When it comes to discussing Super Bowl XLVI, I cannot help but focus on the quarterback position and how important each team’s respective signal caller will be in determining the outcome of this epic rematch.
The top storyline going into Sunday’s game is whether or not Eli Manning can leapfrog Tom Brady on the all-time quarterback list with his second Super Bowl victory in five seasons over the three-time champion.
If he does win, Eli unquestionably becomes the better QB from a historical perspective. When you defeat a living legend twice on the biggest stage, your legacy will ultimately trump the legend’s. It’s as if David had another chance to upstage Goliath, and did. What would the world think of Goliath then?
But let’s clarify the stakes here: A win for Brady means he remains the most feared, the most revered and the quintessential QB of our time – a four-time Super Bowl champion. However, a loss equates to having two costly blemishes on his record, placing him second to Eli forever.
It’s a strange, almost unfathomable concept to believe, that Eli could possibly be considered better than Brady, but considering how these playoffs have unraveled, the stage has been set for this takeover to occur.
Brady enters the game after his worst playoff performance, throwing two interceptions and finishing with a 57.5 passer rating in a narrow 23-20 win over the Ravens. In contrast, Eli rides in high off a three-game playoff tear, throwing 923 yards (307.6 per game), eight touchdowns, one interception and an average QB rating of 108.8.
This rematch symbolizes an old classic battle between two titans, where the outcome of the fight cements something in time. Although they may each have their respective opportunity to win more championships, both quarterbacks will be linked to each other for eternity.
There are a lot of key players involved not named Brady or Manning, but those two are the leaders of these franchises that seemed to be interconnected in the 21st century of the NFL.
Last time they met, football immortality was on the line, and the stakes have only been raised.
Keys to the game: Giants pass rush. If New York can knock Brady down 15 times and bring him down for five sacks, then they will win this game. Brady is a different player when he gets knocked down a lot. Giants know this (see: Super Bowl XLII.)
Patriots pass defense. If the Patriots rag-tag secondary can withstand Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, then they may have a chance at limiting Manning to check down to his third or fourth options. One or two interceptions could be the difference.
Prediction: Giants 30-27. I’d love this to end on a game-winning field goal, because the last one ended with a game-winning touchdown; however, I honestly see the game being 27-23 late and Eli leading another big touchdown drive. Two legacies completely rewritten: one ring to rule them all.
