Super Bowl XLVI Coverage: Get Caught Up On The Game-Week News And Notes

Tiquan Underwood Released In Strategic, Perhaps Ruthless, Move

Tiquan Underwood was cut by the New England Patriots just 24 hours before the Super Bowl, and the move has caused plenty of uproar. It's cold, sure, but the move was also a calculated one, as you would probably expect. As the news began to trickle out, I wondered if the timing had something to do with a competitive advantage, and it seems that it did.

In short, releasing Underwood now, and not days ago, ensures the New York Giants cannot claim him, allowing them to gain some kind of perceived advantage. It's likely the Patriots decided Chad Ochocinco would be active, making Underwood expendable. So instead of keeping the young wide receiver, New England called up a practice squad defensive end for depth.

Albert Breer elaborates on the rules.

For everyone wondering about timing on Underwood: Pretty sure a reason to do it now would be that the Giants can't claim him. It's too late.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 5, 2012

... If that's indeed why the Patriots are doing it now, my guess is it was planned, and Underwood was apprised of it all along.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 5, 2012

The earliest the Giants could pickup Underwood is Monday, so the Patriots don't have to risk losing a player to their Super Bowl opponent. Remember, coaches are always paranoid, and Bill Belichick certainly looks to find every competitive advantage available while preventing his opponents from doing the same. After all, Josh McDaniels did join the team as a quality control coach just before the Patriots faced the Broncos.

So releasing Underwood 24 hours before the Super Bowl was cold, but it's just another reminder that the NFL is a business. Underwood may have known the move was coming, but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow for him. Then again, I'm sure plenty of coaches would pull the same move Belichick did, so there's that.

PHOTO: Ryan Mallett Is Basically Zoolander

Super Bowl 2012: Tiquan Underwood Released By New England Patriots

We're sorry, Tiquan Underwood, but you won't be heading to the Super Bowl. Sure, Underwood is in Indianapolis and has been practicing with the Patriots, but a mere 24 hours before the game, the Patriots have released the young wide receiver. So much for the Super Bowl experience.

The news comes from Shalice Young

#Patriots announce that DE Alex Silvestro has been promoted from practice squad for tomorrow's game; WR Tiquan Underwood has been released

— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) February 4, 2012

The other shoe to drop in this situation is Chad Ochocinco. As Young notes, this move means Ochocinco will be active for the Super Bowl.

as others are noting, Underwood's release confirms that Chad Ochocinco will be active tomorrow

— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) February 4, 2012

But dang, that's just rough for Underwood. So close, yet so far away.

At least he only had the Pats' logo shaved into his head, and not done as a tattoo.

PHOTO: New York Giants Are Super Bowl 46 Champions

Super Bowl 2012: Overcrowding Friday Leads To Increased Police Measures In Indianapolis

We are still over 24 hours away from the 2012 Super Bowl between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, but already crowding has become an issue in Indianapolis. Police will restrict access to the Super Bowl Village after violence Friday led to 13 injuries, according to the Indianapolis Star. In a news release, the Department of Public Safety reported 22 arrests, mostly for public intoxication. None of the injuries were life threatening.

"The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety announced today that the events of last night were very positive,'' the news release stated. "We are very thankful for the cooperation our residents and visitors displayed.

"The Department of Public Safety is asking the public to be aware that they are going to be in a crowd tonight as the festivities continue. If you want to watch the performance and you are up against the stage, create some space for yourself.

"Be mindful if you are bringing children with you, you may not want to be right in the thick of things because that is where the densest crowd is going to be."

The Super Bowl Host Committee reported that the village drew 200,000 visitors on Friday, roughly 50,000 more than had visited the day before. Police will cut off pedestrian traffic to Georgia Street from Pennsylvania and Meridian streets once they determine that the village is at capacity.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Twitter Favors Eli Manning Over Tom Brady, According To Complex But Important IBM Formula

Everyone knows that football games are not won or lost on the field, but rather on Twitter, Facebook, and the comments section of YouTube. To that end, IBM is currently running a project to measure and quantify fan sentiment online heading into Sunday's Super Bowl between the Giants and Patriots. While New England may be favored by the Vegas oddsmakers, Giants' quarterback Eli Manning has passed Pats' quarterback Tom Brady as a favorite among the Twitter masses. The New York Times' Fifth Down explains:

"Tom Brady was leading Eli Manning in the positive sentiment all week and then yesterday we saw this big shift," Michael Azzi of IBM communications said. "And really, what caused that was a backlash against all the publicity that Peyton Manning has been getting. People were getting tired of hearing about Peyton Manning and saying ‘Hey, this is really Eli's moment in the sun.'"

IBM's technology was originally designed to help companies better understand their customers, but as with every other business promotion this time of year, there's a football application. IBM is confident that the measurements are accurate, excluding spam by analyzing multiple terms and words posted by users.

While Brady is the number one topic of discussion this week, lesser-known wide receivers Wes Welker and Victor Cruz were the two players with the highest "positive sentiment" scores. Both Cruz and Welker are sure to have a positive on-field impact Sunday, but they've already won what really matters - the hearts and minds of the Twitterverse. With only one day left before kick-off, here's hoping they avoid a Eugene Robinson moment.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Ticket Prices: Probably Better Things You Could Do With That Money

While the average ticket price may be down, a seat to Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants isn't exactly chump change.

The most recent prices on TiqIQ, which gathers ticket sales from all leading secondary-market sites, still range from $2,082 in the nosebleeds to a staggering $11,138 in the lowest level, near mid-field. If you've got the scratch to burn, hey, why not?

But what else could you get for the same amount of money? Well, I'll tell you!

If you were thinking about blowing a couple months of pay (or whatever, I don't presume to know how much you earn) on one of the cheap seats, here is what $2,082 could get you:

- 160 copies of "Get Him to the Greek" (provided you purchase it at Target)

- A 1996 Volvo 850 Turbo with a DVD player

- 1,041 bottles of Trader Joe's wine

- Two complete, custom-made White Ranger costumes

Come on, seriously. Wouldn't it be cooler to be the White Ranger than to sit around in Indianapolis watching a football game? Well, maybe not "cooler," per se...

But if you're a super-duper high roller, here is what the top-of-the-line ticket could get you. With $11,138, you could:

- Play 2,227 hands of $5 blackjack at "Toby Keith's I Love This Party Pit" at Harrah's in Las Vegas (probably a better return on your investment)

- Get 125 tickets to see the Yankees play the Red Sox at Fenway Park, or 236 tickets to see the Red Sox play the Yankees at Yankee Stadium

- Buy 42 round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Indianapolis, or 72 round-trip flights from New York to Indianapolis (assuming you're booking in advance, flying Southwest and don't care about layovers. But why would you? You've got 11 grand to burn, so you probably don't have anywhere to be.)

- Etchings by Degas or Renoir off of eBay

- 11,138 McChicken sandwiches (made to order)

- Two leather sofas from Restoration Hardware

Really, there are any number of things you can buy with that kind of money. But, I suppose if you have that kind of money, you're already holding your Super Bowl ticket, looking at it and smiling deeply while sprawled out across your two sofas.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: Bet Against LeBron James

We all love prop bets in big time sporting events because they usually delve into the ridiculous category. For Super Bowl XLVI it's gotten to the point where you can bet on the Super Bowl against athletes in other sports. Here's two examples of what I'm talking about from Bovada.com:

Which Will Be Higher:

• Eli Manning Completions (+105)
• Lebron James Points (-135)

Which Will Be Higher:

• Wes Welker Receptions (-115)
  
• Lebron James Assists (-115)

So, not only can you bet on things like if Madonna will wear a hat or will Kelly Clarkson show her bare belly during the national anthem, but you can bet against Miami Heat's LeBron James. I wonder what the over under is on the seconds it takes Skip Bayless to make a call to Vegas to bet against LeBron? Shouldn't that be a prop bet?

Super Bowl 2012: Mayors, Senators Place Wagers On Sunday's Game

With Super Bowl XLVI just around the corner, it was inevitable that we would start to hear about various politicians making wagers. It is customary for all major sports championships in North America (and is even extending to playoffs now, in many cases) for the mayors of the respective teams' home towns to place "friendly wagers" on the outcome of the championship game or series, usually themed around each mayor's respective town.

Bill Hutchinson of The New York Daily News reports that the mayors of Boston and New York have announced what they will each put up for Sunday's Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The mayors have agreed to give a family of four from the winning team a "dream vacation" to the losing team's town. Hutchinson is of the opinion that the deal is lopsided in Boston's favor, as the vacation to New York would include dinner at the Russian Tea Room, tickets to the Knicks or Rangers, tickets to the 10,000th performance of "The Phantom of the Opera" and VIP tours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Statue of Liberty. Considering that Boston would be ponying up for a package involving a duck tour should the Giants win, Hutchinson may have a point.

But the mayors are not the only ones getting into the act. Justin Sink and Alicia M. Cohn of The Hill reported that plenty of congresspersons are placing wagers on the game as well. In addition to a pair of senators placing wagers of local beer on the game -- because that's all we need, drunk senators -- Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) placed a wager with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani wherein if the Patriots win, Giuliani will have to wear a Red Sox hat to Fenway Park. Let that determine your rooting allegiances, if necessary.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Weather Update: Slight Precipitation Expected

The weather continues to play relatively nice in Indianapolis as thousands of visitors trek into town to enjoy the Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

Saturday, periods of rain will stick around into Saturday night and may even mix with snow overnight before ending, but it is not expected to be overly heavy. Super Bowl Sunday is looking breezy and dry with a mix of clouds and sun. The dry weather Sunday continues into Monday with mostly sunny skies.

The temperature on Sunday is expected to hit a high of 46 degrees and a low of 33.

Of course, the game is being played in domed Lucas Oil Stadium, so it doesn't really matter once the game starts anyway.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Isn't So Super For San Francisco 49ers Fans

If you've watched your favorite team come so close, yet fall short, you know this feeling. With two weeks between the NFL championship games and the Super Bowl, fans of the runner-ups have times to stew, second-guess and try to digest what went wrong. And the Super Bowl itself just isn't so fun anymore for them.

Take San Francisco 49ers fans, who watched their team come up just short in the NFC Championship almost two weeks ago. Over at Niners Nation, David Fucillo let it all hang out as he explained why he hates this Super Bowl. And his reasoning makes sense and perhaps resonates with fans who have fallen just short.

