It took four years for this great football even to happen again. The main protagonists Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin are back together in a Super Bowl. Indianapolis plays host to the New England Patriots and New York Giants on Sunday night when the two teams face off for Super Bowl XLVI at the Lucas Oil Center.

It has been a magical season for the Giants so far with Manning playing a record-breaking season. The team collectively went through a challenging regular season that ended with a 9-7 win-loss record. The road to the playoffs was a rollercoaster ride for them and they had to get to the title game via the Wild Card.

The Giants are a win away from raising the Lombardi Trophy and they have the Patriots standing in the way. The Pats are favored to beat them but they may have a psychological advantage and history going for them as they head into Sunday’s game.

The Wild Card Giants then beat the Patriots at Super Bowl XLII in what was considered one of the greatest upset wins in National Football League history. Defense held Brady from executing passing plays as the Giants kept pressure on the Patriots’ quarterback.

This time the Giants may not be heavy underdogs. Yet the winning formula could still be the same.

Eli Manning can take care of offense as he has shown all season. The younger of Manning siblings in the NFL can spot receivers and make that touchdown score to light up the scoreboard.

What Manning needs is a collective effort on defense. Brady and the Patriots used to rely on the deep ball four years ago but their offense has evolved by using “dink and dunk” plays every now and then. This poses a new challenge for the Giants with Brady having so many passing options like Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker and Deion Branch and the Giants will have their hands full covering the passing lanes all game.

Manning has offense covered. Defense will be the key for the New York Giants at Super Bowl XLVI.

Tags: Eli Manning, Kick off, New York Giants, Super Bowl 46, Super Bowl XLVI