Super Bowl XLVI Preview
IN one of the biggest sporting events of the fledgling year, Indianapolis will host its first Superbowl tomorrow night as the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants.
Returning to the showpiece event, both teams will be looking to contribute to a game which rematches Superbowl XLVII combatants. 2007’s game saw the Giants make an astonishing fourth quarter comeback to win by a score of 17 – 14, and wreck New England’s dreams of a ‘perfect’ 19-0 season.
Route to the Superbowl
New York Giants
Sitting at 8-7 ahead of Week 17 during regular season, the New York Giants needed a huge performance against their divisional rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, to even make the playoffs. Appearing in their first post-season since 2008, the Giants faced off against the Atlanta Falcons in a wildcard game after clinching the NFC East. They blew out their NFC counterparts 24-2 before a showdown with current champions and this season’s favourites, the Green Bay Packers.
Heading to the ‘Frozen Tundra’ they beat the Packers 37-20 at Lambeau and then won the conference championship with an edgy 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers to become the NFC’s Superbowl representative.
New England Patriots
Having been bounced out of the post-season in the last two years by lower ranked opponents, the Patriots were focused on turning their recent playoff performances around after securing a 13-3 record and earning first place in the AFC East.
Securing home field advantage, they blew out Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos 45-10 before edging a hard fought contest against the Baltimore Ravens in the Conference Championship game. A 23-20 victory was enough to earn them another shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a chance to win a fourth title in franchise history.
Deciding Factors
Although they are favoured by a three point spread, New England will be under no illusions that they can win another Superbowl simply by turning up on Sunday evening. Here are a few of the important factors the game will hinge on….
Brady Vs Manning
Both QB’s return from Superbowl XLII and after having his chances of NFL immortality crushed by Manning’s last minute drive, Tom Brady will be even more motivated than ever to ensure victory. Brady accused himself of “sucking” in the Pats win over the Ravens in the AFC Championship, but Lucas Oil Stadium’s game represents a chance for him to equal Joe Montana as a four-time Superbowl winner, and including himself in the conversation as ‘greatest player of all time’.
Eli Manning, even in his finest moments, has always been overshadowed by his older brother Payton, and it is extremely ironic that as he prepares for his second Superbowl moment, he competes in a city where his big brother is a footballing God. Eli’s motivations may be different to Brady’s but his desire to perform on the biggest stage remains the same. He steps out on the field on Sunday to prove that his successes in 2008 were not lucky, but the product of an ‘elite’ skill set. A second Superbowl also puts Manning in the conversation for the Hall of Fame, and will allow him to overtake big brother in number of Superbowl wins.
Whichever quarterback wins on Sunday his legacy will be etched into NFL history, and both will be hoping to put in an MVP type performance during the game.
Rob Gronkowski Vs Injury
Tom Brady’s achievements in dragging his New England team to the Superbowl have been helped largely thanks to his two top class tight ends. In true form to the position, Gronkowski has become the ultimate hybrid player in the Patriots offence and has set record breaking numbers throughout the 2011 season. He is the proud owner of single-season records for a tight end in receiving touchdowns (17), most total touchdowns (18) and most receiving yards (1,327). Despite his prowess, injury threatens his participation in the Superbowl and without his ability to call on his receiving threat; the chances of the Pats overcoming the Giants appear slim.
In the AFC Conference showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, Gronk picked up a high ankle sprain which he has been nursing for the two-week build up to the game. Although his participation seems likely, how effective he can be remains unknown. Even at 50% the tight end requires coverage but in the biggest game of the season, it remains a mystery what part he can play in the offense.
New England’s Secondary Vs The league’s 4th Ranked D-Line
Brady wouldn’t have been able to muster up a 5000-yard plus season, were it not for some incredible pass protection from his fellow team mates. As a relatively immobile Quarterback, #12 relies solely on his defence to protect him as he scans the field for receivers.
Whilst Jason Pierre-Paul commented that he and his Giants team mates were “in Brady’s head” during their Week 9 victory over the Patriots, it remains to be seen whether he and Osi Umenyiora can get to Brady when the stakes are highest.
