Super Bowl Storylines

February 2, 2012

If you enjoy hype and are a football fan, the two weeks prior to the Super Bowl likely appeals to you. Two weeks of storylines leading up to the final football game of the season. I have come up with a few of the storylines I find interesting. One thing I do know is that many more storylines will be made once the 6:30 p.m. kickoff takes place on Sunday.

I believe Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is playing for the title of being the best-ever quarterback in NFL history. Check out these numbers. If Brady wins on Sunday, it will be his NFL record 17th playoff game that comes with his fourth Super Bowl title. Only Joe Montana has won four Super Bowls. Montana won all four he played in. This is Brady’s fifth Super Bowl.

It is nearly impossible to fairly compare quarterbacks who starred in different eras. Brady, in addition to the rings, also has favorable numbers. He has thrown more TD passes in a season than both Peyton Manning and Dan Marino, and in 2011 threw for more yards in a season than Marino ever did. Peyton has only won a single Super Bowl while Marino never played in one. A fourth title could seal the deal in the eyes of many.

Another interesting storyline are the Manning brothers. Eli is coming to Peyton’s town (Indy) to possibly pick up his second Super Bowl ring. Remember, big brother Peyton only has one championship of his own. Still, even though he did not play a single down this season due to his neck injury, Peyton is gathering more attention then the lower-profile Eli. As I have talked of often in these pages recently, there is endless speculation (and predictions) over Peyton’s future. Will the Colts really drop the one player who turned their franchise around? Will Peyton recover to the point where he can play again? Where will Peyton play next season if he can suit up?

Yet, Eli getting another title could bring up the conversation whether the younger Manning is headed toward a more fruitful overall career than Peyton.

Tom Brady

Leading the Giants to a second championship would also give him one more ring than Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, and just one fewer than Brady - with two head-to-head victories over his Patriots counterpart. If Eli comes through on the biggest stage again, let the debate begin on his place among quarterbacks of his era.

We have heard a great deal about this being the rematch of Super Bowl 42. Surely you have not forgotten that classic. That was the game where New England played for a perfect undefeated season. It is quite clear that the Pats are still stinging from that loss to the Giants. And to make matters worse, New England lost to New York during Week 9 of this season. It is safe to say that head coach Bill Belichick and Brady have not lost three straight games to any opponent.

All the experts are attempting to find different ways to say that the key to the game is the Giants’ pass rush. History often repeats itself though Brady hopes it does not in regards to the pass rush he faces. He saw plenty of that in Super Bowl 42, when the Patriots were held to two touchdowns in a shocking 17-14 loss that saw Brady get sacked five times.

Eli Manning

Both teams are shooting for their fourth Super Bowl victory. Neither can catch the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, or the San Francisco 49ers in winning at least five rings, but Sunday’s winner will still be in rare air with what would be a fourth title. They will pass Oakland and Washington while matching Green Bay. If the Giants win, they will have an impressive 4-1 record in the Super Bowl. If the Patriots lose, they’ll fall to 3-4 in their appearances.

Sid’s Super Bowl Pick

The betting line says Super Bowl 46 will be a close game. I have always thought close games are usually decided by the best players on the field. I am going to rate the top ten players and take the team that has a majority of them.

1) Tom Brady, QB (NE) - No doubts here.

2) Jason Pierre-Paul, DE (NY) - The ultimate pass-rusher who could easily make Brady look human.

3) Eli Manning, QB (NY) - He’s getting better every year.

4) Wes Welker, WR (NE) - Remember, no one caught more passes then this guy.

5) Vince Wilfork, DT (NE) - He completely dominated the Ravens in AFC title tilt.

6) Hakeem Nicks, WR (NY) - His size and speed has to scare the shaky Pat’s secondary.

7) Victor Cruz, WR (NY) - A fearless receiver who makes big plays on a weekly basis.

8) Jerod Mayo, LB (NE) - Will be the best linebacker on the field for either side.

9) Aaron Hernandez, TE (NE) - He is the second half of the team’s double-tight set. He, and the injured Rob Gronkowski are virtually identical threats. If Gronk is at full strength, he would move up this list.

10) Matt Light, LT (NE) -- Best offensive linemen in game. Will need to come up big while protecting Brady.

Just counted them up. I got six Patriots and four Giants. Looks like I am taking New England. In a close one. Enjoy the game and the commercials (and the food).