[4] FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
1. Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback A victory would provide Brady his fourth Super Bowl ring, matching Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw for most all-time. Brady has a 16-5 record in postseason games and is fearless in the big moment. In four previous Super Bowl appearances, he has completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,001 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. More impressive: He produced go-ahead scoring drives in the fourth quarter of all four of those games.2. Eli Manning, Giants quarterback Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride can't stop talking about Manning's contagious equanimity, fully evident in the NFC title game when he threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns despite facing relentless pressure from the 49ers. Manning's confidence is also at an all-time high as he has learned when to gamble and when to take the safe route. Back in Week 9, he threw for 250 yards and led a winning 80-yard TD drive in the final minutes of a 24-20 victory at New England.
3. Vince Wilfork, Patriots defensive tackle The only remaining defensive starter from New England's last Super Bowl team, Wilfork is a perennial Pro Bowl pick finishing off his best season yet. He provides the Patriots defense with steady production on the interior. But just as valuable, he has emerged as a fiery yet disciplined leader, learning how to channel his energy in a productive manner. For a defense with so many holes, Wilfork's consistency and versatility could be the X-factor.
4. Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants defensive end Count how many times the NBC broadcast team refers to Pierre-Paul as "a late bloomer." Also don't be surprised if you're peppered with anecdotes or video of the Pro Bowl player's freakish athleticism, often exhibited with his ability to do back flips. The second-year playmaker finished fourth in the NFL during the regular season with 16 1/2 sacks and has a rare combination of strength and agility that could give New England tackle Matt Light fits.
[3] THREE KEYS TO THE GAME
How the Patriots will handle Cruz control The Patriots ranked 31st during the regular season against the pass. Now they will have to limit a Giants receiving trio that might be the best in the NFL. Victor Cruz, in particular, has developed incredible chemistry with Manning. Cruz is not only quick and crisp with his patterns, he's developed proficiency on "read routes," adjusting to coverages on the fly and instinctively tailoring his routes in sync with what Manning sees. Cruz had 82 catches for 1,536 yards during the regular season and has added 17 grabs for 244 yards in the playoffs.
How the Giants create rush hour Four years ago, New York's defense attacked Brady from the outset, sacking him five times and forcing 19 incompletions in 48 passing attempts. With a defensive front that features Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Dave Tollefson, the potential to disturb New England's rhythm is there. But Brady has flourished often this year with quick passes, offsetting the Patriots' deficiencies on the offensive line.
How the ground game is established Neither of these two pass-happy teams figures to build a game plan around its running backs. But production on the ground would serve as an added bonus. New England might rate a slight edge in that department, able to creatively use three backs in BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley to loosen things up. For New York, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw need to be solid but not spectacular.
[2] TWO UNSUNG HEROES
Antrel Rolle, Giants defensive back A promising free safety for Arizona during his first five NFL seasons, Rolle accepted a revised role in his second year with New York, assuming nickel back responsibilities this season as the Giants tinkered with their defensive approach. Full of energy and sometimes outspoken, Rolle has been at his best during his team's current five-game winning streak. He's also looking to erase a painful memory from his Super Bowl experience three years ago, when the Steelers scored a touchdown with 35 seconds left to beat the Cardinals.Deion Branch, Patriots wide receiver Let's not forget, Branch was the Super Bowl MVP seven years ago when New England beat Philadelphia 24-21. He had 11 catches for 133 yards in that game. And while he is featured far less in the Patriots offense nowadays, Branch still has Brady's full trust, a wonderful safety valve in a passing attack that forces opposing defenses to focus on Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
[1] ONE BOLD PREDICTION
Strange things have been happening in Indianapolis for the past week, not the least of which has been the easygoing deportment Bill Belichick has been displaying. The New England coach is familiar with this Super Bowl stage. But his genius was called into question at Lucas Oil Stadium in November 2009, when he made a surprise fourth-quarter call to go for it on fourth-and-2 at his own 28, a gamble that backfired in a high-profile 35-34 loss to the Colts. Bold hunch: Belichick makes a similar call in the Super Bowl, New England converts and holds on. A pass-happy NFL season will end with Brady firing the final bullet. Patriots 34, Giants 30
