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What's interesting is how the Pats got to the Super Bowl. They were the AFC wild card (yes, they had the wild card then) and the won all 3 of their games ON THE ROAD beating the Jets, Raiders, and Dolphins with a great defense having players like Andre Tippet, Don Blackon, Steve Nelson, Raymond Clayborn and Fred Marion. The defense have given up only 14 TD passes the entire season.

Their offense was anchored by the offensive line with the likes of Hall of Famer John Hannah and Pro Bowler Brian Holloway (later accused of drug usage in a team scandal that brough down head coach Raymond Berry). QB Steve Grogan (Mr. Tough Guy) handed off to Craig James and RB Tony Collins and linked up with Irving Fryar and Stanley Morgan.

The Pats regular season record was 11 - 5 and, with the playoffs, 14 - 5

The Bears, of course were the '85 Bears with maybe the best defense in NFL history and with Walter Payton at RB. "Sweetness" and you had to see him run. I'd go in to all the significant Bears plays like QB Jim McMahon, Willie Gault, Emery Moorehad, Jim Covert and Jay Hilgenberg on offense. Mike Singletary, Richard Dent (MVP of XX), Gary Fencik, Hall of Famer Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson and Dave Duerson on defense but I won't.

Their record was 17 - 1 going into the Super Bowl beaten only by the Dolphins.
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This year the Giants were 10 - 6 and, with the playoffs 13 - 6 winning all playoff games on the road. Just like the '85 Pats. Only one loss difference between the '85 Pats and the '07 Giants.

This year, of course, the Pats are 18 - 0 through the playoffs.

So now, 22 years later, the Pats role is completely reversed but the similarities are striking. I guess though you just had to be around 23 years ago to recognize it. It wouldn't surprise me though that some sports reporter someplace has also recognized it too.

Just thought I'd throw in a little history. Hope you enjoyed the parallels.