Happy Superbowl Sunday,
I have been going back all week with the debate on this one. After 20 some weeks of analyzing football more than ever, you think I would have a better grasp on todays pick, wrong. Even the best in professional sports never get it right, so certainly don't expect me too. But I'll give you my best shot.
The Patriots Fall Off
After surmounting one of the best runs in professional sports in the early 2000's the Pats sure have faltered off the last few years. Heres the number one reason that may be obvious to some but not to all. Defense. The brilliant man in the sweatshirt has let his defense become one of the worst in the NFL since their last run at the Superbowl. Sure, you have arguably one of the best quarterbacks in history behind center but without a defense you cant win in the post season.
Terrific Tom
Tonights football game could only improve Tom Brady's already growing legendary status in the NFL. One of the most threatening pocket passers in the last 20 years has steered and been at the helm at one of the best offenses in the history of the league. He puts on an arial onslaught nearly 15 out of 17 weeks of the regular season. Then he comes out in the post season and has a bit of a set back in the AFC Championship Game but hey, every dog has his day. He is always going to have his critics and people are going to say this loss tonight could hurt his legacy, maybe it might for some. However, he is still a first ballot hall of fame QB.
Elite Eli
I remember sitting at the country club this past summer, opening up my twitter and reading an update from Sports Center saying "Giants Eli Manning claims he is just as elite as Tom Brady" I almost had to laugh because I really never believed Eli was an "elite" quarterback. Truth be told, I thought the Giants got lucky those few years ago with the catch by David Tyree when they stopped the Patriots from their perfect season. Hey, I already said I am not always right so I have to tip my hat to the younger Manning. This late season run has been impressive and one to remember for him. If he wins tonight, he will have changed the opinions of a lot of people around the world of sports. (Peyton who?)
Giving The Edge
They always say defense wins championships. Truth be told it does and we saw it in the BCS National Championship game. Tonights football game is going to determined by who does not turn the football over. Whoever makes the big play in what will be a very low scoring game, will change the entire complexion of the game. With All Pro and record setting TE Rob Gronkowski's status still unsure for tonight, its hard for me to pick the Patriots to win this game because of how important he is to their offense. Outside of him and Wes, very few balls get throw to Hernandez, Branch and Ocho. The Patriots are truthfully one sided and they want a high paced game or else they really stand no chance.
The Giants Offensive Line
If anyone actually watched the NFC Championship game you will immediately notice one thing. Eli had no time to throw the football. Granted, the 49ers being a top two defense in football surely showed their reason why they deserved that right. If Eli gets protection tonight against the sluggish but slightly improved Pat's defense, watch out. Bradshaw and Jacobs are going to play a huge role in this football game. Eli needs to convert on second downs and leave 3rd and short each time for the ability to mix it up with handing it off to a big back or dropping it off to Cruz in the slot. The Giants line owned the Pats in their first SB meeting four years ago. Look for the same today as they are in the same position.
Who wins?
Congratulations Eli, you are elite. The Giants are going to win this football game tonight because of their defense and the ability to slow Tom's offense. The Giants receiving core will be too much for the Pats defense to combat tonight.
Giants win Superbowl XLVI 24-21
