"I think the New England Patriots have won the division over the last couple of years, so the New England Patriots are the team to beat," the Patriots' all-world wide receiver said on a national conference call, responding to a specific question about the Jets' seemingly improved chances. Tom was a big, big, big component to make the offense move, and with him gone, we have to find other ways to make the offense move. But we're the team to beat, and we'll see what happens."

How about a real mooning this time instead of the fake variety? That should do it.

Randy Moss To Jetrs: Patriots Are Still 'The Team To Beat' [New York Daily News]

The creative sword-rattlers at ANIMAL New York decided that the Pope's visit was a perfect opportunity to promote their magazine/website and decided to hire two odd looking ladies to distribute specially made "Popeylactic" condoms outside of Yankee Stadium to those hoping to catch a glimpse of the old guy in the funny looking hat.

If you're going to sin, you might as well be safe.

On The Street: The Pope-ylactics Edition [ANIMAL]

• Eli's Escape: Legendary Play In Super Bowl History. "Initially my thoughts were, "haha, Eli got sacked, it's over." Then when that summabitch wouldn't go down, I changed quickly and said "hot damn, he's not going to let his team lose." And that's what happened. With one play Eli willed his team to victory. And let's not overlook what made this play so spectacular — the fact that it was completed on the other end with an amazing catch by David Tyree. That's the type of play where Eli can easily go down or have the pass batted down. Instead it wasn't, and that's when you knew grace was with the Giants. Let's take another look at it." (In case it's taken down, try this) [Larry Brown Sports]

(Ed. Note: Oh, and here's our Times column and our TSN column.)

• Super Bowl Post-Game: Reliving The Giant Victory. "The biggest key to our success tonight was the Giants ability to generate pressure with their front four. They were in Brady's face all game, and even when they didn't create pressure, they threw off the timing of the Patriot offense. The only time that offense looked right was their touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. The Giants pass rush made Tom Brady look like an average quarterback tonight, plain and simple." [Giants 101]

• Welcome To Perfectville. Population: 1. The really big winners on Sunday? Reebok, which filmed this commercial even though they had to strongly suspect that it would never air. [Reebok]

• Kudos And Wet Willies: Super Bowl XLII Edition. "The Patriots: Oh my God! I am still not sure I believe what I just saw. ... The Patriots couldn't finish off the only thing that really mattered in their entire season, winning the Super Bowl. They were outplayed most of the game, had no answers for the Giants' pass rush and couldn't stop Eli Manning when it mattered most." [Big Blue View]

• And Baby, You Better You Believe!. "Anyway, holy fucking shit. I can't begin to explain the bizarre combination of euphoria and disbelief I have coursing through my veins right now. It can't be described. It really can't. There is no word in the English language that can describe the feeling that comes with winning a Super Bowl against a team that was 18-0 and considered the best team to ever grace a football field. There's just no way to describe it. I have been drinking since 4 p.m. I am on a high of vodka and victory that no one has ever tasted before." [Why Don't We Get Drunk And Blog]

• Down Go The Patriots! "That's right, Eli Manning is a Super Bowl champion. And as a Dolphins fan, I congratulate Eli and his teammates the way that I would if Miami had won the Super Bowl. They beat our hated division rivals, and kept the '72 Dolphins' perfect record intact. Sure, New England might have gone 18-0, but what do they have to show for it? An AFC East title? And AFC Championship? Wow. Undefeated and that's what you're rewarded with? Sorry motherfuckers, but you got rolled in the biggest game of the season and that's what you'll be remembered for." [The Sports Oasis]

• They Might Be Giants. The following brave bloggers all picked New York to win: The Sports Lounge ... Afraid Of Ed Hochuli ... Monday Morning Punter (KSK) ... Stupid Sideline Reporters. [The Hot Route] (Ed. Note: Oh, and Daulerio.)