Super Bowl XLVI: New England Patriots (15-3) vs. New York Giants (12-7)
This could be an epic game just like the last time these two teams played in the Super Bowl, when the Giants ruined the Patriots’ bid at a perfect season by beating them 17-14. The Giants are coming into this game red hot as they have played really well in the playoffs. But, both teams needed a little luck to win in the Conference Championship Games, so I expect this to be a hard fought, outstanding game. Here is a look at the matchups in this game:
When the Patriots have the ball: The Patriots might just run the ball more than usual as the Giants have had issues stopping the running game this year. If the Patriots can get BenJarvus Green-Ellis going early in the game, it will make the Giants pay for overplaying the passing game. That doesn’t mean the Patriots aren’t going to pass the ball, because that’s their bread and butter. For Tom Brady to be effective in this game, the offensive line is going to have to step up and keep DEs Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora away from him. If Brady has time to throw the ball, he’s going to have a field day as the Giants are not loaded with good cover corners. WRs Wes Welker and Deion Branch could both have big games for the Patriots this Sunday as Brady is going to challenge Giants’ CBs Aaron Ross and Corey Webster quite a bit in this game. The Patriots are also going to use TEs Rob Gronkowski (he has a high ankle sprain) and Aaron Hernandez a lot in this game, so Giants’ safties Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant are likely going to have long days if Brady has time to throw the ball. I see the Patriots scoring a lot of points this Sunday.
When the Giants have the ball: The Giants are likely going to try to stay somewhat balanced offensively in this game. That means the front seven are going to have to stop the running game while getting a good pass rush on Eli Manning. That will be easier said than done. The Giants have two good RBs in Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. The OLBs (Rob Ninkovich and Jerod Mayo) are going to have to keep the outside contained and force the Giants’ RBs inside to deal with Brandon Spikes and Vince Wilfork. The Patriots are going to have to get a good pass rush on Eli Manning or they are going to be in big time trouble. WRs Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham are going to cause big time matchup problems for the Patriots. CB Kyle Arrington has been a big time player for the Patriots but he’s going to get challenged big time this weekend. CBs Sterling Moore and Antwaun Molden are really going to have to step up this weekend as they will likely be matched up with Cruz and Manningham. Safeties Devin McCourty and Pat Chung are going to have to give help over the top for the corners while also keeping an eye on TE Jake Ballard. A lot of times Manning throws the ball up for grabs after he gets hit a few times early in games, so the secondary is going to have to win those jump balls this Sunday.
PREDICTION: PATRIOTS 31, GIANTS 27