I've got to think these last two weeks are tougher for the conference runner-ups because of how close they were. And this year, with the way both games went down, it's a tough stretch for the Harbaugh family. So, yes, it makes me bitter. Not towards the 49ers because they gave me so much joy this season. Rather, it's sort of a rally around the flag screw you to the rest of the world.

In the comments, one fan boldly proclaims it's Puppy Bowl and nothing else. And you know what? Can't really blame them, either. Knowing that could be, or should be, your team playing on the biggest stage is a painful feeling.

PHOTO: Rob Gronkowski Is In Indy For The Fiesta

Rob Gronkowski's Ankle Injury: The Definitive History

Patriots Injury Report: Rob Gronkowski Officially Questionable

The New England Patriots released their final injury report Friday before the 2012 Super Bowl against the New York Giants on Sunday. Five players were listed as probable, and more importantly 11 were listed as questionable. Of those 11, only Rob Gronkowski was not also listed as questionable prior to the AFC Championship Game.

Gronkowski has been a hot topic throughout the two-week build up to the Super Bowl. He was able to practice on Thursday for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain against the Baltimore Ravens, and is still expected to play against the Giants.

As for the rest of the questionables, only Sebastian Vollmer wasn't able to play in the AFC Championship Game. Wes Welker, Patrick Chung, Logan Mankins, et al., are all expected to play.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Bill Belichick Would Join Chuck Noll With A Patriots Win

Bill Belichick will lead his New England Patriots into Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, in a rematch of the 2008 edition of the Big Game against the New York Giants. Belichick has a chance to win his fourth Super Bowl ring, which will also mean that he will join a very elite class of NFL coaches.

Gary Mihoces of USA Today points out that if Belichick's team comes away with the win on Sunday, he will become just the second head coach in NFL history to win four Super Bowl titles. The only other head coach to accomplish the feat is Chuck Noll, who guided the Pittsburgh Steelers to Super Bowl victories in 1974, '75, '78 and '79. Mihoces reports that Belichick is very aware of the possible future link between himself and Noll.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Chuck and the job he did with his team and the organization," says Belichick, 59. "So it is very flattering to be mentioned in the same sentence with Chuck Noll."

If Belichick picks up the victory, he will have earned Super Bowl his rings over a longer stretch of time than did Noll. The former Steelers coach only needed a span of six years to earn his four titles, while Belichick's first came in 2001. Then again, when Noll won his Super Bowls, there was no such thing as free agency.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Pick: Giants Fans Predict A Close One

The New York Giants are 3-point underdogs as of Friday heading into the 2012 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. There's good reason for that, something about Tom Brady and a laser arm and a star tight end making it back onto the field. Despite those factors though, plenty of bettors have been moving into the Giants camp lately, making Pats fans nervous. Count Jared Smith of SB Nation New York among those who believe that the G-Men will pull off the upset.

Smith sees the game moving in one of two directions. Either Eli Manning and the Giants pass rush continue to operate at unstoppable levels, or the Pats take the disrespect memes of the past two weeks to heart and cruise to yet another Lombardi Trophy. Smith predicts the former, on the belief that Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin will be too well-prepared to lose.

So, with that logic I'm rolling with the Giants, who I picked to down the Falcons, Packers and 49ers, respectively. Enjoy G-Men fans as you get back, "back in the New York grooooooove!"

Prediction: Giants 20, Patriots 19.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski's Ankle Among The Top Super Bowl Story Lines

Rob Gronkowski's ankle has dominated the headlines in the lead up to Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants this Sunday. The record-setting tight end finally returned to practice on Thursday for the Pats and is expected to play, though just how effectively remains to be seen. As the SB Nation blog Big Blue View points out, there is much more to this game than Gronkowski's ankle, however, like which starting quarterback will be playing from his butt more often.

2. Which Quarterback Is Under The Most Duress? -- The Giants have talked all week about putting pressure on Tom Brady, and about how they might already be in the head of the New England quarterback (shush, JPP!). Drawing less attention has been New England's need to put pressure on Eli Manning, and the poor pass protection Manning received in the NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Giants have too many receiving weapons for New England to cover consistently so, like the Giants, the Patriots defensive game plan is likely to revolve around getting pressure.

Other keys include the duel between two so-so running games, the effect of Vince Wilfork on the game's proceedings, and the impact of Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks, who were forced to sit out the regular season meeting between the two teams.

I'm sure by now you realize that no football game ever truly hinges on a single facet. To illustrate that point, this year's Super Bowl appears to have no shortage of intriguing matchups to chew on.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

A Super Bowl Gesture: How A Letter From Tom Coughlin Helped One Fan's Recovery

Super Bowl 2012: Bill Belichick Not Thinking About Retirement

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is heading to his fifth Super Bowl appearance and perhaps fourth Super Bowl title on Sunday. He would be one of only two head coaches in NFL history to accomplish the feat of foru Super Bowl wins. Belichick is also a few months shy of turning 60. Some sports analysts have been speculating whether the Pats chief is contemplating retirement sooner rather than later.

Christopher Price of WEEI in Boston reports that retirement doesn't appear to be on Belichick's mind at the moment. Belichick addressed the media on Friday morning in Indianapolis and was asked about whether he would walk away if the Patriots won their fourth Super Bowl title under his watch on Sunday.

I enjoy all the aspects of the job. I enjoy the team-building, the drafting, the free agents, team acquisitions - those kind of things. I enjoy bringing in the young players and working with guys who haven't been in the NFL and teaching them the basic fundamentals in how to become a professional football player for the New England Patriots.

And I enjoy working with the veteran players, the Tom Bradys and the Vince Wilforks and the Wes Welkers and all those kind of players that can do really special things because of their not only talent, but experience. And I enjoy the competition on a weekly basis. Not just on Sundays, but the preparation leading up into the game. So I enjoy all of it. It beats working.

It seems unlikely at this point that Belichick will announce his retirement if the Patriots walk away with the victory on Sunday. If they should lose to the New York Giants, you can probably count it out altogether.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Ticket Prices On Secondary Market Decline By 15 Percent

The average secondary market ticket price for Super Bowl XLVI between the New York Giants and New England Patriots is down 15 percent this year, Mason Levinson of Bloomberg News reports.

Face value for tickets to Super Bowl range from $800 to $1,200. The highest-priced ticket to to Super Bowl I topped out at $12 and did not crack the $100 barrier until the late 1980s. The $1,000 face value ticket price was surpassed during Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.

Citing data from www.tiqiq.com, which tracks listings from top online ticket resellers StubHub, TicketsNow, TicketNetwork and e-Bay, Levinson reports that seats at Lucas Oil Stadium are selling for $3,664 after peaking at $4,311 on January 27. The cheapest available ticket on the secondary market is going for $2,000.

Levinson adds that StubHub will have a ticket center near the stadium on Sunday.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl MVP? Odds Say Tom Brady Is The Best Bet In Indy

The Super Bowl's fast approaching, and as the Patriots and Giants get ready to square off, Las Vegas has its eyes on Tom Brady as the game's MVP. All content comes courtesy of OddsShark.com.

Super Bowl Odds: Betting Trends Make Patriots Fans Nervous

The Super Bowl is almost here, but with a close point spread and decent odds on both sides, plenty of bettors are still undecided. Check out the case for picking the Giants OR the Patriots.

All content comes courtesy of SB Nation's odds partners at OddsShark.com.

The Victorious Sad Men Of The Every Super Bowl Club

Super Bowl 2012: Rob Gronkowski 'Moving In The Right Direction'

For New England Patriots fans who were getting concerned about the status of star tight end Rob Gronkowski, there was a bit of good news on Thursday, as Gronkowski participated in team practice for the first time since injuring his ankle in the AFC Championship Game.

Both the Patriots and their fans are hoping that Gronkowski will be able to play in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday against the New York Giants. Pats head coach Bill Belichick addressed the media on Friday and had some comments regarding the tight end, according to Kirk Minihane of WEEI in Boston.

"I think he was OK this morning, I think he was OK," Belichick said. "We'll see how it goes today. Rob has worked extremely hard and has got treatment morning, noon and night. He's gotten better on a daily basis. Hopefully he'll continue to make progress today, tomorrow and all day Sunday. We'll see how that takes us, but I think he's coming along and we'll see where he gets to. But certainly moving in the right direction and getting better on a daily basis."

Gronkowski, who is one of the favorite targets of quarterback Tom Brady, was a big part of New England's run to the Super Bowl in 2011. He has repeatedly stated that he will do everything in his power to be able to play in the Super Bowl.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

25 Super Bowl Prop Bets On The Patriots, Giants, Peyton, And So Much More

Super Bowl prop bets are an annual tradition right up there with Christmas, and with the Patriots and Giants getting ready for Sunday, it's time to prepare ourselves. Check out some of the best bets on the board.

Super Bowl 2012: Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw Practices Again On Thursday

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has been bothered by a foot injury throughout the season, but surprised his coaches when he was able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday. Bradshaw returned to practice again on Thursday and gave the team a little scare when he fell to the turf after tripping over a teammate.

"It looked like he tripped over the fullback’s foot,’’ Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said according to a pool report filed by Sports Illustrated's Peter King. "But he’s fine.’’

King added that Bradshaw "hopped up and was able to continue" with the practice.

Earlier on Thursday, Bradshaw discussed why it was important for him, the team's leading rusher, to practice on Wednesday.

"Just to get my legs up under me," Bradshaw said during the team's media availability. "We’ve been staying in this hotel for the last couple of days, sitting on our butts in meetings and everything else, so I just wanted to get my feet up under me and get out there and have fun."

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: David Tyree's 2008 Catch

Davis Tyree will not be playing for the New York Giants this time when they take on the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Sunday. We all know what happened last time, however, when Tyree made the circus catch to end all circus catches, keeping the Giants' game-winning drive alive as they shocked the heavily-favored Pats to win the game.

But just because Tyree's career is long over doesn't mean he won't play a part in this year's game. Televison announcers need familiar reference points to hook audiences in and, eventually, beat them over the head with. And there is arguably no greater reference point than Tyree's catch.

And since this is the Super Bowl and we need as many things to bet on as possible, you shouldn't be too surprised that you can bet on how many times David Tyree's catch will be shown on TV during the game.

If you can believe it, 1.5 times is the over/under mark, which seems ridiculously low. SB Nation NY's Jared Smith takes the over and don't look back.

It's happening at least once, so you need to ask yourself: "If the game is even somewhat close in the fourth quarter will NBC Producer show the clip again?" Of course. Take the over!

