I'm putting it in spoiler only b/c it's longish but it's pretty fun to read still now and it may have bearing on tomorrow's game....who knows? I may type something similar up tonight just for funsies, but I don't know if I can ever match last years...
Super Bowl Prediction
Gameday
"When you win you get a feeling of exhilaration, when you lose you get a feeling of resolution. You resolve never to lose again."
The New York Giants have been very resolved since last they played the patriots. They've gone on an amazing run ever since that intense Saturday night showdown, including zero interceptions by Eli Manning, the emergence of Corey Webster, and the rise of Ahmad Bradshaw. The Patriots however are confident and cocky as they've been all season. One only has to look at the book already being advertised on amazon.com, entitled "19-0," to see that the Patriots consider this game already won. ESPN's Bill "Sports Guy" Simmons is calling for a 42-10 blowout. All but two "experts" on ESPN picked the Patriots. The nation seems to think that a New England win is inevitable. I do not. So let's give a position-by-position breakdown.
Quarterback
This one's a no-brainer Tom Brady may be one of the greatest all-time QBs and Eli Manning, superb progression aside, is still Eli Manning.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Running Backs
The Pats backs are dangerous more for their ability to catch passes and run. The Giants ability to stop Kevin Faulk will be a big factor in this game. However the Giants have a strong two-headed running attack, which is stronger than that of the Patriots. Look for Ahmad Bradshaw to have at least one run of 20+ yards, and it may come at a key time.
EDGE:GIANTS
O-Line
This is more of a factor for New England than New York. Both units have played together for a few years and are very strong and disciplined. There won't be many penalties as both teams were ranked near the bottom in that catergory, so it'll simply come down to who contains the pass rush better, and opens more holes for the running backs.
EDGE:EVEN
Wide Receivers
The Giants have made major strides here as the season has gone along, with Steve Smith now an integral third receiver. That said, the Patriots corps is Maddenesque, and is probably the best grour of receivers the league has ever seen. Brady gets too much credit that should go to these guys for route-running and surehandedness.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Tight Ends
Basically Ben Watson vs. Kevin Boss, and the way Boss has filled in as a rookie in a couple years this might be close. But it isn't now.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
D-Line
Here finally the Giants have a clear advantage. Umenyiora, Strahan and extevsive Justin Tuck use all have potential to cause major problems for Brady. On the other side is star DE and DT Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork, both widely regarded as some of the dirtiest players in the NFL. The big G-Men upfront can handle them.
EDGE:GIANTS
Linebackers
The knock on the Giants 'backers is that they can't cover. The Pats unit has been called old and slow. Both teams will attempt to exploit their opponent's group. Whoever does it better may win this game.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Secondary
Again, here the Giants have made major strides. The future looks bright with the reborn Corey Webster and rookie Aaron Ross. Those two have been mentored all season by Sam Madison and Gibril Wilson. This has turned into a strength for New York. However, once again here the Pats are simply better. Asante Samuel is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and they play strong together.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Special Teams - Return and Coverage
The Giants have found a real threat here in Dominik Hixon and the Patriots have had ne all year long in Ellis Hobbs. Meanwhile the Giants still have "When you're in trouble you call" R.W. McQuarters (say it together) returning punts. The Pats also get better distance on their kicks and that gives them the edge.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Kicker
Lawrence Tynes is a good kicker. But he has had trouble in the past under pressure. He'll need to get over that because this game might come down to his foot. On the other side, Stephen Gostkowski has been solid throughout his short career, but this'll be his first Super Bowl. Does that change anything?
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Punter
I'm only putting this here 'cuz I like Jeff Feagles. Maybe by the end of the game I'll even find out New Englands's punter's name. (just kidding. I know it's something Hansen)
EDGE:GIANTS
So that's 7-3 Patriots. And yet I still believe the Giants will win. Why? Because there's more to sports than who's better on paper. That's why I grew up on stories of U.S.A.-U.S.S.R., of Kirk Gibson and Scott Norwood. It's why our favorite movies are Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Rocky, and Angels In The Outfield. We want to root for an underdog, we want to believe anything can happen. And tonight in Glendale anything can happen, and anything will. And when the clock hits 0:00, that feeling of resolution will turn into a feeling of exhilaration.
The Giants will win.
