We're losing out to India in research and high-tech manufacturing and to China in math, science and who knows what else, but when it really counts, America is still capable of demonstrating its pride in what it thinks is important. When you're talking about what matters to Americans, the old can-do spirit shines through.

So, we now agree that the days of doubt are over regarding Eli Manning being a leader and an elite quarterback, OK?

And that next NFL season, if and when the New York Giants hit a skid, we say “Forgetaboutit” to the frenetic New York media, with too much air and space to fill, calling for the end of Tom Coughlin’s term as head coach.

Deal?

By Barry Wilner INDIANAPOLIS Take that, Brady. You too, Peyton.

Eli Manning is the big man in the NFL after one-upping Tom Brady and leading the New York Giants to a 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots in Sunday's Super Bowl — in older brother Peyton's house, at that.

Photos by Rich-Joseph Facun for The Virginian-Pilot

Matthew Joyner, left, and Rachel Douros, right, both members of a local Giants' fan club, gather to watch the Super Bowl at the Clubhouse Bar and Grill in Virginia Beach on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

The Pilot's sports columnist Tom Robinson will be bringing you commentary on the big game and Mike Gruss will be providing some thoughts on the commercials. Be on the look out for Jonathan Friedman and Derek Leonidoff's commercial, a finalist in the “Doritos Crash the Super Bowl” contest, which might air during the big game.
 
The Virginian-Pilot's Superbowl coverage

INDIANAPOLIS Defensive end Chris Canty wasn't satisfied telling New York Giants fans to get ready for a Super Bowl parade.

The veteran from the University of Virginia took it a step farther before Sunday's kickoff. He predicted on his Twitter account the score by which the Giants would win.

Click on the photo at left to view a gallery of images from Super Bowls past.

We get a Super Bowl every year, but rarely this kind of Super Bowl: a rematch of recent vintage, with lingering names, joys and harder feelings from bruises not completely faded.

It was touch and go, but Portsmouth’s Arthur Moats, a second-year linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, has decided to watch the Super Bowl.

“As much as I don’t want to, because I’m not in it, I’ll watch it,” Moats said.

Newsday INDIANAPOLIS

Plaxico Burress said he thinks his “boys” will win today. And he isn’t talking about the Jets.