Giants vs. Patriots: 5 Early Questions for Super Bowl XLVI

Five early questions for the New York Giants and New England Patriots in the lead up to Super Bowl XLVI:

1. What's the status of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski?

There was an audible gasp from all of New England during the third quarter when Ravens safety Bernard Pollard rolled up on Gronkowski's ankle. The Patriots All-Pro tight end then limped off and eventually headed to the locker room.

Not long after, however, he was back in the game and actually blocked for Tom Brady's game-winning touchdown leap. With two weeks of rest, Gronkowski should be fine. Still, that ankle could keep him from practicing during the week and likely won't be 100 percent.  

2. Which pass defense is the bigger liability?

The Patriots finished the regular season at No. 31 in pass defense (4,703 yards), but the Giants weren't much better at No. 29 (4,082). Still, the Giants have in abundance what the Patriots occasionally lack: a pass rush.

In the last four games, New York has terrorized quarterbacks Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith with an unrelenting pressure scheme powered mostly by the NFL's most talented front four. The Patriots have no such pressure package to lean back on. This huge advantage helps the Giants cover for secondary deficiencies better than New England.     

3. Who should each offensive line be preparing for?

The Patriots have to be ready for a front four that consists of Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, Chris Canty and Justin Tuck. New York will twist and stunt those four at any time to get pressure in the face of quarterbacks. 

For the Giants, blocking mammoth defensive tackle Vince Wilfork is priority No. 1. He's been playing at an All-World level and single-handedly stopped a number of Ravens' drives on Sunday. Keeping him out of the backfield is a tall task but one the Giants need to accomplish.

4. Which team needs a running game more?

Typically, you'd think the Giants are the team that needs a running game to keep Brady and the Patriots off the field, but it might be reversed now. New England has to run the ball well to both control the tempo and keep the Giants' pass rushers honest.

When the 49ers got too one-dimensional Sunday, New York teed off on Alex Smith. Even with Brady's all-time pocket presence, he can't avoid pressure when the Giants know a pass is coming. Keeping the confident Giants offense on the sidelines is a positive, too. 

5. Who is the early favorite?

If you listen to Vegas, the Patriots are the early favorite (-3). But if you look at the matchup, it's hard not to like the Giants. New York has won five straight games, including away games in Green Bay and San Francisco, and they've looked good doing it.

New York also has the confidence of beating the Patriots in Foxborough already this season. New York plays better as the underdog, but they might feel more like the favorite over the next two weeks.