Four years after one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, the Patriots and Giants are at it again.
Most Las Vegas betting lines opened up with New England as a 3-point favorite for this year’s Super Bowl (XLVI) after the Pats squeaked by the Ravens in the AFC Championship game, 23-20. The Giants outlasted the 49ers in overtime to capture the NFC title, priming two familiar foes up against each other once again.
The Giants won the teams’ regular-season meeting, 24-20, capped by an Eli Manning-orchestrated touchdown drive in the final minute. So, why are the Patriots still favored?
Coming off consecutive losses to the Giants (Super Bowl XLII and Week 9 this season), losing a third-straight game to an opponent would be a rare occurrence of the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady Era. It’s only happened twice, once against the Colts and once with the Broncos.
But this Super Bowl matchup vs. the Giants is so much more than revenge for New England’s one Giant loss in SB42, and so much more than breaking a losing streak to New York.
It's also about pride.
“Trust me, everyone made a lot of mistakes on the field today (vs. Baltimore) except for our defense,” wide receiver Deion Branch told reporters after the team’s win on Sunday afternoon. “Defense and special teams did a great job. As far as offense, we didn't put our best outing on the football field tonight and I promise you the next time we step on the field it won’t be the same thing.
Coming off consecutive losses to the Giants (Super Bowl XLII and Week 9 this season), losing a third-straight game to an opponent would be a rare occurrence of the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady Era. It’s only happened twice, once against the Colts and once with the Broncos.
But this Super Bowl matchup vs. the Giants is so much more than revenge for New England’s one Giant loss in SB42, and so much more than breaking a losing streak to New York.
It's also about pride.
“Trust me, everyone made a lot of mistakes on the field today (vs. Baltimore) except for our defense,” wide receiver Deion Branch told reporters after the team’s win on Sunday afternoon. “Defense and special teams did a great job. As far as offense, we didn't put our best outing on the football field tonight and I promise you the next time we step on the field it won’t be the same thing.
"I promise you that.”
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