Super Bowl XLVI: Preview

In Super Bowl week, Biil Belichick and Tom Coughlin claimed they both "slept normally" and "like a baby." I'm sorry, I have to call BS on that week. Their teams are playing for the most coveted prize among North American sports, according to ESPN.

This game is full of storylines. Gronkowski's ankle, Peyton-Eli debacle, Tom Coughlin HOF candidate? But really, I just want to make it simple, because I know the reader especially doesn't want to hear all this fluff about storylines and shizzz. So let's make this preview like executing a beautiful two yard, hard nosed touchdown run, instead of throwing up a fade pass, trying to make it look pretty when it's really not.

There is something I want to do first however, sort of a tradition of mine. Betting props, which are always fun:

Heads or Tails for Coin Toss: Tails

Longest TD of Game: Under 49 1/2

Total Sacks in Game: Over 4 1/2

Team to Call First Challenge: Giants

Total Penalties: Under 10 1/2

National Anthemn Time: Over 1 minute, 34 seconds

Kelly Clarkson's Belly Showing during National Anthem: No

Eli Manning Total Passing Yards: Over 315

Tom Brady Passing Yards: Over 320

More Receptions in Game: Gronkowski

Total Passes in Game: Over 79 1/2

Total Rushing Yards: Under 205 1/2

Color of Gatorade Bath: Yellow






Giants Key Difference Makers: Ahmad Bradshaw and Corey Webster

The Giants had the worst running game statistically in the NFL this year, averaging a low 89.2 yards a game. This offense has relied on Eli's passing game throughout this playoffs, but today it needs to be different. The Patriots don't have a great run defense, and a re-establishment in the Giants running game to what it was say a couple years ago with the same two backs, and this game could get away from the Patriots easily.

Now what I noticed when the Patriots and Ravens played, is that the Ravens were basically living on the turnovers. That's how the Giants are going to have to play today, and Corey Webster will at least need to make a couple of pass breakups if not an interception. This game will be decided on turnovers.





Patriots Key Difference Makers: Rob Gronkowski and Patriots Offensive Line

The biggest storyline this week has been Gronkster and his banged up ankle, suffering a high ankle sprain in the AFC-clinching victory over the Ravens. Gronk has made a great impact on this team, obviously. Gronk is the key to victory for the Pats in my opinion, and if he has a big game, the New York secondary could have their heads swiveling around the whole game.

Umeinyora. Tuck. Pierre-Paul. Canty. I'm not sure I could name another defensive line in the NFL better than these badasses.Usually when the Giants attain sacks, they come in bunches. A lot like what could happen between Gronk/Giants secondary, the exact same thing could happen to this Pats O line, with them being the victims.



Computer Prediction Analysis: Patriots 24-19

Final Prediction: Giants 27-24


Line: Giants +3.5