New York Giants (+12) over New England Patriots, Final Score NYG-31 NE-27
Postseason Picking Record against the spread: 8-1-1
"When you win you get a feeling of exhilaration, when you lose you get a feeling of resolution. You resolve never to lose again."
The New York Giants have been very resolved since last they played the patriots. They've gone on an amazing run ever since that intense Saturday night showdown, including zero interceptions by Eli Manning, the emergence of Corey Webster, and the rise of Ahmad Bradshaw. The Patriots however are confident and cocky as they've been all season. One only has to look at the book already being advertised on amazon.com, entitled "19-0," to see that the Patriots consider this game already won. ESPN's Bill "Sports Guy" Simmons is calling for a 42-10 blowout. All but two "experts" on ESPN picked the Patriots. The nation seems to think that a New England win is inevitable. I do not. So let's give a position-by-position breakdown.
Quarterback
This one's a no-brainer Tom Brady may be one of the greatest all-time QBs and Eli Manning, superb progression aside, is still Eli Manning.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Running Backs
The Pats backs are dangerous more for their ability to catch passes and run. The Giants ability to stop Kevin Faulk will be a big factor in this game. However the Giants have a strong two-headed running attack, which is stronger than that of the Patriots. Look for Ahmad Bradshaw to have at least one run of 20+ yards, and it may come at a key time.
EDGE:GIANTS
O-Line
This is more of a factor for New England than New York. Both units have played together for a few years and are very strong and disciplined. There won't be many penalties as both teams were ranked near the bottom in that catergory, so it'll simply come down to who contains the pass rush better, and opens more holes for the running backs.
EDGE:EVEN
Wide Receivers
The Giants have made major strides here as the season has gone along, with Steve Smith now an integral third receiver. That said, the Patriots corps is Maddenesque, and is probably the best grour of receivers the league has ever seen. Brady gets too much credit that should go to these guys for route-running and surehandedness.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Tight Ends
Basically Ben Watson vs. Kevin Boss, and the way Boss has filled in as a rookie in a couple years this might be close. But it isn't now.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
D-Line
Here finally the Giants have a clear advantage. Umenyiora, Strahan and extevsive Justin Tuck use all have potential to cause major problems for Brady. On the other side is star DE and DT Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork, both widely regarded as some of the dirtiest players in the NFL. The big G-Men upfront can handle them.
EDGE:GIANTS
Linebackers
The knock on the Giants 'backers is that they can't cover. The Pats unit has been called old and slow. Both teams will attempt to exploit their opponent's group. Whoever does it better may win this game.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Secondary
Again, here the Giants have made major strides. The future looks bright with the reborn Corey Webster and rookie Aaron Ross. Those two have been mentored all season by Sam Madison and Gibril Wilson. This has turned into a strength for New York. However, once again here the Pats are simply better. Asante Samuel is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and they play strong together.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Special Teams - Return and Coverage
The Giants have found a real threat here in Dominik Hixon and the Patriots have had ne all year long in Ellis Hobbs. Meanwhile the Giants still have "When you're in trouble you call" R.W. McQuarters (say it together) returning punts. The Pats also get better distance on their kicks and that gives them the edge.
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Kicker
Lawrence Tynes is a good kicker. But he has had trouble in the past under pressure. He'll need to get over that because this game might come down to his foot. On the other side, Stephen Gostkowski has been solid throughout his short career, but this'll be his first Super Bowl. Does that change anything?
EDGE:PATRIOTS
Punter
I'm only putting this here 'cuz I like Jeff Feagles. Maybe by the end of the game I'll even find out New Englands's punter's name. (just kidding. I know it's something Hansen)
EDGE:GIANTS
So that's 7-3 Patriots. And yet I still believe the Giants will win. Why? Because there's more to sports than who's better on paper. That's why I grew up on stories of U.S.A.-U.S.S.R., of Kirk Gibson and Scott Norwood. It's why our favorite movies are Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Rocky, and Angels In The Outfield. We want to root for an underdog, we want to believe anything can happen. And tonight in Glendale anything can happen, and anything will. And when the clock hits 0:00, that feeling of resolution will turn into a feeling of exhilaration.
The Giants will win.
New York Giants (+12) over New England Patriots, Final Score NYG-31 NE-27
Postseason Picking Record against the spread: 8-1-1
