Why the Patriots Should Win Super Bowl XLVI
In a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, many themes have emerged: Brady vs. Manning, Belichick vs. Coughlin, Cruz vs. Welker, Gronkowski vs. doctors, etc. Some of these themes may be more “hype” and media relative than football-focused, but interesting all the same. In the last two relevant games between the two teams, the Giants have been victorious in both (Super Bowl XLII in 2008 and this year in the regular season). However, I don’t see Super Bowl XLVI panning out quite the same way. There are three major reasons why Tom Brady and the Patriots will pull out a win tonight.
1. The Brady Factor. Tom Brady is the best quarterback in this game, and arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. He’s already done this whole Super Bowl routine 4 times, including 3 trips that ended in a flight to Disney World. His quick release, pinpoint accuracy, commanding leadership abilities, and remarkable football intelligence make him the one guy in this game I would least want to be betting against. His playing on-field abilities aside, the scariest thing about Tom Brady in this game is what will be going on in between his ears. His one taste of defeat in a Super Bowl was against the Giants, one of his three losses this year was against the Giants, and he is coming off perhaps the worst playoff performance of his career (self-admittedly). So what happens when you give arguably the most focused and determined winner in the NFL three extra reasons to have a career night? I guess we’ll find out. My prediction: he puts on a clinic.
2. Offensive Versatility. The Patriots boast one of the most high-powered offenses in NFL, few can argue that, but it’s their versatility and creativity that makes them so impossible to slow down. Again, it starts with Brady’s ability to make every pass on the field, but he has more than an impressive group around him. The tight end tandem of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez is the most impressive in the league. These guys have size, speed, and strength that can’t be matched. They have the uncanny ability to affect the game through every facet: receiving, blocking, and ball carrying. We’ve even seen Hernandez carry the ball a dozen times out of the backfield thus far in these playoffs. The talk all week has been about Gronk’s ankle, but recently we’eve been told he will definitely suit up. Even if he’s lost a step with the injured ankle, he is still a near impossible cover for any linebacker or safety. Then, there’s Wes Welker. He has the speed to beat you deep, but also the hands and route running abilities to be recognized as possibly the best possession receiver in the NFL, which may explain his league best 122 catches this season. His versatility at the wide receiver position allows him to line up anywhere on the field and create mismatches in the slot. I expect the Patriots to create a great balance between pass and run tonight. They will be able to use their versatility to keep the Giants guessing all game. Their ability to run the ball early, whether it be the Law Firm, Danny Woodhead, or even Aaron Hernandez, will be key to buying Brady time in the pocket against a daunting Giants’ front four.
3. The Belichick Factor. If there’s one coach in the league I don’t want to give an extra week of preparation, it’s The Hoodie. Part of the Bill Parcells’ coaching tree, as is Tom Coughlin, this guy just knows how to win. This will be his 5th Super Bowl appearance and he’ll be looking to exact revenge for a loss in the one prior. He will have plenty of tape to look over, having played the Giants already this season. I expect Belichick to have a few tricks up his sleeve, but at the same time, he just knows how to execute a very smart gameplan. Tom Coughlin is a fantastic coach in his own right, but I’m not sure he has the chess pieces to consistently beat Belichick. In a game of matchups, I trust The Hoodie to get the right guys out there and execute the winning gameplan.
In a game that may look like a shootout on paper, I’m not sure it will stack up that way out on the field. Playoff games are won with great defense and a balanced offensive attack that mixes in the run and pass efficiently. All in all, I think the Patriots have the tools to pick the Giants apart and win this one for Myra Kraft. Look for the Pats to run the ball effectively early and keep the Giants’ defense on their heels. The pocket will open up for Brady late in the game and he will do what it takes to win a close game in the fourth quarter.
Enjoy the game and check out Section 215’s Super Bowl Preview and Prediction later this afternoon.