First and foremost, the Patriots are the better team. They have a better offensive line, better receivers, a better quarterback, a better kicker, and a better secondary. With all due respect to Tom Coughlin and company, you would have to give the Patriots a coaching edge as well.

Another significant factor is that the game is being played indoors. New England's passing game is lethal, precision-like. Given perfect conditions, it can be near perfect. Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte Stallworth are a load to handle. Kevin Faulk and Ben Watson make the passing game near impossible to contain. Laurence Maroney is healthy and running extremely well.

What impressed me about the Patriots in their victory over the Chargers and their terrific defense was how New England adjusted at halftime. Unable to get good results with their spread offense against San Diego, the Patriots went to a conventional offense, going with two-tight end and two-running back sets and running the football right at the Chargers with great success while shifting the passing game from a vertical philosophy to going to Faulk out of the backfield in mismatch situations. This is an extremely talented and versatile offense.

The Patriots defense, while not overwhelming by any means, is sufficient. It is a smart unit that bends but most often does not break. I do not have any doubt that Eli Manning and the Giants offense can do some business against this defense, just as they did in the regular season finale battle between the two teams. I just do not see the Giants defense being able to contain the Patriots offense nearly enough to win the game.

Eli Manning has been a great story. He is playing poised, precision football, making good decisions and great throws. He has arrived. The critics have been silenced, at least until his next interception. In losing despite putting up 35 points in the regular season loss to New England, Eli was criticized for a fourth quarter interception despite tossing four touchdown passes. Such is the case when your last name is "Manning" and you play for a team that represents New York.

To have any chance, the Giants defensive line will have to apply real and consistent pressure on Brady. He is not very mobile but he has great feet and instinct in sliding or stepping up to avoid pressure. The biggest weakness for each team will be attacked and exposed--the Patriots linebackers and the Giants secondary.

The final advantage for New England is obvious--experience. They have been there and done that. They are ready to handle the pressure, which is enormous for an unbeaten team. Should they win, you would have to consider this the greatest team ever. When you factor in free agency, the salary cap, and the draft, to win yet another title would make this the case.

Should the Patriots win, Tom Brady would have to be considered one of the two greatest quarterbacks ever (Joe Montana is the other), if not the best. He is cool, deadly accurate, unflappable, smart, and a tremendous leader. Eli Manning is certainly on the right path to reaching those characteristics. He is not there yet and I don't believe his team, despite an impressive run of three consecutive road playoff wins, can overcome this Patriot dynasty....

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