Their chances to move Brady off his spot may come when New England’s secondary is on the field, and with a total of 192 tackles at a rate of nine sacks per game between the defensive line, Brady is likely to experience plenty of pressure heading in his direction once the game starts.
New York Giants Offence Vs The 2nd Worst Regular-Season Defence
New England’s appearance in the Superbowl is something of a miracle considering they had the 31st ranked defence in the league through the regular season, and allowed a total of 6577 yards in their seventeen games.
Although they have undoubtedly improved in post-season play limiting Tebow and the Denver offence to ten points, before shutting down Joe Flacco and Baltimore to make the Superbowl, the Patriots now have to focus on shutting down Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, ranked 2nd and 5th respectively in rushing yards. Eli Manning has excellent targets in 1st ranked Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, ranked 5th in receiving, and whether or not the Patriots can do anything in terms of defending both the pass and the run will dictate the outcome of the game.
Bill Belichick Vs Tom Coughlin
Two coaches who have been in this position before, both Coughlin and Belichick will have spent the last two weeks fine-tuning their game plan before Sunday’s Superbowl.
Belichick, on the brink of a sixth Superbowl ring, will be hoping to help New England’s Championship magic returns after losing to Coughlin in 2007. From throwing a half an hour break into practice to practicing the no-huddle offence on a daily basis, the usual Belichick mastery appears to be developing on a daily basis.
Known as a more reclusive old school coach, Coughlin has allowed his team to show some arrogance in preparation for the Superbowl. No doubt confident in his team because of their comeback performances and the feeling of ‘Deja-blue’ which exists in their camp, Coughlin’s team needs no extra motivation from their coach.
Predictions
After the lockout shortened training camps, the 2011 season has been one of the most memorable in recent years. Superbowl XLVI has all the makings of an intriguing game between two equally matched teams. New England appears to be something of a ‘favoured underdog’ going into the game, and with so many people backing them to win the Superbowl the New York Giants may be the punters choice when it comes to betting.
Never underestimate Tom Brady however, and as he seeks out yet another piece of silverware it would be foolish to write off the Patriots and their future hall of fame QB.
Returning to the showpiece event, both teams will be looking to contribute to a game which rematches Superbowl XLVII combatants. 2007’s game saw the Giants make an astonishing fourth quarter comeback to win by a score of 17 – 14, and wreck New England’s dreams of a ‘perfect’ 19-0 season.
Route to the Superbowl
New York Giants
Sitting at 8-7 ahead of Week 17 during regular season, the New York Giants needed a huge performance against their divisional rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, to even make the playoffs. Appearing in their first post-season since 2008, the Giants faced off against the Atlanta Falcons in a wildcard game after clinching the NFC East. They blew out their NFC counterparts 24-2 before a showdown with current champions and this season’s favourites, the Green Bay Packers.
Heading to the ‘Frozen Tundra’ they beat the Packers 37-20 at Lambeau and then won the conference championship with an edgy 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers to become the NFC’s Superbowl representative.
New England Patriots
Having been bounced out of the post-season in the last two years by lower ranked opponents, the Patriots were focused on turning their recent playoff performances around after securing a 13-3 record and earning first place in the AFC East.
Securing home field advantage, they blew out Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos 45-10 before edging a hard fought contest against the Baltimore Ravens in the Conference Championship game. A 23-20 victory was enough to earn them another shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a chance to win a fourth title in franchise history.
Deciding Factors
Although they are favoured by a three point spread, New England will be under no illusions that they can win another Superbowl simply by turning up on Sunday evening. Here are a few of the important factors the game will hinge on….
Brady Vs Manning
Both QB’s return from Superbowl XLII and after having his chances of NFL immortality crushed by Manning’s last minute drive, Tom Brady will be even more motivated than ever to ensure victory. Brady accused himself of “sucking” in the Pats win over the Ravens in the AFC Championship, but Lucas Oil Stadium’s game represents a chance for him to equal Joe Montana as a four-time Superbowl winner, and including himself in the conversation as ‘greatest player of all time’.
