By now, you've read all the stories. You've listened to all the hyperbole from, as Gabe refers to them, the talking haircuts. So, why don't we just skip the preamble and get right to it.
Patriots. Giants. Super Bowl 46. Who ya got!?
Giants (+2.5) vs. Patriots (in Indianapolis)
Dave: Patriots - This game has everything to do with 2007.....and nothing at all. We can sit here and debate forever whether Eli Manning would have his Super Bowl ring if not for that lucky David Tyree helmet catch. What's done is done. This is a different Patriots team than the 18-0 bunch that waltzed into Phoenix five years ago. The team is less reliant on the deep ball, mainly because they no longer have a deep threat. Still, the Patriots will go into Indy not forgetting that they came within a pubic hair of becoming the first undefeated champion in three decades. They haven't forgotten that this is the team that denied them perfection. Bill Belichick has had two weeks to remind his team of what we already know: To beat the Giants, New England must get pressure on Eli Manning while also keep their own golden boy untouched. The latter will be accomplished by getting the ball out quickly to guys like Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker with some Danny Woodhood coming out of the flats mixed in. I mentioned in my preview that I think Chad Ochocinco comes out of hiding and I still believe in that possibility, provided the offensive line can withstand this Big Blue front four. As for the former, that's going to be a bit more difficult. The Patriots don't have a legit pass rusher and the secondary isn't exactly stout either. Belichick is going to have to get crafty with the guys he has and that means NT Vince Wilfork is going to need another huge game clogging up the line like he did against Baltimore.
This game is going to be a shootout and if you had to place a bet on any defense being able to force any offense to turn the ball over, you'd bet on the Giants getting the best of the Patriots here. Still, my gut says New England has gotten tired of all the hype over this Giants pass rush and Eli Manning's quest for his second ring and they have something in store for the boys in blue. This game comes down to the final drive with Tom Brady, in the performance of his life, leading the charge downfield for the game-winning field goal. Patriots by 3, 38-35.
Gabe: Giants - Of course I'm going to take the Giants, but here's why: I think this is going to be a close game. I'm really worried about the psychology of the Patriots. They want revenge for Super Bowl XLII. For two weeks they have been hearing from everyone that the Giants are going to win. Then there was the fiasco with the Giants website taking pre-orders for Super Bowl Championship gear. The Pats have every reason in the world to want to win this game, and that is a dangerous position for their opponents.
I don't think the Pats' mindset will matter, because, as my friend Henri (the smartest football fan I know) said to me this morning, Tom Brady is a giant vagina. He can't handle pressure. He doesn't move will in the pocket. He hates having defensive lineman at his ankles. The Pats don't really have a running game. The Giants can force them into passing situations and then unleash that defensive line.
This will be a high scoring game. I think the Giants take the lead late and hold on. Giants by 4, 31-27.
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