Two Super Bowl match-ups to watch

We’ve seen it before. The Patriots walking into the Super Bowl favored to take it all. Eli Manning not getting the respect he deserves despite his clutch plays in the fourth quarter (sound like anyone else we know?).

Yes, David Tyree gave us a forth quarter moment we won’t forget, but last time these teams met for the big prize, the first three quarters fell flat. Fortunately, these teams have evolved in quite different ways. I mean, the Patriots employ the services of Chad Ochocinco. It’s hard to believe Mr. Ochocinco will be playing for a Super Bowl title.

So what will tomorrow have in store for us besides car, beer, and ED pill commercials? Well, to help paint a picture we’ll focus on two player match-ups. Get ready for a Super Bowl article that only mentions Tom Brady once, which fortunately, is this sentence.

Vincent Wilfork vs. David Baas

Much of this game rides on the play of the big man, Vince Wilfork. Teams before have blitzed Eli Manning, but he has simply stepped up into the pocket and made the play. However, what happens when there is a 325 pound man in the way?

That is the job of David Baas. Both Baas and Wilfork were born just 37 days apart, with Baas being the elder. Unfortunately for Baas, none of the 37 days will have him more prepared for this match-up.  Wilfork has been dominant ever since stepping foot on NFL soil. Whereas, Baas has been the very definition of mediocre.

Baas will try admirably, but the Giants will be forced to double team Wilfork. This two man onslaught will open the flood gates for pass rushing specialists Mark Anderson and Rob Ninkovich. Look for Eli Manning to have to pull some plays out of his well, you know what.

Winner: Vince Wilfork

Victor Cruz v. Patriots Secondary

This last season Victor Cruz set the Giants single season record for receiving yards (1,536) despite only starting 7 games. It was two years ago when Cruz inked his name on the Giants’ roster. During a preseason game against the Jets, Cruz caught 6 passes for 145 yards and 3 touchdowns. No one saw such a phenomenal performance coming.

So far during the Giants playoff run Hakeem Nicks has been the star for the receiver corps. The Patriots have surely built a game plan against Nicks. This will leave Cruz the opportunity to have an explosive night. This time, everyone won’t be so surprised.

The Patriots secondary has been extremely weak this season, which anyone playing fantasy football can tell you. Devin McCourty himself has allowed over a 1,000 yards despite even missing two games. The rest of the Patriots corners are a bunch of unknown guys like Sterling Moore. 

One thing to note is that the New England defensive backfield has been playing at a much higher level this post-season. However, these young corners haven’t encountered a receiving corps quite like the Giants. Even if you somehow manage to cover both Nicks and Cruz, Jake Ballard has a nice set of hands for a tight end.

Winner: Victor Cruz

What do you think Bronco nation? What other match-ups are there to watch tomorrow?