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Weather Update: No Snow Expected

Indianapolis spent a lot of time and effort putting together its plan to deal with snow and ice during the Super Bowl. It looks like those plans won't be needed after all.

According to Wunderground.com, during the day of Feb. 2 the weather is supposed to be in the mid 40s with a 20 percent chance of rain showers until midday. From there it will continue to be partly cloudy with lows around 30 and highs in the lower 40s. While is possible, snow no longer is expected in the forecast.

Mostly sunny skies will carry the city through Friday, but clouds and showers will move in during the weekend. The city should avoid the same kind of weather troubles that Dallas suffered last year, however.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury Update: Patriots TE Practices On Thursday

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski practiced on Thursday, lending credence to the idea that he will play Sunday when the Pats take on the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. However, the final decision will come from not only him but the team's athletic training staff, via ESPN:

"It's my body and I know how I feel the best," Gronkowski said. "I just communicate with the trainers on how I feel, what they think, and we just put all our knowledge together so we can get the best possible situation."

"I will make the final call. I listen to the trainer's advice, but it's how I feel," he said. "I'm just trying to get better. The trainer has helped me to get to a place where I need to be."

Barring some kind of setback during practice, the Patriots expect Gronk to play on Sunday and it would be a surprise at this point if he didn't.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Reward Money Is Coming

Like all athletes, NFL players are quick to point out that "it's not about the money." In a world where athletes routinely choose where to play based almost exclusively on that very fact, it's a trite cliche. In the world of the NFL playoffs, though, there's actually a lot more truth to that statement.

A NFL contract only covers the regular season, meaning any money a player makes after Week 17 is paid by the league. Unlike the rest of the season, every player gets an equal share. As detailed by National Football Post, those playoff game check often mean star players are taking massive pay cuts in each game.

If the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLVI, for instance, each player will have made a total of $172,000 for winning four games. The New England Patriots, who played one fewer game, will "only" bring in $150,000 apiece for their efforts. Winning the Super Bowl, alone, pays $88,000. For someone like Tom Brady, who made $18 million this year, that means he'd make $1 million less to win the Super Bowl than he made while losing in Week 3 to the Buffalo Bills.

Of course, players aren't the only ones who stand to make money on this game. Another story at National Football Post shows how a TV audience of more than 111 million people has driven up the average price for a 30-second add to $3.5 million, allowing NBC to rake in $250 million in advertising. Estimates suggested 5 million people will buy TVs for the big game and 1.25 billion chicken wings will be consumed. Indianapolis, the host city, is expected to bring in $200-$250 million.

Maybe it's not just about the money for the players, but it seems to be for just about everyone else.

Madonna Promises No Wardrobe Malfunctions At Super Bowl Halftime Show

Madonna once made a name for herself for pushing the envelope. At 53 years old, she's clearly mellowed. How much? Well, she's at least promising to keep it clean during her Super Bowl XLVI halftime performance.

"There will be no wardrobe malfunctions. Promise." -Madonna #SB46

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 2, 2012

That's an obvious reference to Janet Jackson's so-called "wardrobe malfunction" during the halftime of XXXVIII. Coincidentally enough, that Super Bowl also included the New England Patriots.

Ever since then, halftime shows have taken on, shall we say, an "older" vibe. Prior to last year's performance that included the Black Eyed Peas, 53-year-old Prince had been the youngest performer. Among the acts were the Rolling Stones, The Who and Tom Petty.

This year's show will include some much younger faces to go along with Madonna. NickyiManaj, Cee Lo Green, M.I.A. and LMFAO will be joined by Cirque du Soleil. Madonna is set to perform such hits as "Vogue" and "Like a Prayer."

Super Bowl Ticket Prices Are Falling

It would be an absolute misstatement of fact to suggest that tickets for Super Bowl XLVI are "cheap." That said, prices have been heading downward ever since they peaked on Jan. 27, according to secondary-market information gathered by SB Nation ticketing partner TiqIQ.

As of today, the average price on the secondary market is $3,664.12 and the cheapest tickets are about $2,000 to see the New England Patriots play the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday. While that's clearly not pocket change, the average ticket price is down 15 percent from the peak of $4,310.67. The get-in price was sitting at $2,400 back on Jan. 27.

The prices have fallen so far, in fact, that they aren't even that high by historical standards. The average price is only .39 percent more than they were for last year's game between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. The get-in price is actually 11.05 percent less than last year's of $2,260.

On the high end, the most expensive ticket is currently going for $12,633, which would put you in Sec. 113, Row 1. There's also a suite going for $445,000. According to a report in Bloomberg News, a ticket on NFL.com's ticket exchange sold for $16,480.

If you're interested in trying to attend, you can buy tickets here.

Super Bowl 2012: Ahmad Bradshaw's Injury Is Looking Better

One of the New York Giants' nagging injury concerns heading into Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI matchup against the New England Patriots has been the health of running back Ahmad Bradshaw. For most of the second half of the season, he's been nursing a broken bone in his right foot and has mostly been limited to one practice a week. After practicing on Wednesday, though, he says he plans to practice on Thursday, according to the New York Daily News.

"I was feeling great," Bradshaw said on Thursday. "I’ve been stuck in this hotel for a couple of days and I was just ready to get out there and move around. I was able to feel good yesterday and jump out there and have a little fun, get the feeling of my legs up under me and get the feel of their defense.

"I had no setbacks," he added. "I’m not going to have any setbacks now."

Despite being severely limited by injury this year, Bradshaw still managed to 659 yards and score 11 touchdowns during the regular season. He's also rushed for 200 yards during the playoffs.

For more on Bradshaw's injury situation, be sure to check out Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Patriots Simulate Halftime During Practice

The New England Patriots are going full bore to prepare for Super Bowl XVLI. They're doing their normal practices during the week, but Bill Belichick decided to go the extra mile and flex his coaching "genius" by simulating a 31-minute "halftime" break at practice.

"Coach Belichick is a genius," said running back Stevan Ridley. "He's special. That was coach Belichick doing his thing. To come up with that idea shows you what he's thinking about. He knows what's going to work and he's been around longer than any of us, and he's doing everything he can to get us prepared," said Ridley. "We were sitting in there and we had a halftime talk like it'll be Sunday. He wanted this to be like a game experience, as close as we could get."

As far as anyone knows, this is the first time in NFL history a team in Super Bowl week have simulated the extended halftime. Belichick is taking simulating game conditions to an entirely new level.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: What Would A Fourth Super Bowl Title Mean For Tom Brady?

If Tom Brady wins a fourth Super Bowl title, where does that place him among the all-time greats?

Super Bowl 2012: Patriots No-Huddle And Giants Running Game Are Key

The matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI will feature the Patriots attack no-huddle offense, which the team didn't really employ in the Week 9 match up until there was nearly two minutes left in the game. Since that game, the no-huddle has become a staple in the Patriots offense and it can present matchup nightmares with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, while putting pressure on defensive packages. Pat Kirwin of NFL.com spoke with Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett about that very issue.

With the personnel group they put on the field for first down, the Patriots are basically going to make New York play second- and third-down defense. I asked Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett about this issue. His team lost a tight game to the Patriots in Week 14 and defeated the Giants twice during the season. Haslett said New England can force you to limit your substitutions and possibly your defensive calls because of the no-huddle, especially when the Pats are in hurry-up mode.

As for the Giants offense much has been put at the feet of Eli Manning, rightfully so, but the Giants running game has played a big part in the team's post season success. In their three playoff games this season, the Giants have rushed the ball 84 times for 351 yards, running the ball at least 26 times in each game. Kirwin spoke with one NFL defensive coordinator who explained the running game is a big catalyst for the Giants offense.

As one defensive coordinator with personal experience against both teams said, "The Giants need the running game more than the Patriots do if they want to win this game." To me, that means neutralizing Wilfork, who now plays on about 75 percent of the defensive snaps. That's a lot for a guy his size. Maybe the Giants should use counter with some no-huddle of their own early on to wear the big man down.

The Patriots run defense has been surprisingly good in the playoffs, limiting Ricky Williams and Ray Rice to just 89 yards on 27 carries in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. In the Week 9 match up, the Giants ran the ball 29 times for 111 yards, but that was without running back Ahmad Bradshaw.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury Status: Patriots TE Could Practice On Thursday

The Rob Gronkowski injury is the one of the biggest stories entering the 2012 Super Bowl and it sounds like fans of the New England Patriots tight end won't be disappointed -- Gronkowski will play. It's been reported previously that Gronkowski will play and as we get closer to the game it looks like that will be the case.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Gronkowski is expected to be limited in practice on Thursday, which is a sign of improvement considering he hasn't practiced at all during Super Bowl week.

Gronkowski suffered the injury in the AFC Championship game and later returned in that same game so I wouldn't worry too much about him being available for the Super Bowl. He likely won't be 100 percent for the game with his ankle injury but he will be on the field.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Weather Update: Conditions Shouldn't Affect Travel

For a second year in a row, the Super Bowl will take place inside a dome, but that doesn't mean the weather can't affect peripheral areas outside of the game and Lucas Oil Stadium. However, the weather forecast three days out from the game doesn't show much in the way of any problems for fans of the New York Giants and the New England Patriots traveling to the game.

According to Wunderground.com, during the day of Feb. 2 the weather is supposed to be in the mid 40s with only a chance of rain. As we get closer to game time, the temperature is expected to dip into the 30s and possibly lead to a bit of snow. However, major snow is not in the forecast.

One year ago when Cowboys Stadium hosted the Super Bowl, Dallas was hit by snow and raised concerns over the city's response to the weather. After this year's big game in Indianapolis and 2013's edition at the Superdome in New Orleans, La., the 2014 game will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. That could be a snow game waiting to happen.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Julian Edelman Might Play Defense, But Bill Belichick Isn't Saying

Julian Edelman has been a sort of super-utility player for the New England Patriots in the past season. Usually handed duties as a kick and punt returner, Edelman has spent his share of plays at wide receiver and since the middle of November, has occasionally been used on defense.

In the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, Edelman was slotted in as a defensive back. The move at times seemed to expose Edelman as being out of his league against Anquan Boldin and other talented wideouts. There is some question as to whether Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will attempt to use Edelman in the same fashion when his team meets up with the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. An unproven commodity against the triple-threat of Giants receivers Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks seems risky at best.

Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger reports that Belichick is remaining mum on the subject.

Julian will be ready to go on everything as he always is. Based on the game plan and how it goes, we'll see how that all turns out. He will be ready for all three phases.

