All the hoopla and dumb questions are over. This morning the Patriots completed their final media availability before Super Bowl XLII. After wedding proposals and seemingly endless press conferences the Patriots can get back to where they are the most comfortable, the football field. The Patriots will now practice as if it were a normal week for them, with practices each day leading up to game day.

Yesterday the much anticipated injury report was released by both clubs. Tom Brady as expected was included but not for the reason expected. His ankle has been the subject of much speculation in the past two weeks but it was his right shoulder that has him listed as “probable” for Sunday. But that shouldn’t be too much of a concern his shoulder has been a staple of injury reports for the past three seasons, regardless he has started 126 consecutive games. One surprise from the Patriots was the inclusion of WR Jabar Gaffney who has had limited participation due to an injured shoulder. Gaffney’s injury could mean the Pats will activate veteran receiver Troy Brown.

By far the most interesting comments of the last couple of days came from Giants receiver Plaxico Burress. Burress not only predicted the Giants would win Super Bowl XLII but gave a score as well, 23-17 Giants. Of course Burress joins a long line of opponents who have predicted wins in the Patriots 18-0 season. The Patriots responded as you might expect with a smile and a chuckle. Tom Brady was more than a little surprised by the prediction, “We’re only going to score 17 points?” Randy Moss probably said it best, “We’ll see when the game clock is zero on Sunday.” In this season where the Patriots have won in almost every conceivable way they’ve also seen this routine time after time. And to this point at least for the Patriots well done has beat well said 18 times.

As Tom Brady wrapped up his last press conference he was asked about the significance of this game, specifically if it was the biggest of his career. His answer was surprisingly candid, “I think it’s the biggest game in all of our lives, the entire team, and coaches, we’re going to be remembering this game for as long as we live.” Win or lose that is certainly true, with now just three days until Super Bowl XLII the Patriots are inching ever closer to their destiny.

Tomorrow I’ll post some notes from Bill Belichick’s press conference which is scheduled for 10 am.

Saturday look for my official Super Bowl XLII preview.

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