Super Bowl XLII: Friday Notebook

By Jim Ralabate and Tom Torrisi
SportsTicker Staff Writers

PHOENIX (Ticker) - Move over, 1972 Miami Dolphins - the population of Perfectville is about to increase. For 35 years, the '72 Dolphins stood alone as the only team in NFL history to complete a perfect season. But that distinction could be shared by the New England Patriots, who need to defeat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII to become the league's first 19-0 team. Members of the '72 Dolphins, a team which defeated the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII to finish a perfect 17-0, gathered Friday for a news conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. A group which included running backs Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris, lineman Larry Little and kicker Garo Yepremian sat next to a large green street sign which read, "Welcome to Perfectville. Population: 1." Morris, the staunchest defender of the '72 Dolphins' place in history, claimed that his former team's legacy will not change if the heavily favored Patriots beat the Giants on Sunday. "We live in the state of perfection," Morris said. "They're trying to get it on their license plate. We'll find out Sunday, when all the talking stops, whether or not they'll be riding around our neighborhood or whether they'll be able to park." Little said he wouldn't mind sharing Perfectville with the Patriots, as long as the '72 Dolphins earned special recognition as the first team to record a perfect season. "We'll be 1-A, they'll be 1-B," Little said. "They'll be like our little brother." As for the '72 Dolphins' rooting interests, that wasn't even up for debate. "I'm not rooting against the Patriots," Kiick said. "I'm rooting for the Giants. But obviously if I'm rooting for the Giants, I'm rooting against the Patriots."

MEET THE NEW BOSS: One of the most unlikely players expected to have a meaningful role with the Giants this season is rookie tight end Kevin Boss. And it's not just because that position was the domain of the brash Jeremy Shockey entering the season. Boss was drafted in the fifth round out of Western Oregon, a Division II college that plays such "powerhouses" as Dixie State, Humboldt State and Linfield College. "I definitely didn't think I'd be in the Super Bowl," Boss said. "I don't know if it's completely sunk in yet." It's safe to say the Giants were not expecting much of an immediate contribution from Boss - nor did they get any. The 6-6 Boss did not even see action until the ninth game of the season. But when Shockey was lost to a season-ending leg injury in Week 15, the rookie's future prospects started to change. Even though Boss did not have a reception the following week against the Buffalo Bills, he came out of nowhere to have a solid performance against the Patriots in the regular-season finale. Boss had four receptions - only shy of his entire season total to that point - for 50 yards, helping the Giants to a near-upset of New England and giving his confidence a major boost. "It was nice to catch a few balls and get involved in the offense," Boss said. "It was nice to build a relationship with Eli (Manning) and get involved in the offense. I'm looking forward to going out there and playing them again." Boss is hoping to carry that positive vibe from the first game into Sunday's rematch with the Patriots. Being such a raw rookie, the familiarity helps even more. "It was only a couple of weeks ago that we played them," Boss said. "It instills confidence in our game plan."
PRACTICE: Osi Umenyiora and Plaxico Burress both missed the Giants' practice session Friday. New York's Pro Bowl defensive end, Umenyiora was sidelined with a sore thigh but is listed as probable for Sunday's game. Burress, the Giants' leading receiver, is listed as questionable after being hampered by ankle and knee injuries and has not practicing all week. After spending the majority of the last two days in the training room, Burress actually was on the practice field running pass routes during individual drills. "He did run a few things in individual," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "He ran a couple of slants. He took a play in the 'green zone,' and that was about all we did with him." Burress has been slowed by a chronically injured right ankle since training camp. The eight-year veteran also was held out of the last two days' workouts due to swelling and soreness in his left knee. "He's improved," said Coughlin, who noted that Burress routinely skipped practices during the season to rest his ankle. "He's done it all year under all kinds of circumstances. We've just got to be hopeful he can do it one more time." Left guard Rich Seubert (knee) and reserve cornerback Kevin Dockery (hip) both were full participants in Friday's workout and are listed as probable. Practice ran smoothly for the Patriots, who conducted an 80-minute workout in shorts and shells. "We're ready to roll," Belichick said. "We're ready as we're going to be." After working out on a limited basis the last two days, New England wide receiver Jabar Gaffney was a full participant in Friday's practice.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA: A total of 116 international media organizations will cover Super Bowl XLII. Mexico will have 23 media outlets at University of Phoenix Stadium, followed by Japan (19), Germany (18), the United Kingdom (17) and Canada (14).

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Commissioner Roger Goodell, responding to whether his one-year suspension on Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, was too harsh. "He has to demonstrate through his actions that he's going to change. If he doesn't understand that message and he needs more time to understand it, I'll be glad to accommodate him."

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the low 60s.