Deja Blue? or Patriot pay back?

Chris: You're right. The Patriots struggled against a good Ravens defense. However, the Giants defense is not nearly as good as the Ravens. The Giants have a phenomenal front four, but are very weak in the secondary. If the front four cannot generate pressure on quarterback Tom Brady, it could be a long day for the Giants. 

 

Josh: This could easily turn in to a high-scoring game. If that is the case, Brady can't give up any possessions like he did against the Ravens. I trust Giants QB Eli Manning and his offense more than the Patriots' offense. This game could come down to whose offense can keep the opposing offense on the sideline. In that situation, you have to go with the Giants because running back Ahmad Bradshaw is playing the best he has ever played.

 

Chris: If I had to bet my money on what team would be more prepared given two weeks, it's the Patriots. Their defense will look better in this game. They really stepped up against Baltimore and they had a solid offense.

 

Josh: Well, let's go back to 2007. The Patriots had a high-flying offense, but they couldn't get Eli off the field. This year, Eli has all the weapons from 2007 and more. I think you will see a similar game as the last time they played in the Super Bowl. I also think it will play out the same way with the Giants' D-line moving Brady out of the pocket, making him uncomfortable.

 

Chris: The one big difference this year, as opposed to the game in 2007, is the fact that the Patriots aren't overlooking the Giants like they did then. They were 18-0, going against a team that barely earned a wildcard spot. The Giants had the psychological edge. This year, everyone is picking the Giants to win. The fact that the 2007 upset happened gives an advantage to the Patriots, too. They want revenge on the team that ruined their shot at perfection. To go back to what you said about these being the same teams as the ones who played then, the one thing that Brady didn't have then was a tight end – now he has two. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are the best duo in the league, and you know how much having athletic tight ends can create huge matchup problems.

 

Josh: The Patriots had matchup problems in 2007. They played everyone great that year. They had one of the most difficult players to game-plan for in Randy Moss.

 

Chris: But, when the Giants played the 49ers, their tight end Vernon Davis had a monster game.

 

Josh: Which is why the Giants will be more prepared this week. If they can just focus on stopping New England's tight ends, they'll win the game. The best way to stop them from making plays is to make Brady move. I believe that Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul can do that.

 

Chris: The Ravens could get to the quarterback, too. Terrell Suggs was one of the best pass-rushers last year. The Patriots made him obsolete by using three-step drops and getting the ball out quickly, which is what they will do Sunday. 

 

OK, it's selection time. Who do you think is the better coach?

 

Josh: I have to go with Tom Coughlin. He out-coached Belichick last time around. He seems to have the Patriots' number — people forget that the Giants already beat the Patriots earlier this year. All Belichick has is the best quarterback.

 

Chris: A few years ago that "best quarterback" went down for the season, in the first game and Belichick still went 11-5 with the backup. He has now gone to five Super Bowls in the past 11 years and come out with four rings — not bad.

 

Josh: Who's your X-factor?

 

Chris: I'm going with Chad Ochocinco. He hasn't done much all year. To me, that gives him and the Patriots an advantage. It's difficult to game-plan for a guy who you don't have much film on. We know he still has skill. I think he gets involved and makes some key plays that help the Patriots win the game. I think the Giant's tight end Jake Ballard will have to have a big game for the Giants to win. There is going to be so much focus on the receiving corp of the G-men, that he will have to step up and make some plays.

 

Josh: I'm going with the obvious pick, Tom Brady. He has to play smart and facilitate the ball. He cannot make a mistake. On the Giants' side, the X-factor is Victor Cruz. The game goes as he goes. If he plays well, the Giants win. It will come down to those two playmakers.

 

Predictions:

 

Josh: 24-17 Giants. Chris: 28-24 Patriots.

 

Follow Chris Moore's Super Bowl updates on the University Press Facebook page.