Giants vs. Patriots: Why Surviving Ravens Gives Tom Brady Huge Edge

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots survived their biggest challenge of the season—they took care of one of the NFL's elite defenses in the Baltimore Ravens, 23-20 in the AFC Championship.

Now as 2011 AFC Champions, Brady and the Patriots will advance to Super Bowl XLVI to face the New York Giants—a rematch of Super Bowl XLII.

With their win over the Ravens, I believe Brady has a huge edge moving into the Super Bowl. 

Why is that? Well specifically, I believe that Brady's confidence will be riding high knowing that he was sacked only once against the NFL's third-best pass-rushing team.

Do you know who else is tied with the Baltimore Ravens with 48 sacks in 2011? The New York Giants. 

Brady may not have played great against the Ravens, but he played well enough in key situations to lead New England to the AFC title—and he will certainly have to take his game to a whole new level in the Super Bowl in order to beat the Giants.

I think it's safe to agree that the Ravens defense was arguably the most dominant defense in the AFC and is probably the second best defense in the NFL, only behind the San Francisco 49ers.

The New York Giants defense is right up there—they're a great pass-rushing team but are absolutely dreadful against the pass, finishing 2011 with the fourth-worst pass defense. 

If the Patriots can protect Brady, much like they did against Terrell Suggs and the Ravens, then he will have enough time to find the holes and weak areas in New York's secondary and ultimately exploit them.

Surviving Baltimore was a huge challenge for Tom Brady—and it will give him a huge edge heading into Super Bowl XLVI.

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus