The Patriots complete their destiny with a perfect 19-0 and cement their historic run as one of the best NFL teams in history, if not the greatest ever, right? For many football fans this is already a forgone conclusion, but not so fast. I am one of those few who thinks the New York Giants have a legitimate shot at doing the unthinkable. This is not because Tom Brady allegedly has a hurt right ankle. Here is a quick glimpse into my reasoning behind the Giants’ potential for a victorious Super Bowl Sunday. First off, when beating any team you need to know the team weaknesses and have a “recipe” for winning. The Patriots have no losses. Where do you find this so-called recipe? Examine the Patriots’ last defeat in franchise history which occurred in the AFC championship to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2006-2007 season? The framework of the Patriots has completely changed since last season. This season, the Patriots have only encountered three games where their perfect season was truly at stake. The Patriots won by only a small margin of three points and one of these three-point victories came in week 17, the last week of the regular season, against the New York Giants when the Giants fell in the closing minutes 38-35. I see no evidence why the Super Bowl should not be as close as the last one. The Patriots have only covered the line once in their previous eight games. Currently, the Super Bowl line sits at 12 points in favor of the Patriots, already suggesting how close this game might be. The Giants have covered the line in their last five games, and have grown into their role as the underdog, causing an upset in their previous three playoff games. I see no reason why Sunday’s game cannot be a fourth straight upset for the G-Men. The Giants have the edge in three essential statistical categories which should help dismantle the best player on the field, Tom Brady. These three statistical categories are penalties per game, sacks per game, and time of possession per game The Giants led the Patriots in all three of these statistics categories throughout the year. Penalties kill momentum and give unnecessary opportunities to the other team to capitalize on mistakes. The edge in this should go to the Giants. Sacks allow you to fluster, hurt, and frustrate the opposing quarterback while putting the opposing team in long-yardage situations. The Giants led the NFL with 53 sacks this year, clearly giving the edge in the pass rush to the Giants. Time of possession keeps the other team’s offense off the field and for the Giants, should keep the Brady Factor at bay. Giving Brady a small amount of time to get his juggernaut of an offense the possessions it needs to score at will. The Giants will need to run early and often to control the clock and keep Brady off the field. Then there is the pressure factor as well. The pressure solely lies on the Patriots. The Giants are not expected to win, so they will be playing without the fear of losing. This can be a very scary thought for the New England Patriots and their fans. Super Bowl XLII kicks off Sunday, 6 p.m. For fans that have little or no interest in the New York vs. Boston rivalry, the commercials and half-time show should still give viewers enough entertainment to watch two teams they care very little about. However, for anyone with a love for football and the knowledge that history may be in the making, this game should provide plenty of thrill and excitement.
Pioneer picks on the Super Bowl:
“Hoping for NY Giants because I don’t believe in cheating! What’s next twelve men on the field?”-Brandon Vossberg, sophomore
“New England, betting on the odds.”-Brock Trotter, sophomore
“I like the favorite, New England. They have so many weapons and know how to handle the distractions that come with the Super Bowl.”-Head Coach George Gwozdecky