Edelman was also asked to comment on the speculation about his role in the Super Bowl. For his part, Edelman is taking all of this in stride.

Coach told me that I would be in a defensive meeting that day and that's what we did. You're not going to say no to an opportunity to help the team win.

It's definitely been a roller coaster. But, with an opportunity to help the team win, you're not going to complain.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Tom Brady Regrets AFC Championship Game Comments

Two weeks ago, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady led his team to victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. Brady threw two interceptions in the game and in an interview with CBS Sports after the game, he commented that he "sucked."

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston reports that Brady has had time to reflect on his postgame comments and now regrets what he said.

I wish I didn't say it because I didn't want to take away from what the team had accomplished, and certainly we had accomplished a lot to get to this point in this season, to beat a very good team in the AFC championship, to fight back like we did. We were down in that game. I think we proved how we're a pretty mentally tough team.

Reiss notes that Brady also went to Patriots owner Robert Kraft following the Championship Game and promised to perform better against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. Brady has a reputation as a staunch perfectionist, but he now realizes that his comments may have undermined his team's accomplishments. I'm sure his fans are more than willing to let this one slide.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury Update: Patriots TE Did Not Participate In Wednesday Practice

Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis keeps drawing closer and closer. While the New York Giants players continue to improve and get healthier, one important member of the New England Patriots offense continues to tread water, or at the very least, give few outward impressions of improvement.

Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who injured his ankle in the AFC Championship Game, was once again out of New England's practice session on Wednesday, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network. Gronkowski is no longer in a protective boot, but there is still no definitive word on whether we will be playing on Super Bowl Sunday. With only two practices remaining before the game, Patriots fans may be biting their nails.

Gronkowski has made comments in the past two weeks that indicate he's going to do everything in his power to attempt to be a part of the biggest sporting event of the year. It would definitely be good news for the Giants, however, if one of Tom Brady's favorite targets was out of action on Sunday.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Injured Giants Players Feeling Better

The New York Giants and New England Patriots are spending the week in Indianapolis while gearing up for their big rematch in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday. The Giants seem less banged up than do the Patriots heading into the Super Bowl, especially considering the speculation that is swirling around the status of Rob Gronkowski's ankle.

Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN reports that those Giants players who were dealing with injuries heading into this week are already improving. Rookie linebacker Jacquian Williams is no longer keeping his sprained foot in a protective boot and hoped to partake in limited practice on Wednesday, regarding himself as day-to-day.

In addition, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks stated that the AC joint in his shoulder is feeling "a lot better."

The Giants look to be heading into Super Bowl Sunday at close to full strength, which is perhaps more than the Pats can say with only a few days before the biggest sporting event of the year.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: 'Unprecedented' Security In Indianapolis For Big Game

When the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in the Super Bowl in Indianapolis, they'll be doing so surrounded by what's being called "unprecedented" security by government officials.

While U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has said that there have been no legitimate terrorist threats surrounding the Super Bowl. However, they are not taking any chances and are working vigilantly with local authorities to ensure safety and be prepared for anything (via Indy Star).

The federal government's ring of security includes 35 agencies and extends from the airport to Lucas Oil Stadium, the secretary said.

Air marshals, canines sniffing for explosives, and inspectors scouring delivery trucks at the stadium are part of the security force, she said.

As for what you can bring into Lucas Oil Stadium with you if you're going to the game, well, not much. Camera cases, binocular cases, camcorders, umbrellas, strollers, backpacks, bottles, coolers, cans, banners and noise makers are all banned from the game. Fans will also be subject to metal detector searches and pat downs.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

INFOGRAPHIC: Super Bowl XLVI Tickets Among Most Expensive Ever

Flights and hotel costs are up dramatically as are tickets to Super Bowl XLVI between the Patriots and Giants.

Osi Umenyiora Fined $20,000 For Missing Super Bowl Media Availability

The NFL has fined Osi Umenyiora for missing Wednesday's Super Bowl media session, according to NFL Network's Albert Breer. The New York Giants defensive lineman was nowhere to be seen during Wednesday morning's media session.

For missing the media session, the league fined Umenyiora $20,000.

He did attend a team meeting later so he's not AWOL -- he just didn't attend Wednesday's media session. The league also noted that Umenyiora was the only player or coach from the Giants and New England Patriots to miss the media availability.

Despite the fact it was media day on Tuesday, the league still requires players to be available to the media. And that the league decided to fine Umenyiora tells us that there wasn't a very good excuse (like an injury) for him missing the media availability.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Rob Gronkowski's Injury Could Mean Special Cleat For Patriots TE

While it's still up in the air whether or not New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will play against the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, there was one interesting bit of information to come out of the media day discussions on Tuesday.

Gronkowski might wear a special cleat that could cut down on swelling (via ESPN):

Gronkowski said the team will look into the possibility of a specialized cleat for his left foot. Sometimes teams are able to make a shoe that protects the ankle in the event of swelling during the game.

The tight end said "we're going over that tonight, so we will see with the training staff."

Gronkowski is also concerned with making sure he is in "football shape," since he hasn't done much cardio or working out in recent days due to the injury. In the meantime, he's preparing as if he'll play.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Ticket Prices: Seats Start At $2,252

Super Bowl XLVI takes place on Sunday and unless you have family on the New England Patriots or the New York Giants (probably not even then), odds are that you don't have a ticket to the game. If you're still in the market for such a thing just five days out, here's hoping you have a whole bunch of disposable income.

TigIQ.com has the full rundown on Super Bowl ticket prices, pulled from various ticket resale sites. As of Tuesday night, the rock-bottom cheapest ticket in the Uecker seats will run you about $2,252. Tickets on the 50-yard line in the lowest section are going for up to $11,576, which was the highest price as of Tuesday night for a single seat. But not to fear! You can get a ticket in the fourth row near the middle of the field for the rock-bottom price of only $8,747!

As always, the hottest ticket in town remains one of the most expensive. If you're thinking of going into debt to attend the event live and in-person, just remember: you don't get to watch the commercials from inside the stadium.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Patriots' Stevan Ridley Should Be Active

Stevan Ridley isn't the most important option in the New England Patriots offense, but the running back has been known to offer a nice change of pace for Bill Belichick in the backfield. It's good news for the Patriots offense, then, that Ridley expects to play against the New York Giants in Super Bowl 46.

Ridley, a rookie out of LSU, started two of the 15 games he played in for the Patriots this season on his way to a solid 5.1 yards per carry. He's an effective kick returner, too, but his propensity to fumble had him removed from those duties.

Regardless of his previous problems, Ridley expects to be active on Sunday according to his comments to CSN New England.

"Coach really didn't say much (before the AFC Championship game)," Ridley said at Media Day inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Tuesday. "That's just kind of how coach Bill works. He's not really gonna explain anything. He's just going to make his coaching moves and we just have to kind of follow suit. For us we just have to go out there and do what he tells us to do."

[...]

"This game I'm gonna be dressed and out on the field," Ridley said, "so hopefully I'll get some carries."

Ridley's comments don't sound all that promising as far as him having a significant role, but at least he'll be another option if the coaching staff decides to throw an extra wrinkle in the game plan.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Jake Ballard Could Have Big Impact, Tom Coughlin Says

Jake Ballard didn't have a lot of hype heading into this year's NFL season, but that's changed for the New York Giants tight end heading into Super Bowl XLVI. In fact, according to Giants coach Tom Coughlin, his tight end is expected to have a "huge" impact on Sunday when his team faces the New England Patriots.

Ballard has just three catches for 33 total yards in the Giants first three playoff games as he's seemingly slowed down following a Week 15 injury, but that's expected to change this weekend. Coughlin talked to the New York Post about his expectations for Ballard on Sunday:

"Huge," Coughlin said of Ballard's impact. "Jake's feeling better. He's been a big part of what we do. He received an injury, fought his way through the injury. He is maneuvering better, playing better. That being that case, Eli has a lot of confidence in Jake."

That said, it's likely Ballard eclipses his entire playoff performance to this point in just one game when the Patriots and Giants meet in Indianapolis.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Sebastian Vollmer Expected To Play For Patriots

The New England Patriots are dealing with a few injuries on the offensive side of the football heading into the 2012 Super Bowl. Tuesday's reports indicate that the starting offensive line should be intact for Sunday's big game against the New York Giants, however, as offensive tackleSebastian Vollmer is expected to play.

Vollmer hasn't played in seven games due to back and foot injuries, but he's apparently ready to return for the NFL's championship game. Whether he'll start or back-up rookie Nate Solder has yet to be decided, however, according to the Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.

"He'll play. He'll play in this game at some point, whether we have Nate (Solder) outside or him at tackle," Scarnecchia said, according to WEEI.com. "He's going to be out there, and thank God we've got him."

Vollmer, along with fellow offensive lineman Matt Light, missed Tuesday's media day availability due to illness. Neither illness is expected to affect their ability to play this weekend, though.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: LeBron James And Phil Mickelson Vs. Deion Branch And Steve Weatherford

It's a running joke that people who don't like sports still watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. The big game attracts one other kind of person who doesn't necessarily like sports, however, and that is people who like to throw down money on things that they have no control over. The prop bets for the Super Bowl are always glorious, especially when they include other sports.

There are two different prop bets available at the moment involving the Super Bowl and how it relates to other sporting events. If you're so inclined, you can bet on LeBron James points-plus-rebounds in the Heat's game against the Raptors vs. the number of receiving yards that Deion Branch will record. James is the favorite at -3.5.

You can also bet on whether or not Phil Mickelson has more birdies in the final round of the Phoenix Open than the Giants have punts. Phil is the favorite at -0.5.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Weather Update: Showers Expected On Sunday

Super Bowl XLVI takes place on Sunday, Feb. 5 in Indianapolis and as usual, people will be attending from all over the world. Last year's Super Bowl in Dallas was fraught with a number of awful travel conditions, but this year looks to be much more temperate.

According to Weather.com, Indianapolis is expected to be overcast on Friday, with showers expected on both Saturday and Sunday, with weekend temperatures . It shouldn't pose much of a problem for travelers and should be a non-factor in the rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

The retractable roof at Lucas Oil Stadium makes for a spectacular sight, especially a favorite as an aerial view that both the team and television production teams love to show off, but with showers expected and a 40% chance of rain, it's unlikely it will be opened. If it is, it likely won't be for long.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury: Patriots TE No Longer Wearing Boot On Sprained Ankle

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski took the protective boot off of his left foot on Monday and he told reporters on Tuesday that it's not going back on before the Super Bowl (via WEEI).

