How Each Team Can Win Super Bowl XLVI

When this season first began a Giants vs. Patriots rematch is not what I had in mind. Honestly, I had tagged the Packers as repeat winners of the Lombardi trophy. I had Indianapolis facing them, before Peyton Manning was ruled out for the season. What we have now is a great story of an underrated quarterback, Eli Manning, versus an elite quarterback, Tom Brady. In the end I believe that two things will decide this game. It will be Tom Brady passing to his tight end tandem and Wes Welker against Eli Manning throwing to his group of talented receivers.

When looking at these teams from a distance, the upper hand goes to the Patriots because of a well established quarterback, a top tier coach, a good front seven on the defense and the ability to play at a high level consistently. The upper hand means absolutely nothing in football, though. As Chris Berman reminds us 'THAT'S WHY THEY PLAY THE GAME.'

The Giants still have David Tyree's catch in mind. The catch that wasn't supposed to happen, in a game that the Giants were tabbed to lose by at least double digits (Super Bowl XLII). This type of upset could still happen.

Why The Patriots Win

For the Patriots to win the gameplan is simple, throw the ball deep early and often. If a little of play action to Benjarvus Green-Ellis is mixed in, the Patriots offense could be unstoppable. For the Patriots to really cement a win they have to put Eli Manning on the ground, get turnovers, and stop Victor Cruz. The Giants will likely look to Cruz from the beginning of the game and the Pats have to shut him down. The defensive players that may need to step up are people like Vince WIlfork and Rob Ninkovich. If these two can shut down the dump down plays and get pressure on Eli Manning, then maybe an arrant pass will be intercepted.

Why The Giants Win

For the Giants to win they need to produce a plan similar to the Pats. Get the ball down the field and score fast. One thing that both of these teams have had problems with is defending against the pass, more specifically the long pass. Eli Manning needs to look deep for one of his three receivers (Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham, or Hakeem Nicks) and try to score on the first drive. If the Giants are able to capture the momentum early they could easily put the Patriots away. Another part of their game will be the ground game. The Giants need to bash the Pats' front line with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, and then go over the top to a sprinting receiver. As a final thought, the Giants defense will need to attack Tom Brady. Tom Brady has shown that pressure throws him off big time. That is one thing that could have put the Ravens on top in the AFC Championship.

Players To Watch

Tom Brady- A few nice throws can put the Patriots ahead for the entire game.

Eli Manning- If he can keep his head under pressure, like in the NFC Championship game, he could surprise the world.

Rob Gronkowski- He was easily the biggest surprise this year and continues to make people's jaws drop.

Victor Cruz- Cruz has the speed and hands to grab ten more passes.

Justin Tuck + Osi Umenyiora+Jason Pierre-Paul- If they can pressure Tom Brady this game could be over from possession one.

Rob Ninkovich+Vince Wilfork+Patrick Chung- If these three players can each handle there positions then Cruz, Manningham, and Nicks will be taken out of the equation.

My prediction #1: If the Giants are able to get pressure on Tom Brady the Giants will win 24-13.

My prediction #2: If Rob Gronkowski gets open and Victor Cruz is shut down the Patriots will win 31-10.

My prediction #3: If this turns into an all out long ball fest the score could sore. If this happens the game could the final score of 42-38. Either team could be the winner in this scenario.

Thank You for reading.