The Patriots vs. the Giants in the Super Bowl. Haven’t we seen this before?
Who would have ever thought that these two teams would end up in the Super Bowl? The Patriots aren’t that big of a surprise; Tom Brady and Bill Belichick always find ways to shred defenses apart.
But how about the New York Giants, once again on the verge of not even making it into the playoffs? Give a lot of credit to Tom Coughlin, especially when he was on the hot seat. The way the defense has progressed under defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has been the catalyst for the postseason run.
Once again it just goes to prove that it is about getting hot at the right time and using that underdog mentality to prove that you belong.
As a sports fan who doesn’t like Eli Manning or Tom Brady it will be a pretty disappointing Super Bowl. It’s a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, in which the Patriots were denied perfection by David Tyree and the NFC wild-card New York Giants.
A large number of fans were expecting that at least one of the Harbaugh brothers would coach his team to a win and berth into the Super Bowl. However both were unsuccessful and therefore a potential “Harbaugh Bowl” will be postponed for now.
Breaking down the matchups:
Graphic by Matt Entringer
Patriots’ passing attack vs. Giants’ secondary
Although the Giants’ secondary has been playing a lot better, it’s difficult to slow down Brady and Belichick’s passing attack. Good luck stopping Gronkowski.
Advantage: Patriots
Patriots’ rush vs. Giants’ defensive line
The Giants defensive line has been nothing short of stellar in the postseason. Expect Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora to slow down the Patriots on the ground. Perry Fewell will try to make the Patriots one-dimensional.
Advantage: Giants
Giants’ passing attack vs. Patriots’ secondary
Eli Manning has really been sharp in the postseason and who wouldn’t when you have speedy Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks? The Patriots’ secondary has been a liability all year.
Advantage: Giants
Giants rush vs. Patriots’ defensive line
The Giants have been known as a physical team that can run the ball as well as they can pass. The Patriots have done a good job defensively in the playoffs, containing some potent rushing threats.
Advantage: Push
Special teams
Placekicker Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots converted 28 of 33 kicks with a long of 50 yards during the regular season. He has been four for four so far in the playoffs. Lawrence Tynes of the New York
Giants converted 19 of 24 kicks with a long of 50 yards during the regular season. He is six for eight in the playoffs. In a game between two evenly matched teams, don’t be surprised if it comes down to a battle of field position.
Advantage: Patriots
Coaching
Tom Coughlin may have the hottest team in the NFL right now, but Bill Belichick won 3 Super Bowl titles in four years and has had tremendous success in the past decade. It will be interesting to see what the game strategy will be for both coaches.
Advantage: Patriots
Intangibles
The Giants are playing really solid football right now. They’ve gone on the road throughout the playoff and played like veterans. Can Eli top Tom again?
Prediction:
Patriots 23
Giants 17
The Patriots will struggle to contain Eli
and the Giants’ passing attack initially; however I expect Tom Brady to play extremely well and keep the Patriots focused. If the Giants keep it close by halftime, it could come down to special teams and field position.
I expect Tom Brady to show his leadership and take this Patriots team to a different level on the biggest stage. The Patriots will get revenge for the loss in Super Bowl XLII.