50 Reasons Super Bowl XLVI Has All the Makings of the Greatest Ever

By (Featured Columnist) on January 26, 2012

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Eli Manning and the New York Giants vs. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots—do I really need to say more?

Super Bowl XLVI is going to be epic—and I repeat: Super Bowl XLVI will be epic.

I'm not going to give away anything right now, but here are 50 reasons why Super Bowl XLVI has all the makings of being the greatest Super Bowl ever.  

Yo Soy Fiesta

"Hola. Me llamo Robert. Yo soy fiesta."

Now that I got that out of the way, let's continue. 

NBC Is Airing the Game

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Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I don't know about you, but I am so happy that FOX is not airing the Super Bowl, as I cannot stand Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.

With that being said, any network is better than FOX and their stupid robot, but I will say that I am a big fan of NBC with Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. 

A Rematch of Super Bowl XLII

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Do you think anyone will ever forget Super Bowl XLII? 

The New York Giants upset the New England Patriots and crushed their hopes of an undefeated season—how awesome of a storyline is that? 

18-1 will forever be scarred in the minds of Patriots fans. 

Possible Revenge for Super Bowl XLII

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Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will not admit that they're seeking revenge for their Super Bowl XLII loss against the New York Giants, but let's be realistic. 

You really don't think that Brady and Belichick think about that Super Bowl every single night and want to have it back badly? 

Well, a win in Super Bowl XLVI could somewhat serve as revenge. 

New York Giants Could Have a Psychological Edge

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Elsa/Getty Images

It's not 2007, and these two teams are far from the same teams that met back in Super Bowl XLII, but some players still remain.

With that being said, I have to believe that the New York Giants players have a possible psychological edge, as they were able to beat the undefeated New England Patriots. 

A Rematch of Week 9

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Jim Rogash/Getty Images

This two teams met back in Week 9, with the Giants handing the Patriots their second straight loss, 24-20, at Gillette Stadium.

Eli Manning completed 20 of his 39 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, and following the game, I personally deemed Eli as an elite quarterback. 

Giants Were Without Key Players Back in Week 9

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Many of you probably don't realize it, but the New York Giants were shorthanded in a major way back in their 24-20 victory in Week 9.

The Giants were without Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw, but they still managed to win by four. 

We'll have to see how much of a difference those two make in Indianapolis. 

New York Giants Beat the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Week 9

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You may look at this a game of revenge, as it's a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, but it's also a rematch of Week 9. 

Back in Week 9, the Giants managed to shock the Patriots at Gillette Stadium, a place where New England rarely loses, and I'm sure that gives the Giants a little bit of a mental advantage heading in the Super Bowl. 

Three Super Bowl MVPs Will Be Playing in Super Bowl XLVI

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Tom Brady, Eli Manning and Deion Branch are all Super Bowl MVP winners and will be on the field at the same time at Lucas Oil Stadium come Super Bowl Sunday. 

Super Bowl MVP vs. Super Bowl MVP

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Believe it or not, for the first time in Super Bowl history, we will see two Super Bowl MVPs play quarterback on opposite teams. 

Tom Brady, who's a two-time Super Bowl MVP, will take on Eli Manning, who was named Super Bowl MVP for Super Bowl XLII. 

Tom Brady

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Do I really need to say much more? It's Tom Brady, for crying out loud.

Brady is one of the NFL's greatest players to ever play the game—he's must-watch TV. 

Eli Manning

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Eli Manning deserves a lot of credit, but no one seems to be giving it to him.

Manning had a Pro Bowl season, as he posted a 92.9 quarterback rating while tossing 29 touchdowns and accumulating 4,933 yards. 

Tom Brady vs. Eli Manning

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Forget Peyton Manning.

The new rivalry is now Tom Brady vs. Eli Manning, and we'll see the third chapter on these two quarterbacks' rivalry in Super Bowl XLVI. 

Tom Brady Has 16 Career Playoff Wins

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Entering the Super Bowl, Tom Brady currently sits with 16 career postseason wins, which is tied with Joe Montana for most in NFL history.

With a victory in Super Bowl XLII, Brady would sit alone with 17 wins for the most postseason wins by a quarterback in history of the game. 

Bill Belichick

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Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches to ever coach in the NFL, if not the best—what else can I say? 

Tom Coughlin

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The story of Tom Coughlin is really fascinating, as he's been on the hot seat so many times throughout his New York Giants career, but now, he's coaching in his second Super Bowl.

