Super Bowl 2012: Key Matchups That Will Decide the Winner

The New England Patriots and New York Giants are set to meet in a Super Bowl rematch of four years ago, and if this one is even half as exciting as the last, then it figures to be one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory.

New York used a strong pass rush to befuddle quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, and while it will be key again, it isn't the only matchup to keep an eye on. Each team has a distinct advantage in certain areas, so the result of the game will depend upon which team is able to play to its strengths best.

Here are the three biggest key matchups that will decide who wins Super Bowl XLVI.

Eli Manning vs. Patriots Defense in Fourth Quarter

The manner in which Giants quarterback Eli Manning handles a Patriots secondary that ranked 31st in the league against the pass during the regular season will be key throughout the game, but particularly in the fourth quarter. Manning orchestrated last-minute drives to beat the Pats in the Super Bowl four years ago and during this regular season, so he seems to have their number in that regard.

On top of that, Manning has been the best fourth-quarter signal-caller in the league this season by far. Not only does he have an incredible QB rating of 110, but he has thrown 15 touchdowns as opposed to just six interceptions. Manning continued to prove his late-game worth last week by willing the G-Men to victory over the San Francisco 49ers. If Manning continues his trend of late-game heroics, then the Patriots could be in trouble.

Giants Receivers vs. Patriots Secondary

As previously stated, the Patriots had a very difficult time defending the pass this season. Some of that had to do with nagging injuries to the likes of Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty, but clearly there are fundamental flaws in the secondary. New England was barely able to escape against the Baltimore Ravens as they allowed Joe Flacco to throw for over 300 yards, but they will have an even bigger challenge on their hands this week against perhaps the best receiving corps in football.

Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz combined for nearly 160 catches, 2,700 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season, and they have continued to play at a high level in the playoffs. Third receiver Mario Manningham didn't have the greatest year as he battled injuries, but he has a touchdown in every postseason game, and he recorded nearly 1,000 yards last year. The Pats figure to have a very hard time slowing down such a dominant triumvirate.

Tom Brady vs. Giants Pass Rush

It was the story of the Super Bowl when these two teams met four years ago, and it figures to be so once again as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will have to find a way to counteract Big Blue's ferocious pass rush. Brady was sacked five times in New England's loss in Super Bowl XLII as the Giants consistently got a major push right up the middle and in Brady's grill. Brady was sacked just twice when the teams played during the regular season, but he was pressured a ton and threw two interceptions as a result.

New England's offensive line has been solid for a long time, and while many of the players are aging, Brady has been pretty well protected this season, getting sacked just 32 times. New York ranked third in the league in sacks, though, with 48, so something has to give. If the Giants get the same pressure they did four years ago then we'll likely see a repeat performance, if not though, Brady should have time to make the G-Men pay.