Tom Brady vs. Eli Manning? No! Super Bowl 2012's Story Is Read Between the Lines

Many NFL aficionados have been labeling Superbowl XLVI as the meeting of two former Superbowl MVP quarterbacks. While the Tom Brady vs. Eli Manning contest is exciting and intriguing, it is not the match-up that will decide the results. 

This game is going to be won and lost in the bowels of the sport—the offensive and defensive lines. 

A quarterback is only as good as his offensive line. One need only recall the days when Fran Tarkenton—one of the greatest scramblers of all time—played for the Giants to realize that even the most mobile quarterbacks depend on the time their line will give them.

Looking at the line match-ups for the Giants vs. Patriots may give some insight as to how this game will play out.

New York Giants Offensive Line vs New England Patriots Defensive Line

Not surprisingly, the New York Giants' season has gone the way of their offensive line. 

In the Giants' seven losses during the regular season, the opponent averaged over two sacks per game, and in four of those losses the Giants allowed three or more sacks. In the nine regular season wins, the offensive line allowed a little more than one sack per game (12.5 sacks in nine wins). 

During the playoffs, the Giants' line has allowed eight sacks in three games. However, six of those came in the NFC Championship war with the 49ers. Eli Manning's success, particularly in the fourth quarter, has been achieved because at key moments the offensive line has held their ground. 

The Patriots' defensive line had 40 sacks during the regular season (an average of 2.5 a game). In their three losses, the Patriots had five sacks, all in one game against the Steelers. During the postseason, they have picked up their effort and have had eight sacks—an average of four per game. 

The bottom line is that when their defensive front is successful, the Patriots are successful.

Certainly this match-up of units will play a huge part in deciding the outcome of the Superbowl. During their regular season meeting, the Giants offensive line won the battle, allowing no sacks during the 24-20 Giants win. 

Look for the Patriots to try different schemes in an attempt to get to Manning this time around, but keep in mind this is a healthier and stronger Giants offensive line than the one they met in Week 9.

New England Patriots Offensive Line vs New York Giants Defensive Line

During the regular season, the Patriots' offensive line allowed 32 sacks (two per game). In the playoffs, this unit has elevated its already stellar play, allowing only one sack against the Broncos and the Ravens—two very good defenses. Tom Brady's success this season can be directly related to his line's consistent and extraordinary efforts.

The Giants defensive line is the heart and soul of their defense. As it goes, so go the Giants.  During the regular season, this unit had 48 sacks and maintained their efforts with nine more in three playoff games. In the meeting with the Patriots during Week 9, they managed two sacks of Tom Brady. 

It is clear this match-up of great defensive line vs great offensive line will determine the outcome of Superbowl XLVI. If the Patriots' line can contain the ferocious charge of the Giants defensive front four, Tom Brady may very well go on to have one of the greatest days in Superbowl history.  

However, if they can't, he'll be watching from the locker room as the Giants hoist the Lombardi trophy once again.