It’s time for the Super Bowl and the western part of the United States couldn’t be less interested in the outcome as this remix will pit the Giants against the Patriots. Both teams should consider themselves lucky to be in the big game as they were both a couple of plays away from sitting at home and watching the game on their ridiculously expensive TVs. The Giants escaped from San Francisco thanks to a couple crucial special teams errors by a rookie. The Patriots eked out a win over the Ravens thanks to a stellar defensive play (what?) and a missed chip-shot field goal at the end of regulation. Let’s break the game down and see if we can figure out who is going to win this.
Quarterbacks – In the battle of Tom Brady versus Eli Manning, Brady clearly has the better pedigree. Brady has made a career out of tormenting guys named Manning, but Eli has one up on him. Brady is definitely an elite QB, one of the top 5 best pocket passers of all time. Manning may end his career with more rings than his brother, which is astounding. This matchup is closer than you might think; Eli is a much better quarterback than he was 4 years ago, still the edge goes to Brady.
Advantage – Patriots
Offensive Skill Players – Both teams are loaded with weapons in the passing game that give nightmares to opposing secondaries. Both Gronk and Cruz are breakout stars and, thanks to the NFL’s new rules on hitting the middle of the field is, to quote Warren Sapp, The Autobahn. Twenty years ago these guys would be getting killed on some of the catches they make, but in today’s NFL it’s pretty much a free pass. Gronkowski’s high ankle sprain may limit him in the game, those don’t heal in two weeks with even the best medicine. Both teams have suspect running games, although I would have to give the Giants a slight edge here.
Slight Advantage – Giants
Defense – The advantage here clearly belongs to the Giants, as they have a monster front seven and will put pressure on Brady without having to blitz. On the other sideline, I don’t think I can name a single Patriots defensive player. Yes they were impressive in their two playoff wins but they were playing against less than stellar offenses while the Giants shut down the Falcons and Packers. The Giants offense will be the tough test for the Patriots to hold up against.
Advantage – Giants
Intangibles – They are playing in Indianapolis, so any normal home fans who managed to score tickets will be giving Brady the business. The game will be indoors, so weather is not a factor. The Giants come in a little too confident which might shoot them in the ass. Both teams have had a lot of turnover on players in the last 4 years, but they both possess plenty of experience where it counts. The Patriots come in seeking revenge for the last Super Bowl loss that ruined their perfect season.
Advantage – Push
Halftime Show – They dug up Madonna’s corpse clinging to the misguided notion it was the 80’s..
Advantage – We all lose.
The Patriots win if – They need to score early and often to make the Giants one dimensional. They need this game to be a shootout because they cannot win a defensive slug-fest with this Giants team. If they can give Brady enough time to throw the Giants have a suspect secondary that could be exploited.
The Giants win if – They can establish a running game early to keep Brady watching the game from the sidelines. When he is on the field they need to knock him around and chase him out of the pocket, Brady is a classic pocket passer and just not as good on the run. If he gets hit a few times he will get rattled and the Giants really will be in his head.
Prediction Giants 28 – Patriots 24
Last week 1-1
Playoffs 7-4
