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Keys to Super Bowl XLVI

With less than a week till Super Bowl XLVI, it’s time we take a look at the keys to the game for both the Patriots and the Giants.

Gronk’s Health – This has been the biggest story for the last week and a half, and will continue to be the leading story until we see Gronkowski play on Sunday. With the recent report coming from his dad that he has a high ankle sprain, this is a major issue for the Patriots. Gronkowski has become the focal point of the offense, allowing others like Welker and Hernandez more room to run. If Gronk is unable to be effective during the game, the Giants won’t have to double him and can concentrate on taking away Brady’s other targets. If this is the reality, Deon Branch could be the key to the Patriots passing game. If Gronk is able to be effective, than the pressure is on the Giants’ mediocre core of linebackers to handle two stud TEs.

Giants Pass Rush – In Super Bowl XLII the Giants’ pass rush shocked the New England offensive line and overwhelmed Brady. The Patriots were to inept to handle the rush, or make game time adjustments to slow down Giants. However, the Giants don’t have the same type of D they had in ’07. While their front 4 are the best in the game, their linebackers are weak, and can’t be left alone in 1on1 pass coverage all game. The Patriots O-Line handled the Ravens front 7 and if they do the same to the Giants, Brady will carve their weak (but not as pathetic as the Patriots) secondary.

Turnover Battle – While this is a no brainer key to the game, the events in both the AFC and NFC Championship games, makes this even more important. In the AFC Championship, Brady and the Patriots almost blew their chance to be in the Super Bowl with turnover after turnover. Brady was surprisingly bad, throwing three INTs including an awful decision to take a shot down field after a Brandon Spikes‘ interception that could have sealed the game. After the Patriot escaped elimination after numerous turnovers, the Giants got their berth to the Super Bowl capitalizing on turnovers. Kyle Williams inability to hold onto the football, and the fact he thought he could fool the 700 angles of instant replay, allowed the Giants to sneak into the Super Bowl. The Patriots had similar issues with Danny WoodHead fumbling on a kickoff return. If the Giants are able to force multiple turnovers, this game could get out of hand. Look for the giants to try and fluster Brady and force him to make bad decisions.

Goodell Gets Extension

Like it or not, Roger Goodell will be the commissioner of the NFL through 2018. After taking of for Paul Tagliabue in 2006, Goodell has been instrumental in the success of the NFL. Over the last decade, the NFL has grown astronomically and is above all others when it comes to fan base, and ratings. However, we are going to start off with some of the ways Goodell might ruin in the game in the next 6 years.

Since taking office, Goodell has suspended over 7 players and handed out more fines than I think we’ve ever seen in the sport. While people are more intrigued with the with the sport and the fan base is growing rapidly in all demographics. While there is a lot of attention being given to the game, the media has clearly paid more attention to the fines and suspensions. We have no one but Goodell to thank for this with the rule changes he has laid down over the last 5 years. There is a fine line of protecting the players, and controlling the game that he may have crossed. The most disappointing rule change is clearly the fact that he moved up the kickoff. Not only does it take one of the most exciting plays out of the game, but he also may have cost some players a job and a shot to live out their dream. Goodell also crossed the line with some of the rules that favor the offense. While it is exciting to see points on the board, it’s not as exciting to see them do it with 15yrd penalty after 15yrd penalty. While the main issue is that there isn’t parody from referee crew to referee crew, it is Goodell’s job to make sure that they are all on the same page.

That being sad, nothing can be taken away from Goodell for what he did during the lock out. Not only did he respectively reduce his salary to $1, but he saved a sport we all love. In the last year, he negotiated a 4 1/2 month locate, extended and negotiated long-term tv contracts that will bring in more revenue for the next 10 years, and saw the NFL have one of its most successful seasons ever. So while we may criticize ”The Man” for trying to change the game too much, we can all be glad Goodell is here to stay.