Well folks here we are, the Super Bowl. The NFL season which began with 32 teams 22 weeks ago now culminates with the Giants and Patriots clashing in Indianapolis in a repeat of Super Bowl XLII. So who's going to win this time around?
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants have transformed from a team based on a strong running game and dominating defense into one predicated on a strong passing attack. Eli Manning has emerged this season as one of the NFL's elites with his receiving crew of Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are one of the most talented. New York has continually sported a dominating pass rush in recent memory and this season's team was no different with Jason Pierre-Paul leading a dominating and deep group that also includes Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. For the most part, the Giants flew under the radar through the season with the majority of the focus in the NFC West being on the "Dream Team" Philadelphia Eagles and the polarizing Dallas Cowboys. Now on the big stage for the second time in Eli Manning's tenure, if the Giants hope to take home another Lombardi Trophy, Manning must play a near flawless game with the defense getting plenty of pressure on Tom Brady. Should these two keys happen, Big Blue will be on top of the football world.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
It was business as usual for the Patriots and Tom Brady, racking up 14 regular season wins despite sporting one of the worst defenses in the league. Needless to say, New England is a team based on over-powering displays of offense with the major play makers being Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. With impressive playoff wins over the Broncos and Ravens already under their belts, the Pats seem to be ready for anything the Giants can throw at them. However, it could be said that the Patriots were also heavily favored the last time these two played for the Lombardi Trophy. If the Patriots' young defense can hold the New York passing attack off just enough, and Brady's own offense can be effective and efficient, New England could return to the peak of the NFL summit after a seven year absence.
THE VERDICT
With the lack of a clear favorite for this year's Super Bowl, the stage is set for an incredible game that could come down to the final moments of the fourth quarter. I don't expect either team to pull away at any point throughout the evening and we could all be in for a shootout. A side note that may end up being inconsequential in the outcome of the game, but the Patriots released backup wide receiver Tiquan Underwood on the eve of the Super Bowl. The timing of this move is just inexplicable and I think it casts a cloud of potential bad karma over New England. Hey, I'm not one to buy into any kind of mumbo-jumbo but in a match up this even, I'll take anything that helps to make my choice and easier. My gut says Giants with Eli winning another MVP award.
NEW YORK GIANTS 35, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT 32
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