If Coughlin wins his second Super Bowl in four years, then I'm sure all the critics will be silenced. 

Bill Belichick vs. Tom Coughlin

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Many of you may not realize this, but Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin have a history together, dating back to their days with the New York Giants.

Back in the late 1980s and early 90s, when the New York Giants had their Super Bowl runs under Bill Parcells, both Belichick and Coughlin were on his staff and have now branched off on their own. 

Eli Manning Proving That He's Elite

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I believe Eli Manning is already an elite quarterback, but many don't think he's there quite yet. 

Prior to the start of the 2011 season, I think we all remember Manning's comments regarding him being in the same category as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Well, with a win in Super Bowl XLVI over Brady and the Patriots, the majority will be able to agree that Manning is an elite quarterback. 

It's Being Played at Lucas Oil Field

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How funny is this?

Eli Manning or Tom Brady will be hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the stadium that Peyton Manning built, Lucas Oil Field. 

Bill Belichick's Fifth Super Bowl

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Bill Belichick will be coaching in his fifth Super Bowl as head coach of the New England Patriots, which is second most by any coach in NFL history. 

Jason Pierre-Paul

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Jason Pierre-Paul is a sack machine, as he compiled an incredible 16.5 sacks this past season and will be able to showcase his skills in the game's biggest spotlight. 

J.P.P. is only in his second year in the NFL, and the Super Bowl could be his coming-out party. 

Jason Pierre-Paul vs. Matt Light

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This will be one of the must unknown matches up for the Super Bowl, but it's a critical one.

New England's left tackle Matt Light is going to have to have his best game against Jason Pierre-Paul and his incredible 16.5 sacks—it's going to be one hell of a battle. 

Rob Gronkowski

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Rob Gronkowski is one of the brightest young stars to be playing in Super Bowl XLVI.

Gronkowski was not there four years ago when these two teams first met, which could certainly be a difference maker, as Gronk scored an NFL record for most touchdowns in a season by a tight end, 17, in 2011. 

Rob Gronkowski's Ankle Injury

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Over the past few days, reports have been flying in regarding Rob Gronkowski's injured ankle, and the latest is that he has some ligament damage.

I highly doubt that Gronk will be unable to play in the Super Bowl, but this is just another storyline to keep track of. 

Victor Cruz

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Victor Cruz has turned into one of the most exciting players to watch simply because of his incredible playmaking ability.

2011 was a remarkable season for Cruz, as he snagged 82 passes for a whopping 1,536 yards and scored nine touchdowns. 

Victor Cruz's Salsa Dance

This makes me want to get up and dance! 

Rob Gronkowski Can Speak Spanish

If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, then I am expecting a lot of Spanish interviews coming Rob Gronkowski's way. 

Boston vs. New York

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When it comes to sports, there's no two cities as enriched with sports as Boston and New York—that's why there's such a big competition between the two.

Super Bowl XLVI will be yet another chapter in the Boston vs. New York rivalry. 

The Super Bowl Is in Indianapolis

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I don't know about you, but I'm actually looking forward to getting the city of Indianapolis a little bit better.

Indy has never held a Super Bowl, and it's definitely a change of pace compared to the popular destinations of New Orleans, Miami and Tampa Bay. 

Baltimore Ravens Talking Some Smack

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You probably wont see too much talking between the Giants and the Patriots, but Bernard Pollard of the Baltimore Ravens certainly decided to chime in following his team's loss to New England in the AFC Championship:

"I just hope they put a thrashing on the Patriots, I really do."

We'll have to see if the Giants can fulfill Pollard's wish. 

Hakeem Nicks

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If you ask me, Hakeem Nicks is an elite wide receiver.

Nicks has emerged as one of the most reliable and lethal wide receivers in the NFL this past season, as he recorded 76 receptions for 1,192 yards while scoring seven touchdowns.

Super Bowl XLVI will give Nicks the chance to prove to the world that he is one of the league's best receivers. 

Wes Welker

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Wes Welker is one of the game's most dominant wide receivers, and he has had himself one hell of a season.

Welker has caught 122 passes for 1,569 yards while scoring nine total touchdowns.

Welker will look to win his first ever Super Bowl next Sunday in Indy. 

Wes Welker's Stache

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A man with that kind of mustache needs to be taken seriously. 