"It’s off, no more boot."

When asked whether or not he would definitly play on Sunday, Gronkowski remained slightly hesitant:

"Hopefully, that's the goal," said Gronkowski. "Get out there, be effective and help out the team. But that's in like six days, you never know. It could be 100% by then, or it could be 2% by then. We are just taking it day by day, making positive strides, moving forward, so it's going good."

Gronkowski scored 17 TD catches and racked up 1,327 receiving yards in 2011, both new single-season records for NFL tight ends.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Media Day Highlights: No, Tom Brady Will Not Touch Your Dragon

Super Bowl Media Day came and went on Tuesday, and we didn't learn anything new from the Giants and Patriots, but that doesn't mean it wasn't fun! Get caught up on all the highlights.

Super Bowl 2012: New York Giants Don't Seem Like Underdogs

One of the funny little subplots that plays out before any big game is how each team invariably fights over the right to be deemed underdog. The New York Giants are generally the team fighting the hardest for that label, but this year it's a little different. As Giants blog Big Blue View points out, heading into Super Bowl XLVI, it's the New England Patriots angling for the underdog and the Giants happy to give it up.

"They should feel like they're the team to beat. They're playing some good, good football. They're probably playing the best football that's out there," said New England defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. "And their defensive line can play, too. You can't say anything negative about what they have going on. They can talk the talk and walk the walk."

And here's Giants defensive end Justin Tuck happily handing off the label:

"We didn't really buy into all the underdog stuff last time. We knew it was there, and we knew nobody was giving us a shot, but we always believed in ourselves. It's still the same here," Tuck said. "I hope to say it would be the same if we were favored or not, that we believe in ourselves. That's all that really matters. We never really cared what other people outside of those guys in that locker room or our owners or our coaching staff has said anyway."

The statistics, of course, say otherwise. The Patriots went 13-3 in the regular season, while the Giants were 9-7. The Patriots outscored their opponents by 171 points, the Giants were outscored by 6. The Giants did win their regular-season encounter and have looked better in the playoffs, but those are pretty small sample sizes. Good thing an actual game will determine the champion.

Matt Light Misses Media Day Due To Illness

New England Patriots starting left tackle Matt Light missed Super Bowl media day due to illness, a team official reportedly told NFL.com's Steve Wyche. Light was the only player to be stricken with the illness, but Wyche reported that several other members of the Patriots staff had also been sick.

Super Bowl XLVI is still five days away, so it's too early to get too concerned, but any perceived weakness is ripe for exploiting. Light is a three-time Pro Bowler and protects Tom Brady's blind side. Clearly, the team is banking on him getting healthy.

It is worth noting that Light was picked out for criticism by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora last Friday. When asked about Light at media day, Umenyiora had this to say:

"Matt Light, please get well soon," Umenyiora said, smiling. "I hope to see you on Sunday. You are one of my greatest friends."

Super Bowl 2012: Patriots Fans Weigh In On Tom Brady Vs. Eli Manning

Tom Brady has won three Super Bowls and is coming off a season in which he threw for the second most yards in NFL history. Eli Manning has done neither of those things, and really hasn't come close. But Manning is in the midst of a nice playoff run, which has definitely got the hype train a-rollin'. It has also set the stage for a somewhat silly debate, in which Brady's status as easily one of the top big-game quarterbacks of all time is suddenly being questioned.

Aiming to set the record straight, Patriots blog Pats Pulpit kicks a little k-nowledge about Brady's performances this season:

Week 3 at Buffalo Bills: Down 31-24 in the fourth, Brady leads the Patriots' offense 71 yards in 15 plays, and has a clutch six yard touchdown pass on fourth down to Wes Welker with just three minutes remaining. Defense blows the lead in final seconds, Brady never gets the ball back.

Week 6 vs. Dallas Cowboys: Trailing by three with just over two minutes remaining, Brady leads the offense 80 yards in 10 plays, taking the lead on a touchdown throw to Aaron Hernandez that left just seconds on the clock.

Week 9 vs. New York Giants: Patriots score 17 fourth quarter points in comeback bid, with the team taking the lead with less than two minutes to play on a 4th and 8 Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski strike over the middle for a touchdown. Defense then blows another late lead.

Week 16 vs. Miami Dolphins: With the Patriots down 17-0 at halftime, Brady helps lead a heroic comeback, with the Patriots erasing the deficit and hanging on to win 27-24 with a late Brady-to-Welker third down conversion.

Week 17 vs. Buffalo Bills: The Patriots quickly fall to a 21-0 deficit in the first quarter, then are led back by Brady, who threw for three touchdowns as the Patriots went on to win 49-21.

Not to pick sides in this debate, but that we're even discussing Brady's big-game bonafides seems a tad absurd. In advancing to five Super Bowls and winning three, he's gone 16-5 in the playoffs. In those games, he's passed for nearly 5,000 yards and 36 touchdowns. The only knock against him, it would seem, is that he wasn't that good in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Raves (229 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions). Throwing out the previous 20 games seems just a tad silly.

Super Bowl 2012, And The Eli Vs. Peyton Debate

The 2012 Super Bowl includes Eli Manning and the game will be played in the home of Peyton Manning. So that begs the question: If Eli wins another Super Bowl, can we say his career has been better than Peyton's?

Super Bowl Ticket Prices: Cheapest Seats Now $2,250

I can't quite tell if this is a phenomenal deal, a terrible deal, or just what's to be expected, but the cheapest tickets available for the Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis are sitting at $2,250, according to TiqIq.com. There are only two available at that price in the 70,000-seat dome, then the price jumps $48, so anyone shelling out more than two large probably can swallow the extra $50.

There were 6,032 seats available as of Monday night, according to TiqIq, and the average price of those seats was $4,316. The prices go up to $10,000, which the site says is pretty much field level by the 50. The number of tickets available is constantly decreasing, so any wafflers out there who haven't decided whether to take the plunge, it's [expletive] or get off the pot time.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury: Patriots TE Loses The Boot At Media Day

There won't be very much real news broken at media day for the 2012 Super Bowl but we do have one nugget of information to pass along: Rob Gronkowski has the boot off of his foot. The Patriots tight end has a high ankle sprain and, while he's expected to play, his ankle has been the big topic of conversation during Super Bowl week.

ESPN's Mike Reiss has the photo evidence of Gronkowski's boot-less foot.

Gronkowski's ankle is by far the biggest injury news for either team. He hasn't practice since the week leading into the AFC Championship game and he may not practice at all leading up to the Super Bowl. The Patriots will have practice Wednesday through Friday.

Despite the fact we've spent a lot of time talking about Gronkowski's injury, it's important to remember that almost everyone expects him to play. He may not be 100 percent, but he should be on the field.

We'll be live-blogging all the happenings at media day so stick around this StoryStream for updates. For more on the Giants, visit SB Nation's Big Blue View. And for the Patriots, Pats Pulpit.

Super Bowl 2012: Giants And Patriots Keeping It Civil

Any Bill Belichick team will be frustratingly restrained to the media in all regards. Other than the occasional muted Tom Brady one-on-one with [insert ESPN reporter here], radio silence is the norm for the New England Patriots. In the other locker room, however, there are a few more vocal characters with guys like Justin Tuck. Both sides, in the lead up to sports' biggest night, are keeping it pretty quiet.

Boston sports network NESN was looking for bait Tuck and safety Antrel Rolle into providing some motivation for the Pats weren't very lucky:

How about safety Antrel Rolle? Did he have anything inflammatory to say?

"There's no need for that," Rolle reportedly said. "We're here to play the game and it's not about toning anything down. It's just about knowing where you are in the situation and understanding what's at stake. Honestly, there's nothing to be said."

Newsday's Barbara Barker was astounded at the decorum Belichick showed at the media sessions — a suit and tie! How exciting! — who was gushing over the time he and Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shared together as assistant coaches under Bill Parcells.

"We worked together every day in one-on-ones and seven-on-sevens," Belichick said. "I would run the coverages the way he wanted them run, based on who we were playing, and he would run the patterns the way I asked him. I would say that as an assistant coach, it was the best relationship that I have ever had with another counterpart."

Isn't it cute when they play nice? I know, it's not. Maybe tomorrow someone will make a "Yo Mama" joke and make things interesting.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Myths: 'Defense Wins Championships,' And Other Misconceptions

Do defense-oriented teams tend to win more Super Bowls? Does a two-week layoff impact teams either way? Does a Super Bowl team's regular-season record mean anything? Herein, we look at what the stats have to say as we lead up to the Patriots Vs. Giants on Sunday.

Super Bowl Weather Update: Tailgating, Driving Shouldn't Be A Problem Sunday

If you're a member of the Super Bowl-going public — if you are, can I pay you for your tickets in gum? — the memory of last year's game in Dallas should have you checking the weather for Sunday's big game, even though it's being played in the dome of Lucas Oil Stadium. Last year, it snowed so much in Dallas that the traffic was a nightmare, parking was even worse, and flying into Dallas was a complete headache.

This year, that shouldn't be the case. If it is, someone is seriously messing up at Weather.com, because they're predicting sunny skies and above-freezing temperatures all week long and through the weekend into the aftermath. The game starts in the late afternoon early evening, which means there's beautiful weather for day-long tailgating and general merrymaking. And nothing says merry like these Indianapolis-style recipes. ¡Ay Carumba!

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Sebastian Vollmer Could Play In Super Bowl For Patriots

Nate Solder has done well for the New England Patriots at right tackle this season, but they could get a boost -- at least in depth -- with the return of Sebastian Vollmer. The only German-born player in the NFL started all 16 games at right tackle for the New England Patriots in 2010, but has been seriously hindered by injuries in 2011. After missing the AFC Championship Game due to a lingering foot injury, it appears that Vollmer could play in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants.

In his first press conference since the team arrived in Indianapolis, Bill Belichick said that Vollmer had the cast removed from his foot and that he was close to playing against the Baltimore Ravens. Even if Vollmer does dress, Solder will likely take the majority of snaps at right tackle, but Vollmer is a much larger player than Solder and Belichick has split time between the two players on multiple occasions.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury Update: Patriots TE Doesn't Practice On Monday

The New England Patriots only have a couple of minor injury questions heading into the Super Bowl but one huge one, too -- Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots tight end suffered a high ankle sprain in the AFC Championship game and, while he's expected to play against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, he probably won't be 100 percent.

