One year ago, there were serious doubts that the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis would even take place. Things didn't look much better during the early part of the summer when the NFL lockout was in place. But once late July came and both the owners and the players saw the need to get something done, the NFL season was back on. And here we are with the New England Patriots and the New York Giants playing in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. Who will win?
The Patriots are slight favorites by a field goal to defeat the Giants. That's with the awesome firepower Tom Brady has to work with: Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. But Eli Manning has been adept at turning in solid performances throughout the postseason. He has Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham to target. Neither team has a great pass defense and the run defenses are only slightly better.
Will it come down to coaching? Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin have both won Super Bowls, but will the former have something special planned for this game? Or will Tom Coughlin stick with his steady methods and emerge with a second Super Bowl victory?
PREDICTION: GIANTS over PATRIOTS, 35-30
Head over to Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View for more on this game. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.