Superstition vs Reality
The New England Patriots and New York Giants have spent this past week anxiously waiting for Super Bowl XLVI. Now less than a week away before the showdown, superstitions predominate fans' and players' actions.
I can relate to this. Monday morning after the win in Candlestick Park I was looking for the Giants shirt I planned on wearing the day of the big game. I own two Giants shirts and have never repeated the same shirt on back to back games since the winning streak began.
Another tradition that started during Week 16 against the New York Jets was texting my friend during the game, for whom I provided play-by-play whenever he could not follow.
When it's all said and done, on February 5th, whether I wear a Pats jersey or a Giants shirt and follow the same rituals, the reality is that the game will be decided on what happens on the field.
The recipe for success seems to be simple for both teams: stop both quarterbacks from running their game plan. Eli has performed at an elite level this season and Tom Brady is being spoken of as one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the sport.
To be successful the Patriots offensive line has to contain the versatile pass rush of the Giants. Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Jean Pierre-Paul have reeked havoc for opposing offenses and quarterbacks in the postseason.
The New England defense has to be up to par with the Giants defense. During the regular season the Patriots allowed the second most total yards in the NFL.
The Giants have three big weapons in Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz. When it is not Nicks making big receptions, Manningham finds a way to get open. When it is not Cruz dancing salsa in the endzone, it is Nicks doing the dirty bird or trapping a jump ball between multiple defenders.
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