The latest Gronkowski update is that he didn't practice again on Monday, which means he hasn't practiced since the Friday before the AFC Championship game.

Gronkowski's dad broke the news of his son's specific injury -- high ankle sprain. That's one of those things that simply takes time to heal so you probably won't be seeing Gronkowski do much on the practice field this week. In fact, it's been reported that he may not practice all week.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Prop Bets: Heads Or Tails Is Merely The Beginning

The New England Patriots are currently 3-point favorites to beat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5. That's the most basic way people can wager money on the game. But, as we all know by now, one of the things that makes the Super Bowl so much fun is the countless number of proposition bets that oddsmakers create.

Some of them are pretty straightforward (via Bovada), like who will win the MVP (Tom Brady is the favorite at 13/10) or who will score the first touchdown (Rob Gronkowski is the the favorite at 11/2). You can, of course, bet on the outcome of the opening coin flip (both are essentially even money at -105) or who will win that coin flip (same odds).

The fun stuff is when you dig down a little deeper, though. For instance, you can bet on whether or not a touchdown will be scored within the first 7 minutes, 30 seconds of the game ("yes" pays -280, while "no" pays +220); which quarter will be the highest scoring (first: 13/5, second: 7/4, third: 3/1, fourth: 11/5); or whether or not the game will be decided by exactly three points (yes: +325, no: -450).

If those are too simple for you, oddsmakers have lots of other much more complicated props, too. There's a whole category of "historical props" that compare this year's performance against past performances. Among them are Eli Manning's passing yardage in 2012 vs. his passing yardage in Super Bowl XLII (this year's yardage total is "favored" by 49.5 yards over XLII's total of 255 and pays -130) and BenJarvus Green-Ellis' rushing total vs. Laurence Maroney's rushing total of 36 yards in XLII which pays -110 on either side (Green-Ellis would have to exceed Maroney's total by 8.5 yards).

Of course, that's just scratching the surface. As the game gets closer, there will surely be even more exotic ones.

Tom Brady Still Leads Super Bowl MVP Odds

Not much has happened to change things in the past week, and the updated Super Bowl XLVI MVP odds reflect that fact. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is still the big favorite, going off at 13/10, according to Bovada. New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning's odds have actually gotten a little longer, as he's now 5/2 after opening at 9/4.

It's not hard to see why oddsmakers like Brady so much. His 39-touchdown, 5,235-yard season goes down in history as one of the greatest passing seasons of all time and he's trying to become the third quarterback to win four Super Bowls. Both Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana were named MVP when they won their fourth Super Bowls.

Generally speaking, though, the odds are very similar. Depending on Rob Gronkowski's health, Aaron Hernandez at 15/1 is a nice value, as is BenJarvus Green-Ellis at 22/1. Jason Pierre-Paul remains the top defensive player at 30/1.

SUPER BOWL XLVI SPECIALS

Odds to win MVP

Tom Brady 13/10

Eli Manning 5/2

Rob Gronkowski 8/1

Victor Cruz 12/1

Hakeem Nicks 14/1

Wes Welker 15/1

Aaron Hernandez 15/1

Ahmad Bradshaw 22/1

BenJarvus Green-Ellis 22/1

Jason Pierre-Paul 30/1

Deion Branch 35/1

Brandon Jacobs 35/1

Mario Manningham 35/1

Danny Woodhead 50/1

Antrel Rolle 75/1

Justin Tuck 75/1

Jerod Mayo 100/1

Kyle Arrington 100/1

Devin McCourty 100/1

Osi Umenyiora 100/1

Vince Wilfork 100/1

Jake Ballard 100/1

Chad Ochocinco 100/1

Lawrence Tynes 100/1

Stephen Gostkowski 100/1

Field 20/1

2012 Super Bowl: Point Spread Could Be Tightest In 30 Years

With marquee teams featuring top bill QB's playing in two of the biggest cities in the US, anticipation for Super Bowl XLVI has reached a fever-pitch.

And if Las Vegas is correct, fans may be treated into another nail-biter similar to the New York Giants 17-14 defeat of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

The line, with New England now only favored by 3, is the tightest in 30 years, when the San Francisco 49ers were one-point favorites over the Cincinnati Bengals in 1982.

That game, a 26-21 49ers victory that featured Joe Montana at the height of his powers, is widely remembered as one of the greatest Super Bowls in NFL history.

Now, 30 years later, Tom Brady and Eli Manning have a chance to cement their legacies next Sunday and put themselves in truly rarefied air.

Brady will tie John Elway with 5 career starts in the NFL's biggest game, and a win would give him 4 championships, a number only Montana and Bradshaw can match. Manning has the chance to move past his brother and become one of only 10 QB's with multiple Lombardi Trophies under their belt.

The Patriot Way, And Other Super Bowl Stories To Drive You Insane

Super Bowl week is underway, as the Patriots and Giants have arrived in Indianapolis, and the madness is already building. But here are a few stories that DON'T matter this week.

Super Bowl 2012: Tom Coughlin Goes For Another Improbable Upset

Before his run to the playoffs and a Super Bowl title in 2007, Tom Coughlin was reportedly on the verge of being fired as head coach of the New York Giants. They defeated the then-undefeated New England Patriots in a massive upset, but it was just one of many major upsets in Coughlin's career, spanning his jobs in both the pro and college ranks.

Sports Illustrated's Kerry J. Byrne chronicled the other major upsets that Coughlin has pulled off in his coaching career. Even though three of his biggest wins as a coach came more than ten years before his Super Bowl triumph, it's incredible that one coach has pulled off four upsets of the magnitude of the wins he's recorded with Boston College, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Giants.

Though this Giants team looks more dangerous than the 2007 team and the Patriots' defense isn't as formidable, this would still constitute a big upset, as Byrne points out.

The 2007 Giants scored 373 points and surrendered 351. That +22 scoring differential is the worst of any Super Bowl champion. In fact, only one NFL champion (since 1940) was worse: Bobby Layne and the 1957 Lions were +20.

The 2011 Giants, meanwhile, were even worse: they scored 394 points and surrendered 400 (a fact lost on many analysts at this point in the season). That -6 scoring differential is the worst of any team to reach the Super Bowl.

At this moment in time, the Giants deserve to be in the Super Bowl and they should prove to be a very worthy match for the Patriots, but the combination of luck and late heroics that they required to get to this point are virtually unprecedented.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Patriots 2012: Who Are You Rooting For In The Super Bowl?

SB Nation's Super Bowl roundtable has given their opinions on some of the key matchups and players. Now it's time to draw from our inner fandom: Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl?

Hakeem Nicks Injury: Giants WR Expected To Play

The New England Patriots aren't the only team dealing with injuries to their star offensive players, as New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered against the San Francisco 49ers that will keep him limited in practice, but he is expected to play in Super Bowl XLVI. According to ProFootballTalk.com, Nicks is expected to play in the game.

Per a league source, Nicks is expected to play. Though it's unclear whether his range of motion will be limited, the source was optimistic that Nicks will be "fine."

Regardless, Nicks wasn't "fine" last week, because he didn't practice at all.

Officially Nicks is listed as "questionable" right now for the game, but the belief is like Rob Gronkowski, he will play in the game on Sunday.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury: Patriots TE May Not Practice At All

More: Newsflash! Tom Brady is confident.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered a high ankle sprain in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. He left the game for a while, but was able to come back in near the end of the game and play. Gronkowski didn't practice all last week however, and was seen getting off the team plane in a walking boot. Gronkowski has a "classic high ankle" sprain according to a report by ProFootballTalk.com, and may not practice at all leading up to Super Bowl XLVI.

Per a league source, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski indeed has a "classic" high ankle sprain. The source says that Gronkowski, who didn't practice last week, probably won't practice at all before the game.

But the source believes Gronkowski will play, even though it's currently believed that he'll need arthroscopic surgery on the ankle after the game.

While Gronkowski isn't expected to practice all week, he is expected to be available for and play in Super Bowl XLVI. The question will be how effective the star tight end will be on his bum ankle.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

The Five People You Meet At Every Super Bowl Party

The Super Bowl is like every other holiday, in that it's rife with cliché and its participants are entirely predictable. Here is a guide to the five people who will be at every Super Bowl party in America this Sunday.

Super Bowl 2012: Giants' Receivers A Tough Matchup For Patriots

Against an average, middle of the road passing attack in the AFC Championship Game, the New England Patriots' defense looked very much like the team ranked 31st in the league in passing yards allowed. While some late big plays and a missed field goal were enough to put the Pats into the Super Bowl, they allowed Joe Flacco to put up numbers in every passing category that were considerably better than his season averages.

The Baltimore Ravens passing attack was ranked 19th in the league for yards per game this season. They didn't have a 1000 yard receiver and their third biggest threat at the wide receiver position in the AFC Championship Game, Lee Evans, had four receptions in the regular season. The New York Giants are a completely different animal.

Eli Manning and the New York Giants were ranked fifth in the league for passing yards per game during the regular season and they've only improved in the playoffs. While Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz have looked every bit like the 1000-plus yard receivers they were in the regular season, Mario Manningham has stepped up and looks like one of the best No. 3 receivers in the league.

Said Nicks, about Manningham:

"[W]e never categorize him [as being] in the background. We always look at him as being able to make big plays."

Nicks and Cruz grab the headlines, but along with the regularly overlooked Jake Ballard and running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who made 34 receptions in the regular season in just 12 games played, Manningham helps to complete one of the league's most complete and diverse passing attacks.

The Patriots will have a true cornerback on Manningham for most of the game, but situations will arise where he is covered by a safety or Julian Edelman out of necessity. When that happens, it will be a serious matchup problem for the Pats. Bill Belichick will be gameplanning for the Giants' third WR and the matchup problems he presents just as much as any other aspect of their offense.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: Who Will Score First Touchdown Of The Game?

The New York Giants had to go through pretty stiff competition on the way to the 2012 Super Bowl, but it'll all culminate on Sunday afternoon when they meet the New England Patriots in Indianapolis. Quite a few exciting things are expected to happen and, luckily, the betting industry is on top of nearly all of them.

Bovada has a very large listing of all of the amazing prop bets available for the Super Bowl, and while some of them might be more intriguing -- Will Kelly Clarkson's belly show while she sings the National Anthem? -- the best bet is probably relating to which player will score the first touchdown of the game.

