Super Bowl XLVI Preview

It’s very rare in professional sports that fans get what they want but after a pair of conference championship games where there were more goats than heroes, we’ve finally arrived at Super Bowl XLVI. That’s 46 for those who aren’t so familiar with Roman numerals. It’s come down to the New England Patriots taking on the New York Giants this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

A re-match from four years go. In case anyone forgot, it was one most stunning upsets in Super Bowl history. While both of these teams are very different from those, the history of that game is definitely something that will serve as a great background in this game. That’s actually one of the biggest questions heading into this game. How will Super Bowl 42 affect this game? Will it give the Giants that extra swagger that they have showed through this entire postseason? Is the memory that game going to give the Patriots the ultimate motivation? Either way, I think this game will live up to all the hype that it’s built up. Let’s take a look at the biggest factors for this game:

-Tight End Rob Gornkowski’s ankle: I know, I know…this ankle has been this week’s most talked about subject that doesn’t include Payton Manning’s neck. There’s a reason for that though. He’s easily been the biggest weapon that Brady has had to throw to all season long. I don’t think there’s a question that he’s going to play. He’s a beast; there’s no stopping him BUT how effective can he be? At the very least he’s a decoy to open up the field for Welker, Hernandez and co.

-New York Giant’s defensive front: The four beasts up front for the Giants are nicknamed “NASCAR” and there’s no reason that they will be slowing down anytime soon. The G-Men’s front line knows that the way to bother Brady into mistakes is to get physical with him. They’ve been there before. Last time these two teams faced the pressure from this defensive line caused Brady to make two costly interceptions. That game resulted in a Giants victory.

-Battle of the offensive weapons: There’s certainly no doubt that the Patriots have a distinct advantage when it comes to the tight ends. Gronkowski and Hernandez have been a combination that no one can handle. Speaking of weapons no one can handle: Cruz, Nicks and Manningham are three guys than can explode and carry the catches should one of the try to be shut down with double teams. So, with a distinct advantage for each team what’s left? The running game of course! Overlooked by many but chances are that whichever team’s running game has the bigger impact will determine who comes out on top in this game.

-Quarterback play: Eli Manning saying he’s at Tom Brady’s level? You have to be kidding me, right? Not at all. Eli Manning has shown throughout this post season that he belongs among the elite quarterbacks in this league and Sunday he has a chance to cement that. He’s come back against Brady in the past there’s just a feeling around Eli that no matter what happens, there’s a chance for the win. On the other hand, Tom Brady is making his fifth start in the Super Bowl. Can get to four titles? He certainly has the weapons to get there. Only two other players in history have accomplished such a feat. Will he cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time? Watch out, this could be one of the greatest quarterback duels of all time.

It seems that too many people are picking the Giants, no? I don’t know, maybe I’ve been watching too much ESPN and NFL Network lately. I’m sure my girlfriend would agree. I would never call myself anywhere near to a sports expert but like me, most experts have a way of overanalyzing a game of this magnitude. It’s their job, of course but take all that out for a second. Take away any underlying story that’s been floating around for the past two weeks. It’s going to come down to who performs best on the field, on that day…right? Yes, that’s exactly what will happen:

The Giants have had all the momentum in the world, only to have it be stalled by two weeks of circus environment. When you’re hot and boasting like the Giants have been, the biggest thing will stop you in any sort of break. They can continue with that momentum if they start off hot but even if they get the first score, the Patriots will come back and answer swiftly. I think the revenge factor is much greater than people think. The Patriots will be able to neutralize some of Giants pass rush by spreading them out and using screens along with quick slant routes. Remember, Wes Welker is the king of those little slant routes and I expect him to come up big. Those are the two biggest challenges the Patriots will face and if you give coach Bill Belichick and that staff two weeks to prepare for a team, he will make the necessary adjustments.

One thing I don’t doubt: This game will come down to the wire. Let’s see…fourth quarter drive with somewhere around two minutes left to win the game? I think so. I know Manning has proven it but give me those circumstances and I’m always going to take Brady.
my prediction: Patriots-27 Giants-24

C’mon. Did you REALLY expect a Cowboys fan to pick the Giants? I’m not THAT objective…