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.

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.

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith broke his silence about his future Tuesday, telling Pro Football Weekly he has not demanded a trade from Carolina, just a competitive situation to play in.

In a wide-reaching interview, Smith, who is coming off his least productive season (46 receptions for 554 yards and two touchdowns) since his rookie year, also addressed if he expected to be traded and why he put his house in Charlotte up for sale.

“Do I expect to be traded?” Smith said. “I am not sure what to expect. That’s the truth. Could I see a situation where I stay (in Carolina)? In my mind, I have played out every scenario: I could be moved, I could be cut, I could stay or I could be locked out. Honestly, my family and I are prepared for whatever steps are presented in front of us.”

Even if that included moving? Trade speculation picked up when Smith recently put his North Carolina house on the market.

“I think it’s important that people realize I am not packing my bags,” Smith said. “As far as why my house is for sale, we built this huge house and we just don’t have any business living in it. It seemed like a great idea, and then we moved into this big house. We started cringing at all that space we had. For me, it was a little bit vain that I have this big house with this big yard. People saw my house was on sale and said it was me sending a message.

“Really the message I sent was to my kids: Dad made a mistake. This isn’t how we are supposed to live. This isn’t what I should be projecting. If we don’t do this now, what incentive do I give my kids to reach for? You make a lot of money and then you go blow it? I don’t want to be a statistic. I want to be a good steward.”

“As I feel right now, I would like to play as long as there is an opportunity — and to play with the same passion but with just a little bit of a different perspective,” he said. “Less about what somebody can give me and more about what I can offer and what I can bring to the table and improve and help (a team).”

If that’s the Panthers remains to be seen. The San Diego Chargers are interested in Smith and are reportedly monitoring the Panthers situation closely.

Smith is certain of one thing — the Panthers will have a much different look this season regardless of whether he’s on their roster or not.

“All the changes that the Panthers organization has made, does it change my feelings towards the team?” Smith said. “I have no ill feelings; I have not changed. I am not upset. I am not mad. Those changes they made, I think they are not small — they are huge. They are foundational changes. I think it changes the whole attitude, the whole atmosphere.”

Coach Mark Richt said Ealey had been granted his conditional release to transfer to another school for next season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

“Washaun and I have had several conversations in recent weeks,” Richt said in a statement. “We both have come to the conclusion that a transfer to another institution would be in his best interest.”

Ealey led Georgia in rushing as a sophomore with 811 yards and 11 touchdowns, setting a school record when he ran for five TDs in a win over Kentucky. But the Bulldogs had their first losing season since 1996 and signaled a change in direction with their signing of highly touted running back Isaiah Crowell.

Under fire after three straight disappointing seasons, Richt did nothing to downplay expectations for the freshman.

“I wouldn’t be shocked to see him run that rock in the Dome against Boise State on the opening play if he does what he’s supposed to do,” the coach said on signing day.

Ealey was suspended for the 2010 season opener after his arrest for driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident. Then, in February, he was barred from offseason activities after reportedly failing to show up for disciplinary running.

Richt lifted the suspension less than three weeks later, but Ealey surely knew he was facing a cut in playing time after sharing carries with Caleb King, who had disciplinary issues of his own last season.

King was suspended for two games after failing to appear in court to deal with a speeding ticket, then he missed the Liberty Bowl because of academic issues.

Pac-12 Media Enterprises will own the Pac-12 Network, the Pac-12 Digital Network and Pac-12 Properties. It will control and distribute all Pac-12 games not licensed to ESPN and Fox Sports.

Commissioner Larry Scott would not divulge financial terms of the new 12-year agreements with ESPN and Fox Sports, calling it only a “landmark deal” that will enable each of the conference’s institutions to share equally in revenue.

“We are especially delighted to be strengthening and expanding our relationship with ESPN and FOX Sports to deliver an unprecedented level of innovative sports programming to large national audiences across the country,” Scott said in a statement. “With this agreement, we will deliver our events over two broadcast networks and at least five premiere national cable platforms. In addition, we will have our own Pac-12 National Cable TV platform and Pac-12 Digital Network platform.”

All football games not televised by the two networks will be broadcast on the Pac-12 network. Men’s basketball and women’s basketball games will also be featured prominently, along with other Olympic sports.

The Pac-12 football championship game will be broadcast by Fox Sports for the next two years and will then alternate years with ESPN. It will also be held on a Friday night in prime time.

