Super Bowl 2012: 8 Reasons This Super Bowl Could Live Up to the Hype

Are we there yet?

Doesn't it seem like the ride to Super Bowl XLVI has been the longest trip, ever?

Finally, in four days, the New England Patriots and the New York Giants will lace up the cleats and tighten the chin straps and leave everything on the field with one goal in mind—the Lombardi Trophy.

If I told you I wasn't a little giddy for this one, then I would be lying. This could be the best championship played in the history of the NFL and the repeat performance by these teams from only four years ago could turn into an instant classic.

And to think we were talking about a return engagement between Pittsburgh and Green Bay just a few weeks ago.

With all the side stories, subplots and drama of injuries, there are many reasons why this could be as good as the hype indicates. Here are some reasons why we as fans, and yes, writers, hope the game is even better than the hype.

Hoodie vs. Stone Face

Somewhere, you know Bill Parcells is in a sky box or in an NFL sports studio and smiling.

His work is done. His proteges are two of the best ever.

Bill Belichick is trying to win his fourth championship in five tries. Tom Coughlin is trying to claim his second in two tries.

A win by either puts them in rare air. And the question for Belichick being amongst the five best of all time would only be expected. Coughlin winning a second against one of the best puts him in conversation for Hall of Fame recognition.

This is only the beginning.

Rob Gronkowski's Ankle

It may be the most talked about injury in the Super Bowl.

When Rob Gronkowski grabbed his leg in the AFC Championship Game, every Patriots fan held their collective breathes.

He was at media day on Tuesday without the aid of a walking boot, which should give fans and the coaching staff some hope he can go at full speed on Sunday.

According to ESPN.com, the team is looking to have their star tight end fitted for a special shoe for the game.

Which Manning Is Better?

That question will finally be answered if Eli Manning can beat Tom Brady again for the second time in as many tries.

And he will do it in Peyton's place.

If Manning wins a second Super Bowl and Peyton has only won one, doesn't that make him the better of the Manning brothers?

Well, look at it this way. Peyton won his Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears and Rex Grossman. He lost to Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

Eli Manning will have won against arguably this generation's Joe Montana in Tom Brady.

We Want to See the Unsung Hero Win the Game

And this game could have plenty of them.

Danny Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Mario Manningham, Bear Pascoe and maybe Lawrence Tynes.

There will be others and if the impossible will be orchestrated by one of the two best playoff quarterbacks of all time, then there is more fodder for Super Bowl lore.

And all of this while Peyton Manning watches from a sky box.

It Would Cause Archie Manning to Choose Sides

So much has been made over the years of Archie Manning the father, who is involved in both his sons' success in the NFL.

This year has been no different with Peyton's injury.

But Manning helped get Eli traded by San Diego to the Giants for Phillip Rivers in the first place. And he has been very vocal in Peyton's playing and injury status.

With Eli winning one more ring, would daddy be able to say which of his sons is the better player?

A Severe Pass Rush

Can the Patriots survive the front seven of the Giants?

Can Tom Brady beat the rush and expose New York's secondary.

The two major questions of the contest to be considered.

And both need to be answered early if this game is going to be the high-scoring production it should be.

Lethal Weapons

Rob Gronkowski is not the only weapon Tom Brady loves to covet.

Remember, there is Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker. Julian Edelman can catch a pass or two. And Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley serve as nice additions on passing downs.

Brady has so many options Santa Claus is jealous.

It Could Come Down to a Foot

Could we see Lawrence Tynes or Stephen Gostkowski?

Adam Vinatieri would be so proud.

This game has all the makings of an offensive slobber-knocker and in reality, it may be a 23-20 contest.

If it comes down to the final seconds, both kickers are capable of becoming Super Bowl heroes.