Eli Manning, even in his finest moments, has always been overshadowed by his older brother Payton, and it is extremely ironic that as he prepares for his second Superbowl moment, he competes in a city where his big brother is a footballing God. Eli’s motivations may be different to Brady’s but his desire to perform on the biggest stage remains the same. He steps out on the field on Sunday to prove that his successes in 2008 were not lucky, but the product of an ‘elite’ skill set. A second Superbowl also puts Manning in the conversation for the Hall of Fame, and will allow him to overtake big brother in number of Superbowl wins.
Whichever quarterback wins on Sunday his legacy will be etched into NFL history, and both will be hoping to put in an MVP type performance during the game.
Rob Gronkowski Vs Injury
Tom Brady’s achievements in dragging his New England team to the Superbowl have been helped largely thanks to his two top class tight ends. In true form to the position, Gronkowski has become the ultimate hybrid player in the Patriots offence and has set record breaking numbers throughout the 2011 season. He is the proud owner of single-season records for a tight end in receiving touchdowns (17), most total touchdowns (18) and most receiving yards (1,327). Despite his prowess, injury threatens his participation in the Superbowl and without his ability to call on his receiving threat; the chances of the Pats overcoming the Giants appear slim.
In the AFC Conference showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, Gronk picked up a high ankle sprain which he has been nursing for the two-week build up to the game. Although his participation seems likely, how effective he can be remains unknown. Even at 50% the tight end requires coverage but in the biggest game of the season, it remains a mystery what part he can play in the offense.
New England’s Secondary Vs The league’s 4th Ranked D-Line
Brady wouldn’t have been able to muster up a 5000-yard plus season, were it not for some incredible pass protection from his fellow team mates. As a relatively immobile Quarterback, #12 relies solely on his defence to protect him as he scans the field for receivers.
Whilst Jason Pierre-Paul commented that he and his Giants team mates were “in Brady’s head” during their Week 9 victory over the Patriots, it remains to be seen whether he and Osi Umenyiora can get to Brady when the stakes are highest.
Their chances to move Brady off his spot may come when New England’s secondary is on the field, and with a total of 192 tackles at a rate of nine sacks per game between the defensive line, Brady is likely to experience plenty of pressure heading in his direction once the game starts.
New York Giants Offence Vs The 2nd Worst Regular-Season Defence
New England’s appearance in the Superbowl is something of a miracle considering they had the 31st ranked defence in the league through the regular season, and allowed a total of 6577 yards in their seventeen games.
Although they have undoubtedly improved in post-season play limiting Tebow and the Denver offence to ten points, before shutting down Joe Flacco and Baltimore to make the Superbowl, the Patriots now have to focus on shutting down Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, ranked 2nd and 5th respectively in rushing yards. Eli Manning has excellent targets in 1st ranked Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, ranked 5th in receiving, and whether or not the Patriots can do anything in terms of defending both the pass and the run will dictate the outcome of the game.
Bill Belichick Vs Tom Coughlin
Two coaches who have been in this position before, both Coughlin and Belichick will have spent the last two weeks fine-tuning their game plan before Sunday’s Superbowl.
Belichick, on the brink of a sixth Superbowl ring, will be hoping to help New England’s Championship magic returns after losing to Coughlin in 2007. From throwing a half an hour break into practice to practicing the no-huddle offence on a daily basis, the usual Belichick mastery appears to be developing on a daily basis.
Known as a more reclusive old school coach, Coughlin has allowed his team to show some arrogance in preparation for the Superbowl. No doubt confident in his team because of their comeback performances and the feeling of ‘Deja-blue’ which exists in their camp, Coughlin’s team needs no extra motivation from their coach.
Predictions
After the lockout shortened training camps, the 2011 season has been one of the most memorable in recent years. Superbowl XLVI has all the makings of an intriguing game between two equally matched teams. New England appears to be something of a ‘favoured underdog’ going into the game, and with so many people backing them to win the Superbowl the New York Giants may be the punters choice when it comes to betting.
Never underestimate Tom Brady however, and as he seeks out yet another piece of silverware it would be foolish to write off the Patriots and their future hall of fame QB.