The odds on favorite as it stands today, according to Bovada, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski as there's an 18 percent chance he picks up the first touchdown of the game. On the other end of the spectrum, D.J. Ware is listed with the worst odds of the 20 players with 50-to-1 odds that he'll be able to score the game's first touchdown.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury: How Will Ankle Sprain Affect Patriots TE In Super Bowl XLVI?

New England Patriots star TE Rob Gronkowski is expected to play in Super Bowl XLVI despite a high ankle sprain. But how much will it limit his effectiveness? SB Nation's Medical Expert attempts to answer that question.

Super Bowl 2012 Odds: Patriots Remain Slight Favorites

With just one week left to go, the New England Patriots and New York Giants are heading to Indianapolis to make their final preparations for Super Bowl XLVI.

There are plenty of questions surrounding this year's matchup. Will Eli Manning and the Giants be able to continue their amazing second-half and postseason streak? Will Bill Belicheck and the Patriots be out for blood and revenge in this rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl? Will Rob Gronkowski be reduced to a non-factor due to the ankle injury he sustained in the AFC Championship Game?

Whatever the answers, the oddsmakers still believe that one week out, the Patriots are still the slight favorites in this one. They are currently favored at between 2.5 and 3 points according to our friends over at OddsShark, although that is down from their opening line of winning by 3.5 points. The over/under for the game remains set at 55.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl: Brandon Spikes' Suit Is Very Pink

Via Patriots wide receiver Britt Davis, we have learned that Brandon Spikes likes his suits like Lil Wayne likes his Sprite. (Some NSFW language, unless where you work is safe for largely clean Lil Wayne rhymes, in which case: I am referring to "I like my Sprite Easter pink.")

The suit's great, of course, as is the picture showing half of the Patriots roster getting photographic proof of a burly linebacker who can occasionally resemble Predator's titular character, but the best thing about all of this is clearly Davis' "since high school" note in his tweet. If Spikes has been donning pink suits with regularity since high school, he's certainly the sort of confident guy many coaches would want on their team.

Also, given the laughs that Spikes' molasses-style 40 time drew before the 2010 NFL Draft, I think it's safe to say that the big guy is comfortable standing out for what should theoretically be the wrong reasons.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl: Patriots Know Offensive Line Play Is Crucial

In 2007, the seemingly invincible 18-0 New England Patriots were brought down by the New York Giants defensive line, as Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck were in Tom Brady's face all game, preventing the Patriots fearsome passing offense from ever getting going.

Four years later, Jason Pierre-Paul has replaced Strahan, but the underlying dynamic remains the same.

For a New England team that depends so heavily on the pass, the Giants ability to rush the passer with only their front four is a huge concern:

"A lot of teams don’t have the personnel to do that," Mankins said. "That’s what makes their pass rush good, that they can get that many guys in there at one tie that can all rush the passer. It’s going to be a big challenge. We’re going to have to play our best game of the year, probably the best game of some of our careers. That’s when you want to play your best game, is in the Super Bowl."

"All the other itty-bitty games that are played during the course of a game, there’s definitely going to be some of that gamesmanship at some point," Waters admitted. "Honestly if we know who to block and the physical part is finishing and putting out and not getting outworked, then I feel like we have a good chance."

Patriot fans are going to have to hope Mankins is right, as winning their fourth championship will probably depend on it.

Rob Gronkowski Injury Update: Patriots Tight End Still In A Boot

The New England Patriots' game-changing tight end, Rob Gronkowski, suffered an ankle injury during the Patriots' AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens. It looks like the big man will be ready to go in Super Bowl XLVI next Sunday, but Gronkowski is still in a boot, departing the Patriots' flight to Indianapolis with it on.

Gronkowski left the AFC Championship Game after having his ankle rolled up during a tackle by Bernard Pollard, but did return to the game. He hasn't participated in a Patriots practice since that game, but told reporters after it that he should be good to play in the Super Bowl.

For Patriots fans, the idea of a team's star wearing a boot before a match-up in the NFL's championship game against the New York Giants is a familiar one: Tom Brady wore a walking boot for some of the run-up to the Super Bowl XLII the two teams played in early 2008.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Schedule: One More Week To Go

The 2012 Super Bowl will kick off on Sunday Feb. 5, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. ET, even though many will look to find out what time the game comes on Sunday. The game isn't on this Sunday however, the Pro-Bowl is. That doesn't mean there aren't things to pay attention to in the upcoming week leading to the Super Bowl.

On Tuesday, both teams will hold media days. The New England Patriots will hold theirs at 10:00 a.m. ET while the New York Giants will hold their media day at 12:00 p.m. ET on the same day and both will be streamed live on NFL.com/live. Media day will generally field some good quotes, especially from a team like the New York Giants, who have some colorful characters. The teams will also hold their standard practices throughout the week as they prepare for the Super Bowl on Sunday.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: Bet On What Will Tom Brady's Son Wear And What Color Is Madonna's Hair

One of the best parts of a Super Bowl is the amount of ridiculous prop bets that surface with the game. Typically, you get normal things like "Who will win the coin toss?" and "Who will score first?". Lately however, we have gotten some fun prop bets, such as then length it will take Kelly Clarkson to sing the national anthem. How about the ability to bet on what Tom Brady's son will wear to the game?

Over at Bovada, the current odds that Tom Brady's son will be wear a Tom Brady jersey if he's shown on TV are currently set at -200, while the chances of him wearing something else is set at +150.

Another neat prop bet is what color Madonna's hair will be during the halftime show. Her hair being the trademark blonde is currently set at -400, while her hair being any other color is set at +250. You can also bet on whether or not Madonna will wear a headset microphone (-200) to start the halftime show or a handheld microphone (+150). You can also bet if she'll wear a hat and if she'll wear fishnets.

Last year's Super Bowl saw Christina Aguilera mess up a line of the national anthem by missing some words, so for this year's Super Bowl you can actually bet if Kelly Clarkson will omit at least one word in the anthem (+250 that she will) or if she'll show her bare belly while she performs (+300 she does).

You can also bet on the color of the liquid that's poured out of the Gatorade container at the end of the game, with water/clear and yellow being the current favorites at 2/1 odds while blue is the long shot at 10/1.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Patriots Injury Report Lists 16 Players

The week before the Super Bowl is a little strange for injury reports. The game is nine days away but the league still makes the New England Patriots and New York Giants submit injury reports for players, whether they're out, doubtful, questionable or probable.

There's really only one major injury question in this game and that's Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots tight end has a high ankle sprain but he is expected to play. He may not be 100 percent, but he should play.

The Patriots listed the following players, including Gronkowski, as questionable: WR Deion Branch (knee), OT Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DL Kyle Love (anke), G Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), OT Nate Solder (concussion), Brandon Spikes (knee), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot), WR Wes Welker (knee) and LB Tracy White (abdomen).

And these players were probable: C Dan Connolly (groin) and WR Matthew Slater (shoulder).

The Patriots will travel to Indy this weekend and then they'll start another week of practice where we'll see another week of injury reports.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Hakeem Nicks Among Giants Players Missing Practice

The New York Giants held their Friday practice at their home field while continuing to tune up for Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. The Giants appear to be a bit banged up this week, with some key players not participating in the Friday session.

Giants beat writer Mike Garafolo reported on Friday from the New York practice session via Twitter. He noted that wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), cornerback Corey Webster (hamstring), linebacker Jacquian Williams (foot) and linebacker Will Blackmon (knee) were all out of action in Friday's session. He noted that Nicks was not even on the field. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw was throwing passes during individual practices and may have suited up for that.

All of the players who missed practice, with the exception of Bradshaw, had been expected to participate in Friday's session.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski's Injury Is High Ankle Sprain; Patriots TE Misses Another Practice

On Wednesday and Thursday the New England Patriots listed over a dozen players on their Super Bowl injury report but only one of those listed, Rob Gronkowski, actually missed practice. The rest were limited or full participants in practice.

On Friday, Gronkowski once again missed practice and he was the only Patriots player not out there.

Gronkowski has an ankle injury and his father recently told WIVB in New York that the injury is a high ankle sprain. That's one of those nagging injuries that aren't overly serious long-term but they do take some time to heal. It's good for the Patriots that the injury came at a time when the team was entering a two-week break.

You can bet Bill Belichick won't be too happy that the news of Gronkowski's specific injury got out. He and the rest of the Patriots players have been mum on the status of Gronkowski, who hasn't practiced at all this week.

But there's no reason to think Gronkowski won't be out there. His father said that to WIVB and it's previously been reported that he's expected to play. He just may not be 100 percent.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Tickets Hit A New High Water Mark For 2012

Super Bowl XLVI takes place on Sunday, February 5 in Indianapolis, when the New England Patriots will square off against the New York Giants. Tickets to the annual event have always been costly and this year is certainly no exception.

According to Darren Rovell of CNBC, tickets to the event are climbing to jaw-dropping prices. The new high for a ticket to Super Bowl XLVI is $16,480, paid on Friday for a seat on the Giants 40-yard line.

Rovell also notes that just in the last 24 hours, the average Super Bowl ticket price has climbed over $112. If you're hoping to attend the event, you're likely to pay an average price of $4,337. Keep in mind that the Super Bowl is still over a week away, so the price is only going to keep skyrocketing.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Vince Wilfork Says Patriots Need To Create Turnovers Vs. Giants

New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork spoke to the press on Thursday at Gillette Stadium. The official Patriots website posted the full transcript of his press conference, at which he spoke at length regarding Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, where the Pats will face off against the New York Giants.

Wilfork was asked about Giants quarterback Eli Manning:

You've seen him grow. You've seen a guy not making the bonehead mistakes. He's protecting the football and that's first and foremost. When you can protect the football offensively, you have a good shot. And I think with the guys surrounding him that can make plays - that's all they have to do is protect the ball and they'll find themselves in pretty good shape. So it's just a team that's going to grind it out for 60 minutes. They going to play for 60 minutes and you know what, if we make a mistake or anyone that faced them made a mistake, it's going to cost them so it's going to be a tough, tough game for us but at the same time it's going to be very, very exciting.

Manning last stacked up against a tough defense in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. The New York QB took a lot of abuse in that game and still retained his composure, so the Patriots will have their work cut out for them if they are looking to force Manning to make some mistakes.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Tom Brady On The Patriots Super Bowl Preparation

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady held a press conference on Thursday at Gillette Stadium to discuss his team's upcoming game against the New York Giants at Super Bowl XLVI. The full transcript of the press conference can be found at the official Patriots website.

Brady was asked about how his own Super Bowl experience is able to help his teammates prepare for the game.

