Breakdowns, Previews and Analysis of Giants Vs. Patriots in Super Bowl XLII

Super Bowl XLII figures to be the most watched Super Bowl ever and also the most exciting game. The last time that the New York Giants and New England Patriots met was in week 17 of the NFL in which the New England Patriots were on a quest for perfect to go 16-0 in the regular season and the Giants were on a quest to beat them at home. The game was a lot closer than people thought and the Giants were winning for most of the game until late in the second half when MVP Tom Brady led his team to a late game winning drive. That game in the Giants season was a monumental turning point because it signaled to the team that they were as good as anyone in the NFL since they went toe to toe with the best team on the NFL which was on a quest for history. Now the Giants have a crack at history of their own and can win the Super Bowl with a win over the Patriots who look to become the first team in NFL history to go 19-0.

Quarterback: Tom Brady vs. Eli Manning
The advantage here has to definitely go to MVP Tom Brady but Eli Manning has definitely stepped up his own game and has showed that he can be every bit as good as his brother Peyton Manning. Eli Manning played the game of his life in the playoffs against the Packers on the road. In fact, Eli Manning played a better game than former MVP Brett Favre. Both quarterbacks will be up to the task to have a great game and Tom Brady certainly has the experience with his previous Super Bowl wins. However, Eli Manning has gotten better with every game he has played in the playoffs and this will be a great battle between two great quarterbacks.

Running Back: Lawrence Maroney vs. Brandon Jacobs & Ahmad Bradshaw
The advantage here goes to the Giants running back tandem. The Patriots primarily use their passing game and sometimes neglect their passing game. The Giants use their running back to set up their passing game and both Jacobs and Bradshaw have emerged as up and coming stars in the NFL.

Giants defensive line vs. Patriots offensive line: The Giants led the league in sacks this past season and they have three very good defensive ends in Straham, Uminyora, and Tuck. The Patriots offensive line is very good but I think the Giants have the advantage here over the Patriots offensive line. If the Giants defensive line can get pressure on Tom Brady, then they have a good shot at winning this game.

Patriots defensive line vs. Patriots offensive line: Even. This will be an interesting match up to view because the Giants offensive line has played very well in the playoffs. The Patriots defensive line is good against the run and the Giants may struggle at times to establish the running game. However, I think that Eli Manning will be able to get some time to throw the ball down the field.

Wide receivers: Advantage Patriots
Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress had one of the best games of his career against the great cornerbacks on the Packers in Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Burress finished the game with 154 yards receiving. He will be countered by Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss who broke the single season touchdown record this past season. This will certainly be a fun match up to watch between these two receivers but I think that the Patriots have the advantage because Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth are slightly better than Amani Toomer and Steve Smith. Toomer has several drops in his playoff game against the Packers.

Secondary: Even.
The Patriots have a good secondary led by cornerback Asante Samuel and safety Rodney Harrison. However, the Giants secondary played very well against the Packers offensive attack and played very well against Donald Driver and Greg Jennings with the exception of one play in which Giants cornerback Cory Webster fell down for a 90 yard score. If you take away that play, the giants secondary played very well. I think they will hold their own against the Patriots secondary.

Coaching: Bill Belichek vs. Tom Coughlin. Advantage Patriots
Belicheck is the best coach of the year and he has the Super Bowl rings to prove it. Plus, he led the Patriots to an undefeated season of 16-0 and the Patriots are looking to become the first team to go 19-0. Tom Coughlin has certainly proved that he is among the elite coaches in the league and has united his team together this season to overcome adversity and win 10 games on the road this season. Still, Belichek has the experience and advantage in this game.

Special Teams: Patriots. The Giants won their playoff game against the Packers with a game winning field goal yet field goal kicker Lawrence Tynes missed 2 game winning field goals and the Giants could have lost the game because of that. In addition, on special teams R.W. McQuarters fumbled a punt which could have been costly for the Giants had they not recovered the fumble.

Intangibles: This will definitely be a close game and I can't wait to watch the game. The Patriots are favored the win the game but called me crazy and I know I am biased as a Giants fan, but I think the Giants will win this game on the road once again and revenge their week 17 loss to the Patriots.
Final score: 27-24 Giants