The hype and anticipation is nearly over, so let's talk a little football before the big game. The Giants have really had the Pats' number in recent years, including the monumental upset four years ago when the Patriots were 18-0 coming into the Super Bowl. Tyree's catch and Burress' touchdown sealed the 17-14 win, and since that day the Giants seem to have confidence any time they take on Brady and company. Even earlier this year, the Patriots were handed their most recent defeat when they lost in Week 9 to the Giants as Eli led a great drive and finished off the job with a touchdown to Jake Ballard. The Giants were also doing this without Nicks and Bradshaw. The Giants are confident they can do it again, and their +2.5 status might be more like a pick 'em game than being underdogs.
The Giants said earlier this week that they will not do anything differently on defense than what they've done in the past to fluster Brady, meaning the defensive line will continue to bring pressure and force Brady into throws he is not comfortable making. The secondary of the Giants is a bit suspect, but will not be exposed if the Giants get to Brady and sack and hit him. On the offensive side of the ball, the Giants know the Patriots' defense is improved, but that doesn't mean that the receiving corps can't take advantage of a weak secondary. Cruz, Nicks, and Manningham are great at what they do, and I look for them to catch a lot of balls today. Bradshaw and Jacobs need to get it going on the ground to open up the pass. I think they need to combine for 100+yards on the ground for the Giants to be in good shape and be able to stretch out the New England defense.
The Patriots on defense need to mix up their looks to throw Manning off. Eli isn't a historically accurate passer, so I think they need to scheme in a variety of ways against him in order to confuse him and make him make questionable throws. To win, the Patriots must force at least 1 interception, and I believe they need at least 2 turnovers to win this game today. Mayo and company have played pretty well in the playoffs, so let's see if they can keep it up today. Offensively, there has been a lot of talk about Gronk's ankle, but I don't think it's as important as the media is playing it up to be. If he's a full-go, he will certainly be a matchup nightmare and beast on the field with the likelihood of getting into the end zone. If he is limited, this will open up the door for Aaron Hernandez to shine, and he is more than capable of doing so as he has shown that when Gronk has been limited or heavily guarded. I see Wes Welker being his usual slippery self, finding holes in the defense to slither around in and catch at least 6 balls from Brady. I think BGE needs to get going on the ground as well. He did an effective job against a great Ravens' run defense, so I think he can be just as good if not better against these Giants.
That is just a small little preview of the game. And now.............To my prediction of what I think the score will be and who I think the MVP will be.
Patriots 27
Giants 24
MVP: Tom Brady
I know this isn't groundbreaking or Earth-shattering, but I know a lot of people who have been drinking the G-Men Kool-Aid this postseason. I trust Brady too much to pick against him today. I know the Giants have been very successful against the Pats, but I think Brady gets his revenge today and earns a fourth ring.
With that said, I conclude my Super Bowl thoughts on Smitty's Sports Blog. Be safe today everybody and have a great day watching the Super Bowl with the people you care about the most.
I had fun watching the game with you!! <3
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