In what was probably the most anticipated match-up of the preseason, this one turned out to be the most disappointing one.

The 2008-09 NFL football season is upon us and yet some people are still buzzing about the way Super Bowl XLII concluded with the Giants finishing what has been a Cinderella run for the title while denying the Patriots of what would be a record-breaking perfect season.

It was only natural for these football fans to go ga-ga over the idea that the New England Patriots and the New York Giants will be having their rematch this early, even before the brand new season officially starts. Unfortunately, both of the team’s star quarterbacks were unable to play in this highly anticipated rematch. Sad ain’t it?

Last season’s league MVP Tom Brady, despite giving hints that he might actually play this big preseason game, didn’t. This was the fourth preseason game that he already missed (which would be ALL of the Patriots’ preseason games…) because of the injury to his right foot. STILL, he remains confident that he’ll be able to play for his team once the regular season starts. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for that one.

The New York Giants, on the other hand, opted not to play their field general much to the surprise of everyone.

After already losing Osi Umenyiora in these preseason games, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin decided to sit out Super Bowl XLII MVP Eli Manning. This was after he already told everyone that he will put Eli out there for 10 plays in what would be his final warmup before their season opener against the Washington Redskins.

Sure, you can’t really blame Coughlin for being a little more careful, hell, this is only a preseason game anyway but puh-lease, he could’ve just avoided telling everybody that the guy people loved to pick on once will be playing.

All we can hope for now is hope these teams make it all the way to the Super Bowl again because that’s the only way they can have their rematch this year. Oh, in case you were wondering, the Patriots could only come up with 14 points against this Giants defense again, yes, just like Super Bowl XLII, with the Giants winning it 19-14.

Who will win Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

New York Giants 17.00

New England Patriots 4.50

Dallas Cowboys 7.00

Indianapolis Colts 8.50

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more football betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

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