It turned out to be the game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLII. Eli Manning found a wide-open Plaxico Burress in the left corner of the end zone, putting the Giants ahead with 36 seconds left in regulation.
It was an example of blown coverage at the worst possible time, but the Patriots’ defensive play call left 5-foot-9 cornerback Ellis Hobbs on an island against the 6-foot-5 Burress. Then-defensive coordinator Dean Pees called the “Blitz Zero,” which is the only blitz type that has no free safety.
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Randy Moss never let him forget it.
Julian Edelman told a story about Moss’ relentless ribbing of Pees in a recent episode of his new podcast, “Games with Names,” which featured Eli Manning and Tedy Bruschi as guests to talk about the Giants’ upset victory against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Though Edelman didn’t join the Patriots until two years later, he says he was reminded of that play every single Friday at practice — thanks to Moss.
“I had to hear Randy Moss b**** at Dean Pees for three years every Friday at practice,” he said. “‘Hey Dean, that f****** ‘Blitz Zero,’ Eli and Plaxico got that s***, Dean. Better throw that bulls*** out.’ I swear to God I have nightmares of that.”
The whole episode is worth a listen, as Edelman ribs Manning about the game’s “corrupt officiating” and David Tyree’s helmet-catch. Edelman asked Manning if that was part of his “chuck and pray” strategy of QB decision-making.
Manning replied that it was more like a “small prayer.”
It seems like that game was an out-of-body experience for all involved.