New England Patriots vs. New York Giants: Top 15 Storylines in Super Bowl XLVI

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

After an exciting Sunday of football, Super Bowl XLVI will be played between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

Not only will it be a rematch of the Super Bowl five years ago, but also a rematch of a game from earlier this year.

Leading up to the big game, there will be plenty of storylines and key matchups to watch out for. Here is a combination of the top 15 of them for this year's Super Bowl.

 

 

Follow me on twitter: @MattMiselisNFL

Eli Manning, Tom Brady Set Up a Super Bowl Rematch

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Granted, this could be the biggest headline of all, but this will be mentioned first in order for the other matchups to be analyzed closely.

Tom Brady has not played in a Super Bowl since losing to Eli Manning and the New York Giants.

Certainly both teams have very different rosters (for the most part), but the quarterbacks still remain the same.

The opportunity to watch Brady vs. Manning one more time is a gift within itself. Both of these quarterbacks have carried their teams the entire season, and have won big games when it matters most.

Can the Patriots Continue Installing the Running Game Against Giants Defense?

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

The Patriots offense has been able to install a balanced attack due to the emergence of their run game. Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis take advantage of the open lanes that the spread offense of the Patriots forces upon defenses.

During the playoffs, the Giants defense has improved its rushing defenses, and has forced the quarterback to carry the offense on his own.

It may sound like a small storyline, but it's an important matchup that the Giants need to win early on in the game.

Will the Health of Hakeem Nicks Prevent Him from Playing at Full Strength?

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

 Over the next two weeks, the health status of Hakeem Nicks will be important to follow for Giants fans.Nicks is the best offensive weapon the Giants have, and can create plenty of matchup problems for the young Patriots secondary.If Nicks isn't near 100% come Super Bowl Sunday, Bill Belichick will have an easier time game planning against the potent Giants passing offense.

Can Jason Pierre-Paul Be a Force Against Tom Brady?

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The biggest key to the turnaround has been the Giants pass rush.

Jason Pierre-Paul has led the way for the Giants, and will be going up against veteran left tackle Matt Light.

While Pierre-Paul has been lights out for the Giants, Matt Light has done a fantastic job of protecting Tom Brady's blind side.

Something will have to give come Super Bowl Sunday when these two clash.

Will Vince Wilfork Continue His Dominance on the Defensive Front?

Al Bello/Getty Images

Vince Wilfork had a big performance against the Baltimore Ravens, suffocating both Ray Rice and Joe Flacco in the back field.

Is the Giants offensive line ready for Wilfork? After showing signs of slowing down earlier this season, he has heated up in the postseason.

He is the MVP of the Patriots defense, and will look to add another Super Bowl to his resume.

Could Victor Cruz Provide Another "David Tyree" Type of Performance?

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Victor Cruz has been fantastic in his first season as a starting wide receiver. His performance against the San Francisco 49ers continued to prove his importance to the team.

However, this season, Cruz has made many spectacular catches that have reminded people of David Tyree.

Will he make a similar impact against the Patriots? It only takes one fantastic catch that can alter the Super Bowl, and Cruz could be the receiver that gets it done.

Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck vs. Patriots Offensive Line

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

We already mentioned the matchup involving Jason Pierre-Paul and Matt Light.

However, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck provide other interesting matchups against the rest of the Patriots offensive line.

With the dominant defensive front, the Patriots will be unable to double-team any of the pass rushers without leaving one of them wide open.

The Patriots will look to eliminate Pierre-Paul, but that means Umenyiora and Tuck will have their opportunities to get to Mr. Brady.

Will the Patriots Get Consistency out of Their Wide Receivers?

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

The New England Patriots are going to need more production out of their wide receivers.

I am not talking about the tight ends but specifically Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

While Welker made a few big catches in the game, Branch was shut down by the Ravens secondary.

The Giants defensive line will allow the linebackers to provide extra coverage against the tight ends.

The receivers will need to come up clutch in this big game.

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez vs. Giants Linebackers

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

This key matchup couldn't be more obvious.

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are the Patriots best offensive weapons, and are the top targets Tom Brady looks for in the passing game.

The Giants have a tough task of containing these tight ends. However, an elite pass rush should allow the Giants to put more coverage against these tight ends and avoid too many big plays down the field.

Will the Patriots Secondary Minimize the Giants Vertical Passing Attack?

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

During the AFC Championship game, the Patriots secondary was vulnerable against the deep passing attack of the Baltimore Ravens.

The Giants receivers all possess the speed to go deep, providing potential mismatches for the Patriots secondary.

It will be key if the Patriots can force Eli Manning into the short yardage passing game.

Will Bill O'Brien Be Distracted by the Death of Joe Paterno?

Elsa/Getty Images

The topic of Bill O'Brien taking time away from the Patriots sounds crazy, right?

However, it appears that it could be a concern for the Patriots staff in the next few weeks. O'Brien is expected to attend Joe Paterno's funeral, and spend time with his Penn State family.

Though it is unknown how much time he will miss, the idea that the Patriots play-caller could miss valuable time leading up to the most important game will be something to watch.

Can the Giants Handle the No-Huddle Offense of the Patriots?

Elsa/Getty Images

The Patriots offense may not have put up the usual stats, but the unit as a whole was still explosive.

Tom Brady conducted a no-huddle offense that wore down the Ravens defense over the course of the game.

Can the Giants Running Game Be a Factor?

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Led by Ahmad Bradshaw, the Giants running game has kept plenty of balance throughout the postseason.

They will be going up against a defensive front that limited Ray Rice on the ground.

Wilfork and company will be tough to run against, but can they stop the ground game for one more week?

Which Special Teams Come Up in the Clutch?

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

On Sunday, both games were ultimately decided by special teams. That will be no different in the Super Bowl.

It appears the Patriots will have an edge in that category as a whole, but the Giants have been playing well.

A missed field goal or a potential fumble could alter the Super Bowl.

Battle of the Head Coach: Tom Coughlin vs. Bill Belichick

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Usually, in classic games such as the Super Bowl, it comes down to coaching.

Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick have coached in the big game, and have certainly faced each other before.

Their ability to make important decisions regarding field position and timeouts will be key.

It isn't the Harbaugh bowl, but the matchup will be a good one involving Coughlin and Belichick.