Super Bowl 2012: A Slightly Different Prediction for Patriots-Giants Clash

Everyone is giving their Super Bowl XLVI prediction, and after nearly two full weeks of researching, analyzing and writing about the New England Patriots and New York Giants battle, I'm finally confident in my prediction.

I have come to many conclusions, some that may be different from what you've read or heard. 

Let's go to a quick game breakdown.

It may surprise you. 

All I've heard for the last two weeks is how amazing the New York Giants' defensive line is and how they're going to tear apart Tom Brady.

Is everyone forgetting how truly awesome the New England Patriots' offensive line is? 

Sure, the collection of Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Connolly, Brian Waters and Nate Solder surrendered 33 sacks in 2011, but I remember Tom Brady having more than enough time to deliver the football on most occasions.

In the postseason, Brady's been sacked once against the likes of Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata. 

Don't get me wrong, the Giants pass-rushers won't be stymied throughout, but I don't see them wreaking so much havoc that the Patriots' offense will be rendered incapable of moving the ball and scoring points. 

No way.

Not with Brady and not with two weeks for Bill Belichick to counter with a quick-pass, chip-block game plan. 

Rob Gronkowski won't be 100 percent, but he'll play and will have an impact, albeit a significantly smaller one. He will still be able to box out safeties and most linebackers over the middle. Don't be shocked if he catches a touchdown pass, either. 

I've also heard about how atrocious the Patriots' defense is. Statistically, it's horrible. But it has greatly improved over the last four or five games and can get after the passer while slowing down any team's running game. Ray Rice was held to 3.2 yards per carry and one catch for 11 yards in the AFC title game.

They made the Denver Broncos' apparently solid offensive line look terrible and sacked Joe Flacco three times en route to their AFC championship victory. 

Yes, Eli Manning and his star-studded receiving corps will make plays and the Giants will score points, but it won't necessarily be an easy task. 

Don't forget about turnovers, the biggest game-changer of them all. Both teams are fantastic at forcing them and rarely give up the football. 

When it comes down to the fourth quarter, though, you have to give the edge to New York, due to their overall team balance and experienced secondary. 

We'll be in for a rather high-scoring affair that should be competitive into the final stanza. 

In the end, the lack of a deep threat for the Pats and New York's premier offensive firepower will prove to be too much. 

Giants 34 Patriots 28

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