Photo courtsey of LOL Pats

The Rise of New England's Defense

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It's kind of hard to believe, but the New England Patriots are actually playing extremely well right now.

The Patriots shut down Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos in the divisional round and now completely shut down the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens were able to score only 20 points, as Ray Rice was held to just 67 yards rushing while averaging only 3.2 yards per-carry. 

Brandon Spikes

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Little do you know, but Brandon Spikes is a tackling machine.

Spikes may not be the greatest linebacker in pass coverage or the greatest pass-rusher, but he is one of the NFL's top run-stoppers.

If the New York Giants plan on running the ball, they'll have their hands full with Spikes. 

Vince Wilfork

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Vince Wilfork had a breakout game in the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens, as he racked up six tackles and one sack.

It seemed like Wilfork was in the backfield nearly ever play and will look to continue his dominance against the New York Giants mediocre offensive line. 

Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs

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Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are arguably one of the most dynamic running-back tandems in the NFL today.

Bradshaw is the elusive back with great speed, while Jacobs is an absolute monster that will run over anyone in his way.

New England's defense will have their hands full. 

Michael Boley

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Michael Boley has been an absolute tacking machine for the New York Giants this season, as he's really taken his game to another level. 

Boley finished 2011 with 93 tackles and will be a huge concern for the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. 

The Story of Mark Herzlich

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Three years ago, Mark Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

Since then, Herzlich has made a full recovery and played well in his return at Boston College. He was ultimately signed by the New York Giants, as he went undrafted in last year's draft.

Herzlich played in a total of 11 games this season for New York. 

The Boston TE Party

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Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have really changed the way that we think of tight ends this season.

"The Boston TE Party" has combined for 169 receptions while accumulating a whopping 2,237 yards and scoring 24 touchdowns. 

This combination is must-watch TV. 

Aaron Hernandez

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When you think of the New England Patriots tight ends, Rob Gronkowski immediately comes to mind—but what about Aaron Hernandez?

Hernandez may not have the same exact same numbers as Gronk, but he's just as dangerous. 

It's almost like Hernandez is like a running back when running in space; he catches the ball like a wide receiver and has the tight end size. He's that lethal. 

New England Creates so Many Mismatch Problems for the Giants

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Back in 2007, the New England Patriots lived and died with the deep ball to Randy Moss. Now, the Patriots live and die by the mismatches that their receivers create.

New England's top receivers—Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez—all create mismatches in their own way. 

Rob Gronkowski vs. Kenny Phillips

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New York Giants strong safety Kenny Phillips, along with their linebackers and defensive backs are going to have a huge problem covering Rob Gronkowski.

This is a matchup that we all should pay attention to. 

Victor Cruz vs. New England's Secondary

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It's no secret that New England's secondary is pretty pathetic, as they finished second worst in the NFL when it comes to total pass defense.

When these two teams met back in Week 9, Victor Cruz snagged six passes for 91 yards. 

Cruz could easily explode for large chunk of yards against the Patriots if they do not cover him properly. 

Mathias Kiwanuka

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Mathias Kiwanuka is someone that has the ability to ruin Tom Brady's day. 

If the Patriots do not make sure that Kiwanuka isn't blocked when he's set to rush after Brady, then we'll likely see the same results as Super Bowl XLII. 

Justin Tuck

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Justin Tuck was with the New York Giants back in 2007 and racked up two sacks in Super Bowl XLII. He will look to continue his success against the New England Patriots this time around.

Tuck has played well in 2011, as he racked up five sacks and forced one fumble. 

Nate Solder vs. Justin Tuck

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This is a matchup that will be a huge factor in determining the result of the Super Bowl.

Just a year ago, Nate Solder was still with Colorado and preparing for the NFL Draft. Now, he's on the NFL's biggest stage and will have to deal with the incredible pass-rushing ability of Justin Tuck. 

Tim Tebow Will Not Be in the Super Bowl

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Tebow Time is over! Or at least for now...

I think that we're all happy that Tim Tebow will not playing in Super Bowl XLVI, or we all probably would want to do something pretty violent considering how much attention the media would give him. 

Madonna Is Doing the Halftime Show

Madonna will be performing the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show—thank god. 

At least Madonna will be better than The Black Eyed Peas—they sucked so bad that I had to leave the room last year. 

Kelly Clarkson Singing the National Anthem

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Whether you like her or not, you have to admit that Kelly Clarkson does have a nice pair of pipes. 

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