Editors note: Denver Post football writers Woody Paige, Mike Klis and Bill Williamson will report live from Arizona throughout the week leading up to Super Bowl XLII on Sunday. Find their mid-day stories at denverpost.com/broncos
CHANDLER, ARIZ. — At the New York Giants’ morning press conference, the media circled around the table reserved for Plaxico Burress.
And circled. And circled. Burress was roughly 45 minutes late. He said he was spending time with his family.
Fine, but there was this prediction of a Giants’ victory that had the media patiently waiting. Before flying out to Arizona for Super Bowl XLII, Burress, the Giants’ top receiver, predicted a 23-17 victory Sunday. Which might not be a big deal except the Giants are playing the 18-0 New England Patriots.
“The only thing about a prediction is you have got to make it happen,” said Patriots’ receiver Randy Moss. “I think the pressure is more on them now since they’ve guaranteed this victory.”
A Patriot would say that, as most everybody else believes all the pressure is on the team trying to not ruin its perfect record. To a man, Burress’ teammates have supported his bold statement, although coach Tom Coughlin clearly wasn’t happy about the possibility of enraging the Patriot monster.
“I will speak to Plaxico in a private way and that’s where it will remain,” Coughlin said.
Why 23-17? His high school basketball number was 23, his Giants number was 17. When Burress finally arrived Wednesday — at table No. 23, no less — and he didn’t back off his prediction.
“It’s all entertainment,” Burress said. “Look at how this has made national headlines. I’ve always been a confident player and I’ll always be that way and will continue to be that way.
“What I said is what I said. I believe in my guys just as much as they believe in me.”
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
