Super Bowl 2012: Why Patriots vs. Giants Would Be Greatest Game Ever

The New England Patriots and New York Giants met in Super Bowl XLII and treated us to one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

The 18-0 Patriots came into the game with a record-setting offense led by arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game.

The Giants, meanwhile, entered on a ridiculous hot streak that saw them avenge three of their toughest losses during the regular season and was led by a defensive line playing with reckless abandonment.

The 17-14 Big Blue victory wasn't pretty, but the final quarter was one of the most memorable in Super Bowl history.

Four years later, they're on the brink of meeting once again and it would be even better.

Regardless of the outcome, one of the two quarterbacks would be earning another ring. If Tom Brady wins, it'll squarely land him in the top three of the best quarterbacks ever—no questions asked.

If Eli Manning were to win his second, it would catapult him into conversation as the greatest to ever wear Giants' blue and put new meaning to his rivalry with big brother Peyton. No. 18 is one of the greatest to ever play, but winning Super Bowls are the first thing quarterbacks are judged on.

Should Eli put on his second ring before Peyton, or Peyton never even win another, it would make for one hell of an argument down the line. And remember, Eli has played six fewer seasons than Peyton.

The quarterbacks aren't the only intriguing part of this game, either.

We all know the legend of Bill Belichick, but a fourth ring as a head coach would be remarkable. And Tom Coughlin, a guy whose head has been clamored for more than anyone else in recent seasons, would again become an absolute hero and one of the few coaches with multiple Super Bowl rings.

With the turbulence Coughlin experienced this season, it would be one of the greatest coaching performances in quite some time.

Then there is the revenge factor; the Patriots' chance to finally get the ring they were chasing during the 2007 season.

A Patriots vs. 49ers matchup would be fun; offense vs. defense.

A Giants vs. Ravens rematch of the one of most lopsided Super Bowls ever (XXXV) would have some intrigue.

A 49ers vs. Ravens matchup obviously pits two head coaching brothers against one another with great defenses and rushing games.

But none of them hold a candle to the Patriots vs. Giants.

Come Super Bowl Sunday, we could only be so lucky.