefinitely leave any argument versus Manning by moving to the next level discussion…the greatest quarterback of all-time talk.

The man that Peyton has measured himself against, will own three more Lombardi trophies.

For all of Manning’s great statistical achievements, he has one Super Bowl ring. Plus, there is a reasonable chance that we’ve already seen his final game as an NFL quarterback. Not only is Father Time knocking on Peyton’s door, he is in the house, just ate dinner, and has his feet up on 18′s coffee table with a Manhattan placed on a coaster.

The winner of Super Bowl XLVI will make Peyton’s singular Super Sunday achievement all the more noticeable.

Photo courtesy of SportsGrid.com

I was on another Twitter account moments ago and was nearly stoned by a Niner fan for even suggesting that someone/something else was responsible for San Francisco losing to the Giants on Sunday.

Alas, it’s time to address the Kyle Williams situation or assorted NFC title game issues.

Before we get to the goats, the conduct of 49er fans following this game is deplorable. First off, it’s obvious that Williams did a poor job on both fumbles and is one of the people responsible for the 49ers not playing in the Super Bowl on February 5.

Telling a guy that he should kill himself because you will not have the opportunity to get sauced and/or mortgage your home to travel to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl, is purely low class.

But I digress.

The Niners lost that game on Sunday for numerous other reasons:

1. OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR GREG ROMAN

Alex Smith’s 73-yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis with 7:21 left in the first quarter was the last throw he completed  in the entire half. In fact, after the Davis completion, Smith attempted three more passes (one completed pass negated due to penalty) until halftime.

As a whole, Eli Manning attempted 58 passes to Smith’s 26. San Francisco ran 57 plays to New York’s 90 but an offensive coordinator can’t soft-shoe his way to a Super Bowl…at least not in yesterday’s game.

You have to take the gloves off of Smith to a degree.

2. MICHAEL CRABTREE

Wasn’t he supposed to be the next big thing at wide receiver? He caught one pass for three yards. To those unaware, the Giants don’t have any future Hall of Famers lurking at cornerback or safety. That point is further emphasized by New York’s ranking as the 29th best passing defense in the NFL.

Crabtree had one more reception on Sunday than former 49er Freddie Solomon.

3. TED GINN’S KNEE

Who knew that Ginn would become one of the pivotal figures of Championship Sunday without ever playing? His knee injury and deactivation forced Williams into the punt return role. It marked the second time a Ginn injury greatly impacted a championship game.

Disclaimer: Tebow alert! 

4. SAN FRANCISCO’S 3RD DOWN OFFENSE

The 49ers finished Sunday’s game with a 1 for 13 mark on third downs. That is not good enough to beat bad teams let alone a hot Giants club.

5. ALEX SMITH

Of the four quarterbacks on Sunday, Smith’s performance did even more harm to his team than another quarterback with California ties.  Yes, it rained. However, Smith’s 12 of 26 performance for 196 yards included numerous ground balls that likely made Eagles fans suffer hot flashes from the Donovan McNabb era.

Eli Manning and the Giants crossed into 49ers territory on four occasions during the second half and overtime – two of those times were a result of the Williams fumbles. San Francisco failed to capitalize significantly.

The Giants were there for the taken and Smith couldn’t deliver the goods.

Kyle Williams deserves a lot of blame. His first fumbled punt with San Francisco up 14-10 in the fourth quarter was severely devastating considering how the 49ers defense roughed up Manning in the second half.

Williams didn’t act alone though.

You win as a team and you lose as a team.

Truth being told I am not sure I'm going to watch the unSuper Bowl since the two best teams are sitting at home
#ravens #49ers—
Brendon Ayanbadejo (@brendon310) January 23, 2012

Over 24 hours removed from losing the AFC Championship to New England on Sunday, Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo is in no  mood to watch Super Bowl XLVI.

He referred to the second Giants/Patriots meeting this season as the “UnSuper Bowl” on his Twitter page and maintained that a Harbaugh Bowl rematch would have pitted the two best teams in football.

False.

It would have pitted the two best defenses in football facing off for Vince Lombardi Trophy.

After watching Sunday’s NFC title game, it would be hard to say that the word “best” should be associated with anything outside of the Niners defense, which was arguably the best unit on the field during Championship Sunday.

Bitterness does not suit you well Mr. Ayanbadejo.

Here it is.

Gerry Sandusky’s radio call of the Lee Evans dropped TD pass in yesterday’s AFC title game.

In the NFC Championship game preview, I referenced teams being forced to play left-handed because defenses will try to takeaway what you do best.

Thus, teams need other players to step up. While Billy Cundiff will take a lot of blame (and rightfully so), the inability of Lee Evans to make a play late in the fourth quarter against New England ultimately kept Baltimore out of the Super Bowl.

After Anquan Boldin beat Julian Edelman like a drum on Baltimore’s final drive, Evans was set to catch a pass that could have put the Ravens up by four and likely land them in the Super Bowl.

