Super Bowl XLVI: New York Giants (12-7) vs. New England Patriots (15-3)
The Giants have had the Patriots’ number as they beat them 24-20 earlier this year. They also beat the Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl just five years ago. That being said, this game is going to be a war. Here is a look at the matchups in this game:
When the Giants have the ball: The Giants are going to try to be a little more balanced than usual this Sunday. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are likely to get a lot of work to help slow the Patriots’ pass rush and keep them honest. The Patriots have been better against the run lately and they have a decent linebacking corps, so Bradshaw and Jacobs are going to have to fight for every yard they get this weekend. If Eli Manning has time to throw the ball, he is likely going to have some success as WRs Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham have matchup advantages over the corners of the Patriots. Manning will also look for TE Jake Ballard when things get rough as he has made some big catches for the Giants this year. Manning will have to be careful with the football though as the Patriots had 23 interceptions during the regular season.
When the Patriots have the ball: The Patriots are also likely going to run the ball more than usual with BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the middle of the Giants’ D has been rather soft against the run. LBs Michael Boley, Chase Blackburn and Mathias Kiwanuka are going to have to tighten up the chinstraps this Sunday. The Giants are going to need DEs Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora to get to Tom Brady early and often in this game, because if he has time to throw, tehy are in big trouble this Sunday. Brady is going to attack the Giants’ corners with short passes to WRs Wes Welker and Deion Branch, letting them try to get yards after the catch. Brady is also going to attack the safeties with throws to TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The secondary is going to have to step up this Sunday if the Giants are going to win this game.
PREDICTION: PATRIOTS 31, GIANTS 27