This summer, Utah and Colorado will officially join the conference to expand it from 10 schools to 12.

Coach Will Muschamp announced Jenkins’ dismissal Tuesday, three days after his latest arrest. He was charged with marijuana possession Saturday after a Gainesville Police officer spotted the 22-year-old sitting in a parked car, smoking what the officer later found to be a marijuana cigar.

Jenkins was arrested on the same charge in January and later accepted a plea deal. He also was arrested in May 2009 during a downtown fight. He signed a deferred prosecution agreement, agreeing to probation and community service.

Mushcamp says he met with Jenkins on Tuesday, and both felt it was in Jenkins’ best interest to move on “to the next stage of his career.We appreciate Janoris’ contributions to the University of Florida during his time here and wish him the best of luck.” Said Muschamp

Jenkins, who was named to the All-Southeastern Conference first team by The Associated Press, missed all of spring practice after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum he suffered at the beginning of last season. Even though he was projected as a high first-round pick, Jenkins decided to stay in school rather than enter the NFL draft.

A three-year starter, Jenkins has eight career interceptions, including three last season, one of which he returned 67 yards for a touchdown.

34.  Bills- Aaron Wiliams CB Texas

35. Bengals- Andy Dalton QB TCU

36. 49ers- Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada

37.  Browns- Jabaal Sheard DE Pitt

38. Cardinals- Ryan Williams RB Virgina Tech

39. Titans- Akeem Ayers ILB UCLA

40. Dallas- Bruce Carter OLB UNC

41. Redskins- Jarvis Jenkins DT Clemson

42. Texans- Brooks Reed DE Arizona

43. Vikings- Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame

44. Lions- Titus Young WR Bosie ST

45. Broncos- Rahim Moore S UCLA

46. Broncos- Orlando Franklin OG/OT Miami(FL)

47. Rams- Lance Kendricks TE Wisconsin

48. Raiders- Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State

49. Colts- Ben Ijalana OG/OT Villanova

50. Chargers- Marcus Gilchrist CB Clemson

51. Bucs-  Da’Quan Bowers DE Clemson

52. Giants- Marvin Austin DT UNC

53. Bears- Stephen Paea DT Oregon State

54. Eagles- Jaiquawn Jarrett CB Temple

55. Chiefs- Rodney Hudson C FSU

56. Patriots- Shane Vereen RB CAL

57. Lions- Mikel Lashoure RB Illinois

58. Ravens- Torrey Smith WR Maryland

59. Browns- Greg Little WR UNC

60. Texans- Brandon Harris CB Miami(FL)

61. Chargers- Jonas Mouton OLB Michigan

62. Dolphins- Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State

63. Steelers- Marcus Gilbert OT Florida

64. Packers- Randall Cobb WR Kentucky

65. Panthers- Terrell McClain DT South Florida

66. Bengals- Dontay Moch OLB Nevada

67. Denver- Nate Irving ILB NC State

68. Bills- Kelvin Sheppard ILB LSU

69. Cardinals- Robert Housler TE FAU

70. Chiefs- Justin Houston DE Gerorgia

71. Cowboys- Demarco Murray RB Oklahoma

72. Saints- Martez Wilson OLB Illinois

73. Patriots- Stevan Riddley RB LSU

74. Patriots- Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas

75. Seahawks John Moffit OG Wisconsin

76. Jaguars- William Rackly OG Lehigh

77. Titans- Jurrell Casey DT USC

78. Rams- Austin Pettis WR Bosie ST 

79. Redskins-Leonard Hankerson WR Miami(FL)

80. 49ers- Chris Culliver CB South Carolina

81. Raiders- Demarcus Van Dyke CB Miami

82. Chagers- Vincent Brown WR SDSU

83. Giants- Jerrel Jernigan WR Troy

84. Bucs- Mason Foster ILB Washington

85. Ravens- Jah Reid C Florida

86. Chiefs- Allen Bailey DE Miami

87. Colts- Drake Nevis DT LSU

88. Saints- Johnny Patrick CB Louisville

89. Chargers- Shareece Wright CB USC

90. Eagles- Curtis Marsh CB Utah State

91. Falcons- Akeem Dent ILB Georgia

92. Raiders- Joe Barksdale OT LSU

93. Bears- Christopher Conte S Cal

94. Jets- Kenrick Ellis DT Hampton

95. Steelers- Curtis Brown CB Texas

96. Packers- Alexander Green RB Hawaii