Super Bowl Predictions 2012: 5 Things to Look for Besides Tom Brady, Eli Manning

The Super Bowl XLVI matchup is set and we now have two whole weeks to analyze and over-analyze the the ins and outs of New England Patriots and New York Giants until our eyeballs bleed.

A lot of people are going to conjure up memories of their historic matchup back in 2008 and for good reason. Both the teams are still close to what they were then.

People are also going talk a lot about the quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Eli Manning. To me, that would be too easy. I'm going to give you some other things to look for that does not involve those two. You'll have plenty of time to hear about them on ESPN and NFL Network for the next 13 days.

I'm going to take you through things that WILL make a difference in the big game.

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez

Like I said in the introduction, people are going to take a lot from Super Bowl XLII and try to convey it into this year's game. Some of it will be warranted, but one major thing is different about this game: The Patriots did not have Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez.

Back then, the Patriots were more of a deep passing game with Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth and would go underneath with Wes Welker, which played right into the hands of the Giants defense.

All the Giants had to do was send four defensive lineman and drop everyone else back in coverage. Tom Brady would wait for his receivers to get open, but while waiting he eventually received pressure from the linemen.

The Patriots now have a short passing game with a no-huddle offense. Add to that more possession options that help Brady get the ball out quicker.

Enter Gronkowski and Hernandez, who will look to take full advantage of the middle of the Giants defense.

It will be interesting to see how these two match up against the Giants defense. Hopefully for the Patriots, Gronkowski is healthy in time for the game.

Giants Defensive Line

The Giants defensive line was crucial in their Super Bowl win back in 2008 and the unit will be just as crucial going into this one.

One of the main keys to stopping the Patriots is to try to create pressure without sending extra blitzers. If you send extra men, Brady will find the hole in the defense and pick it apart.

The Giants accomplished this back in 2008 by only sending their defensive lineman. Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Rocky Bernard, Jason Pierre-Paul and Chris Canty will be given the task of duplicating this feat.

The Giants may send linebacker Michael Boley as the extra blitzer, as he created fits for Aaron Rodgers in the divisional round, but they cannot send much more than that.

If the Giants can create pressure without blitzing too many men, look for a repeat of what happened out in Arizona.

The Running Game

There's going to be so much talk about the quarterbacks during the build-up for this game that people may forget about the running games for each team.

And for good reason. Both teams ranked in the bottom third of the league in rushing yards.

But I think it could be an integral part of this game.

The Patriots ran for 146 yards against Denver two weeks ago and almost cracked 100 during the AFC Championship Game. The Denver performance can be attributed to them gaining such an early advantage that they didn't need to pass a lot, but against the Ravens, a game that was close until the end, the Patriots ran the ball 31 times.

The Patriots did not commit to the run nearly that much back in 2008, but now with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead in the backfield, look for the Patriots to try to at least keep the Giants honest in the running game.

As for the Giants, they have to very good backs in Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw and they have done their jobs and come up in big moments throughout the their playoff run.

Outside of their 172-yard performance against the Falcons, the Giants' running game has not had huge outputs, but much like the Patriots, have kept teams honest on defense.

Both teams have given up their share of rushing yards as well, which could make for an unsung hero to come out of the backfield.

Good Weather Conditions

Both of these teams just came from the freezing cold of Foxboro, Mass. and the rain and mud of San Francisco, Calif.

Now they get to enter the climate-controlled conditions of Lucas Oil Stadium, where they don't have to worry about slick playing surface and a rock hard ball due to the cold.

I realize the game in 2008 was played under the same conditions and it ended 17-14, but I don't think that's going to happen this time around.

I would expect at least 20 points from both teams—maybe even 30.

A big difference from 2008 to now is that Lucas Oil Stadium is on FieldTurf as opposed to the natural grass that was in University of Phoenix Stadium.

This will obviously help receivers like Victor Cruz, who will cut more sharply and get downfield faster.

Special Teams

Who said special teams isn't important?

I'm pretty sure Ravens and 49ers fans know by now it is.

As we learned during the championship games (i.e. Kyle Williams and Billy Cundiff) one special teams mistake could cost you everything.

But it could also win you everything, just ask Giants and Patriots fans.

I expect this game to very close so it could very come down to the foot of either Lawrence Tynes or Stephen Gostkowski.