So apparently there's some big football game on Sunday. Check that. Make it a huge, massive, legacy-defining football game that just happens to be a rematch of one of the greatest Super Bowls ever. So since there's really only one event worth watching this week, we're going to write a combined preview.
When the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLVI (NBC, Sunday, 6:29 p.m.), more than just the Lombardi Trophy will be on the line. For New England, a win would cement the legacies of its quarterback, Tom Brady, and its head coach, Bill Belichick. Brady would join Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to win four Super Bowls, while a fourth title for Belichick would tie him with Chuck Noll for most all-time Super Bowl wins for a head coach.
A victory for New York would elevate Eli Manning to a whole new level, giving him two Super Bowl rings double the amount won by his more-heralded brother.
Four years ago, the Giants ruined the Pats' chance at a perfect season, and while nothing can ever make up for the loss, a Super Bowl victory would go a long way toward healing those wounds. A loss, on the other hand ... well, let's not even go there.
For the Patriots, the keys to victory lie both with Tom Brady and the much-maligned Patriots' secondary. Brady has so many weapons at his disposal that the 29th-ranked Giants' secondary will have difficulty containing them all. Tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are absolute monsters, who can shake off tackles like raindrops, while Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco and Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch can open up space downfield. An improving running game led by BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead can also take some of the pressure off Brady.
The Patriots' secondary has struggled all season, ranking second-to-last in the league this year. In order to win, the Patriots must not allow the inconsistent but very capable Eli Manning to light up Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Jake Ballard for touchdowns. Cornerback Kyle Arrington, who tied for the league lead in interceptions, and rookie cornerback Sterling Moore will need big games to contain the Giants' skilled passing game.
For the Giants to repeat their Super Bowl XLII victory, they must disrupt the Patriots' explosive passing game. Defensive ends Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul will need to battle past the Patriots' offensive line to put the pressure on Tom Brady and prevent him from doing what he does best scoring points.