When Joe Flacco hit Evans in the end zone, it appeared for a split second that Baltimore was heading to Indy. However, cornerback Sterling Moore stepped in to knock the ball away from Evans.

That can’t happen.

Evans had the ball and nearly got a second foot down in the end zone before Moore easily removed the ball from the receiver’s grasp.

Evans could have used some ball security in one of the game’s most critical plays. As a result, New England is in the Super Bowl, not Baltimore.

Super Bowl XLVI will feature a rematch of Super Bowl XLII after the Giants knocked off the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, 20-17, during Sunday’s NFC Championship game.

Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes booted a 31-yard field goal in overtime to send the victorious G-Men to Indianapolis after 49ers punt returner Kyle Williams coughed up his second punt of the day.

It was a rough day for Williams, whose first turnover led to a Mario Manningham go-ahead touchdown for the Giants.

Once again, Eli Manning answered the bell, despite getting sacked six times. He threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns.

With the win, Manning became the first quarterback in NFL history to win five road playoff games.

The Giants reach their fifth Super Bowl and will try to do what they did in Glendale, Arizona four years ago…defeat the Patriots.

New York is the last team to beat the Patriots, who have won 10 games in a row. The Giants earned a 24-20 win in Foxborough last November.

FIRST QUARTER 

7:04 – Since that AFC title game caused a partial Twitter meltdown,  we now join this game in progress….

7:06 – The Giants allowed Vernon Davis to run a wheel route and since he’s one of the fastest tight ends in NFL history, he busts it for six from 73 yards away. After the score, Davis stood on a platform following the score. Thus, he gets a 15-yard penalty.

49ERS 7, GIANTS 0

7:08 – It looked like Noah’s Ark earlier in San Francisco. The rain has since subsided. The track will become muddy later.

7:15 – Giants drive in SF territory runs into a brick wall. Unfortunately, it was on a fourth down as everyone’s favorite “Tip-Toe Bandit” (copyright Deion Sanders) fails to gain a yard on 4th and 1.

7:16 – Niners run gimmick trick play after the Jacobs miss. Somehow, Kyle Williams, who initially fumbled, recovers the ball for San Francisco.

7:20 – You know the easiest way to stop a 4,900 yard passer? Rain, rain, and more rain!

END OF 1ST: 49ERS 7, GIANTS 0 

SECOND QUARTER

7:24 – Giants open up the second quarter with a 36-yard completion to Victor Cruz into San Fran territory.

7:28 – Giants on the move with a first and goal as the rain picks up again…

7:32 – Easy E throws a TD strike to Bear Pascoe. Tie ball game…

GIANTS 7, 49ERS 7

7:33 – Angry Eagles fan “Angry” Greg Ryan was not pleased with SF’s defensive efforts on that last drive.

Whatever zone the '9ers are playin it ain't workin on this drive. Looks like sumthin Castillo would deploy. #Attrocious—
Greg Ryan (@AngryGregRyan) January 23, 2012

Even when he is away from it, Juan Castillo can’t win.

7:34 – How crazy is it that Peyton Manning is reduced to doing pizza commercials while little brother may be headed back to the Super Bowl?

7:41 – Someone needs to dial down Vernon Davis. Looked like he was trying to put a sleeperhold on one of the Giants. Unwise. He gets a 15-yarder as a result.

7:47 – This is a very weird and disjointed game…much like the October meeting when the first half was a field goal party.

7:52 – Eli gets sacked by NaVorro Bowman on third down…Punt time for the Giants. Just under three left in the first half.

7:58 – This game is not likely to end up on NFL Network in 25 years…

8:00 – Alex Smith gets tripped up, well short of the first down. Punt.

8:02 – On a side note, not sure who I’d rather play if I’m a Patriots fan. The 49ers are Baltimore-lite. Meanwhile, the Giants have a vastly stronger offense but weaker all-around defense.

8:07 – Lawrence Tynes caps a Giants drive with a short field goal after New York’s offense/special teams unit considering have an on-field party, which would have been highly illegal.

GIANTS 10, 49ERS 7

8:10 – Giants go in leading by three after a less than enthralling first half.

HALFTIME: GIANTS 10, 49ERS 7

THIRD QUARTER

8:25 – Third quarter opens with a New York possession. Giants have lost on some third and shorts today. They do so again on a 3rd and 1.

8:30 – In case you’re wondering, Alex Smith has two complete passes.

8:33 – Troy Aikman says Niners need more out of the passing game to win. Considering Smith has two more completions than Peyton Manning today, yes that is correct.

8:37 – More poor offense from the Niners…Punt.

8:40 – Victor Cruz is chopping up the Niners. He has 10 catches for 142 yards…WITH ANOTHER QUARTER AND A HALF LEFT!

8:42 – Niners are competing hard on third downs. Force another missed third down conversion by the Giants.

