I've heard a lot of mixed opinions about what people think will happen in this game. Both teams have a lot of offensive firepower and both teams have shown themselves to be vulnerable defensively. The potential of a shootout is certainly there. Of course, history has shown us that these teams can step up and play great defense in big games. And when these two teams get together, they go down to the wire. The games have been so close to where a key play here or there is all it might take to determine the winner. While some plays may be very recognizable like David Tyree in 2008, there are others that go a little more unnoticed. Here is my list of players most likely to make an impact in Super Bowl 46.
While Benjarvis Green-Ellis gets the bulk of the carries, Woodhead is a shifty little running back that can pick his way through lanes. It doesn't hurt that he's got two Pro Bowl offensive guards leading the way. It's not pretty and won't be anything shown on SportsCenter, but it keeps the chains moving.
I love this guy and he is the perfect player you'd want in coverage against the short passing game the Patriots like to use. The problem for the Giants is that there is only one Boley, yet a handful of guys like Gronkowski, Hernandez, and Woodhead that will need to be covered. The Patriots will be very concerned with protecting Brady against Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Look for Boley to sneak in and make some big plays. That's sorta his thing.
All I keep hearing about is how much of a non-factor he's going to be, whether he plays or not. Well, he's going to play and he's going to be a factor. While he won't be able to make long plays down the field, he will be an exceptional red zone threat. Because of his size, he still presents a matchup problem for any linebacker he faces. He can also be an effective blocker to help manage New York's strong pass rush. Giants' fans hoping for a Gronk-free Super Bowl are going to be sadly disappointed.
Victor Cruz gets the all the attention and so much has been made of how Julian Edelmen is a liability in the Patriots' secondary. What does this really translate to? While I do expect to see salsa dancing, Eli is an equal opportunity passer and can be masterful in exploiting a blown coverage. I think New England will have to overcompensate with some of their defensive schemes and that will lead to a golden opportunity for Hakeem Nicks. He is excellent in one-on-one coverage and look for Nicks to make some big plays.
Despite being almost four years apart, the games have looked very similar the last two times these two teams have played each other. In week nine of the regular season and in Super Bowl XLII in 2008, the game was a defensive battle only to be replaced with fireworks in the fourth quarter. Eli and Brady took turns leading comebacks and each time Manning had the last laugh. I think Brady puts his foot on the gas and leaves it there. He won't let another one slip away from him. The Giants will get theirs, but it won't be quite enough.
Patriots win 38-28. Brady wins MVP.
Author Dan Rogers has been a Dallas Cowboys' fan since he was a child. He became interested in the Cowboys because their quarterback, Roger Staubach, had a cool sounding name. He loved the color blue and thought stars were pretty. It was really inevitable. Follow him on Twitter @DannyPhantom24 or on Facebook.
SOURCES:
Football-Reference.com
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