8:46 – San Fran opens next drive with A COMPLETION BY ALEX SMITH for 24 yards. Niners ball at the NYG 28.

8:47 – Another Smith completion….to Vernon Davis! San Francisco TD. Sharp throw by Smith.

49ERS 14, GIANTS 10

8:48 – San Francisco competes very hard. Not many teams could play like this and hang in with the Giants.

8:55 – Niners sack Manning. I’ll tell you what. New York better get out of its third quarter slumber. San Francisco’s defense has started to make plays and this is game is in the Niner zone (low-scoring, defense).

9:00 – Giants get the ball back. Yet, the 49er pass rush of doom forces the ball out of Eli’s hands on second down. Then, on third down Manning nearly got picked off but two Niner defenders run into each other trying to get the ball.

9:03 – Tarell Brown took a nasty hit on the interception attempt but heads off as the Niners take over.

9:09 – A lowly third quarter by the Giants. Only 15 more minutes to dance for Easy E and company.

END OF 3RD: 49ERS 14, GIANTS 10

FOURTH QUARTER

9:13 – Somehow, the Niners are 0 for 7 on third downs and up by 4 in the fourth quarter. Make it 0 for 8. Ouch. They miss on a 3rd and 2.

9:18 – The 49ers pressure parade continues in the Giants backfield. Aldon Smith gets him some Eli to setup a 3rd and 15…

9:19 – Classic Eli. Off the back foot…and incomplete. Punt time.

9:27 – San Fran’s Kyle Williams tries to act like he didn’t muff a punt…too bad he did. Giants ball at the 49er 29.

9:30 – Manning Time. Manning to Mario Manningham…a 17-yard rocket. Giants take the lead. Joe Buck is really excited.

GIANTS 17, 49ERS 14

9:33 – Williams tries to atone for his game-shifting turnover by running back the kickoff to the SF 45.

Billy Cundiff just welcomed Kyle Williams to the "Conference Championship All-Goat Team"—
Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) January 23, 2012

9:36 – Niners on the clock down by three…

9:38 – This devastating New York defensive line I keep hearing about needs to you know, make tackles.

9:39 – A pair of runs put the ball at the Giants 15…

9:40 – Michael Crabtree catch…about two yards short of the sticks. Cue David Akers.

GIANTS 17, 49ERS 17

9:46 – Giants go three and out…Four minutes left.

9:50 – 49ers go three and out after Smith is sacked by every Giant since 1975 on third down.

9:50 – Not to be outdone, Eli takes a sack deep in Giants territory on first down.

9:56 – Another three and out by the Giants. San Francisco’s D has been tremendous all day. Need some help from the O. Two minutes left.

9:58 – Yes. Another three and out.

10:00 – Giants ball with two timeouts and 1:18 left at their 18.

10:01 – A long catch by Bradshaw brings the ball near midfield…

10:04 – New York’s drive stalls near the 50. SF gets the ball back with 19 seconds left. By the way, kicking a field goal on this grass is going to be tricky.

10:08 – San Francisco can’t do much with it on the final possession. OVERTIME!!!!

END OF REGULATION: 49ERS 17, GIANTS 17

All I know is this- if we head to overtime, it's going to take Ed Hochuli 90 minutes to explain the OT rules…—
Eric Stangel (@EricStangel) January 23, 2012

10:10 – I think I know the rules. Just don’t give up a TD.

OVERTIME

10:14 – FOX opens OT by showing Peyton’s postseason numbers compared to little brother. Awkward Thanksgiving perhaps for the Manning family.

10:18 – Giants can’t get anything started but Alex Smith is killing worms at Candlestick.

10:19 – Davis makes an 11-yard catch…on 3rd and 12. Punt. Don’t like San Francisco’s chances. They may need a turnover.

10:25 – Niners have come close to intercepting Manning at least four times. A relatively important 3rd and 3 in Niner territory. Another SF sack by Justin Smith.

10:27 – Let the anti-Kyle Williams tweets begin…He fumbles the punt return. Might as well put it on a tee for Lawrence Tynes. Giants football.

10:30 – Giants start this drive from the SF 24.

10:31 – New York biding their time. Joe Buck informs us this is the same end as the Matt Bahr kick in the ’90 NFC title game. Nice bit.

10:32 – Here we go…

10:33 – Helmet Catch II. Tynes knocks it through.

FINAL: GIANTS 20, 49ERS 17

SUMMARY: We saw the same theme in both games. At a certain point, your game managers need to make plays. Both Flacco and Smith put their teams in position to win but were foiled by outside forces. Tough day for the Harbaugh family.

As for the Giants, it’s a Super Bowl XLII rematch with their old friends from Massachusetts.

Patriots radio play-by-play man Gil Santos was as stunned as the rest of America that Billy Cundiff couldn’t put the Ravens/Patriots game into overtime.