Coach Belichick prepares the team pretty well. What a lot of the veterans have tried to do is set an example by doing the right thing. It's not so much, ‘Hey this is the way it's going to be,' it's ‘Look, we're going to work hard, it's a football game for us, it might be the Super Bowl for everybody else but for us we're going there to try to win a football so put all the distractions aside and don't let anything get in the way of our preparation.' That's ultimately what is most important. This game, everyone will remember for their rest of their life. Hopefully it's a good memory.

Brady was also asked about his earlier comments that he hoped to play the best game of his career against the Giants.

I go out there and you try to be at your very best in the biggest game. My teammates really count on that, certainly I count on that. There's a lot of preparation that goes into that. Playing with confidence and anticipation and understanding the game plan and going out and executing it when it matters the most. That's what it's going to take. It's a great team that we're playing; everyone is going to need to be at their best.

It certainly sounds as though the Patriots are taking the Giants seriously and not taking anything for granted.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Patriots Injury Report: Rob Gronkowski Is Only One To Miss Practice

The New England Patriots are in their final week of home practice sessions before heading to Indianapolis next week to prepare for Super Bowl XLVI. One of the major storylines in this week's practice concerns star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who injured his ankle in last Sunday's AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

According to the official Patriots injury report, Gronkowski once again did not participate in practice on Thursday. Gronkowski also missed the week's first practice on Wednesday. There are no other players who did not participate in practice either day, although plenty of Pats players on both days had limited practice.

Players limited in practice on both days included linebacker Brandon Spikes (ankle injury) and wide receiver Wes Welker (knee injury).

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

New York Giants Injury Report Lists Eight

Eight New York Giants are listed on the injury report about 10 days before their Super Bowl XLVI encounter with the New England Patriots on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. While all of those players were held out of practice on Thursday, most of them are expected to be back as soon as Friday.

With the addition of Williams, 7 Giants didn't practice today. Expect most, if not all but Ahmad Bradshaw, to be out there tmrw. #nyg

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgeccastillo) January 26, 2012

Linebacker Jacquian Williams (foot), cornerback Corey Webster (hamstring), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee), wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), Bradshaw (foot), cornerback Will Blackmon (knee), linebacker Chase Blackburn (calf) and center David Baas (abdomen) were all held out. Most of those are considered key players for the Giants, but this all appears to be mostly precautionary stuff as most of them seem to be nursing ailments rather than addressing serious concerns.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream.

Super Bowl MVP Odds Start With Tom Brady, Eli Manning

It should come as little surprise that quarterbacks Tom Brady and Eli Manning have emerged as the betting favorites to win the Super Bowl XLVI MVP. According to Bovada, New England Patriots QB Brady is the overwhelming favorite at 13/10. The New York Giants' Manning is a going off at 9/4.

After them, the odds get much longer, and interesting. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski presents an intriguing option at 8/1, but even if he plays as expected, it will be with an injured ankle. Fellow Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez could be poised for a big game, especially if Gronkowski is hobbled, and he's at 15/1.

Starting running backs are usually pretty good bets, but considering this game lacks a classic No. 1, it's not hugely surprising that all of them are opening at pretty long odds. The Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw and the Patriots' BenJarvus Green-Ellis are both at 22/1. Brandon Jacobs, it's worth noting, is way down at 35/1. The defensive player with the lowest odds is Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul at 30/1.

PLAYER PROPS

Odds to win MVP

Tom Brady 13/10

Eli Manning 9/4

Rob Gronkowski 8/1

Victor Cruz 12/1

Hakeem Nicks 14/1

Aaron Hernandez 15/1

Wes Welker 15/1

Ahmad Bradshaw 22/1

BenJarvus Green-Ellis 22/1

Jason Pierre-Paul 30/1

Brandon Jacobs 35/1

Deion Branch 35/1

Mario Manningham 35/1

Antrel Rolle 75/1

Justin Tuck 75/1

Chad Ochocinco 100/1

Danny Woodhead 100/1

Devin McCourty 100/1

Jake Ballard 100/1

Jerod Mayo 100/1

Kyle Arrington 100/1

Lawrence Tynes 100/1

Osi Umenyiora 100/1

Stephen Gostkowski 100/1

Vince Wilfork 100/1

Field 18/1

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream.

Bill Parcells On Tom Coughlin, Bill Belichick

Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick share many of the same characteristics that make them, unmistakably, proteges of former New York Giants and New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells. Both coaches take a no-nonsense approach to the game and their players, both are fierce competitors and both are tireless workers. In an interview with "Mike & Mike" on Thursday, Parcells noted their differences as well, especially in upbringing.

"You know Bill Belichick was the son of a coach, I knew his father [Steve] very well," Parcells said. "He came up [with] football all his life. Tom kind of took the same route I did as a coach, starting in a very, very small Division III school. He was mowing the grass and lining the fields, and doing all the tasks that a coach in one of those situations has to do. So he came up the hard way and people who do that learn the ropes. I think Bill was taught by his dad on what was necessary, and Tom, by his experience, starting off at a very low level as a coach -- I did the same things at Hastings College in Nebraska -- makes you appreciate it when things change for the better."

Both coaches have proven that they know how to prepare their teams for football's biggest stage, just as Parcells did with the 1986 and 1990 Super Bowl champion Giants. If they are true Parcells disciples, however, prepare for some trickery come next Sunday.

"What I tried to do was have something a little extra ready, whether it be a fake punt or a field goal," Parcells said. "I tried to tell the players, 'We're going to pull out all stops here. We're going to try anything.' Keeping in mind the risk/reward, you have to do that, of course. But I wanted to understand that we were going to try to do every single thing we could to win the game."

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Some Patriots Have Waited A Long Time For This

The New England Patriots have been to so many Super Bowls over the past decade, it's easy to lose sight of how much turnover occurs between each one. Just because this is their fifth appearance since 2001, doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of players vying for their first ring. See Gerard Warren and Shaun Ellis, two veterans playing in the first Super Bowl of their 11 and 12-year careers, respectively.

"That's the reason why I came here," Warren told Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald. "The reason why I'm glad to be back. This is what it's all about."

Warren made just two playoff appearances in his time spent with the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders before joining the Patriots. Last week was his first time even making a conference championship game. Ellis, meanwhile, came one win away from the Super Bowl twice with the New York Jets the last two seasons, and lost.

"This is one of the reasons why I came here," Ellis said. "I knew we would have an opportunity. We went to work and everybody just stayed focused. No selfish guys. All for one goal, just all for one goal. To be able to play in that next game, in the Super Bowl, it's a great feeling. We'll enjoy this and get ready for next week."

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Patriots Sign A Tight End Before Super Bowl

The New England Patriots are having some tight end troubles at the moment. Second year reserve WR/TE Dorin Dickerson was placed on injured reserve Thursday, but more significantly, Rob Gronkowski was held out of practice due to ankle injury. To address the sudden tight end shortage in Super Bowl practices, the Patriots have signed 22-year-old Carson Butler to the practice squad, according to the team's official site.

Butler gives the team some depth as it prepares for the New York Giants over the next week. Don't expect any contribution on the field, however. Butler has bounced around among the Detroit Lions, the San Francisco 49ers, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Giants and the Pats since signing with the Green Bay Packers out of Michigan in 2009.

Butler has yet to record a catch in an official NFL game in his three-year career. While a physical talent, he was rarely used in Rich Rodriguez' spread offense while at Michigan, catching just 20 passes in his most productive season.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Victor Cruz Jerseys Are Hot Right Now

On Sunday, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz put on a show in his team's NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The display of talent and athleticism got football fans talking and, it seems, spending.

The second-year wideout was a favorite first-half target for quarterback Eli Manning in the game. Cruz made 10 catches for 142 yards, many of them ridiculous highlight reel-type grabs.

According to Darren Rovell of CNBC, since the NFC Championship Game, Cruz's No. 80 Giants jerseys have been a hotter seller than Manning jerseys. The dazzling performance by Cruz has made him an immediate standout with the New York faithful and outsiders alike.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Patriots Will Have Super Bowl Send-Off From Gillette Stadium

The New England Patriots will be heading to Indianapolis next week to prepare for Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants. Although this Sunday marks the first time in months without football, Patriots fans will be turning up at Gillette Stadium all the same.

According to ESPN Boston, the Patriots will hold a send-off rally on Sunday, January 29 prior to the team leaving town. Here are the details:

* The rally will be held inside Gillette Stadium. The Patriot Place gate to the stadium opens at 10:15, and a replay of the AFC Championship Game will air inside the stadium beginning at 10:30.
* The send-off program will begin at noon, with team president Jonathan Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick scheduled to speak.
* The event is free and open to the public. Parking is free, but tailgating is not allowed.

The event sounds like a fun opportunity for fans who aren't able to attend the Super Bowl, but want to cheer on their team one last time this season.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury: Patriots TE Won't Practice On Thursday

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will sit out practice Thursday with an ankle injury suffered last Sunday during the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. While it is still too early for Pats fans to panic just yet, Gronkowksi's health status will be continue to be closely monitored in the coming days before the Pats' matchup against the New York Giants in the 2012 Super Bowl.

Immediately following the AFC Championship game, word was that Gronkowski was expected to play in the Super Bowl. Since then, nothing has been reported to the contrary. Of course, if Gronkowski did sit, the Patriots have a more than capable replacement in Aaron Hernandez. The offense would lose a lot of its versatility, however. Both players are often on the field at the same time, with Gronkowski lined up at tight end and Hernandez in an H-back position.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl XLVI: Examining The Patriots Story Lines

No team has ever been wont for motivation heading into the Super Bowl, and the New England Patriots are no exception. Not only will they be looking to avenge their loss against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, they could cement themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history with their fourth championship in 10 years. The question is, which storyline is a bigger motivating factor for New England?

The Pats were 18-0 heading into the 2008 Super Bowl, and on their to becoming perhaps the greatest team in the history of the NFL if they could only get past an underdog Giants team. Then this happened, leading to a Giants touchdown and, ultimately, a Lombardi Trophy. That day still bring painful memories back to Patriots fans, and a win next Sunday would go long way towards easing their troubled minds.

Of course what's one game in the grand scheme of history? Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are trying to become arguably the best ever head coach-quarterback combination the game has ever seen. While the "dynasty" talk has died down in the seven years since the Pats won their last Super Bowl, few would be able to deny the incredible body of work that Brady and Belichick have put together over the years.

The SB Nation blog Pats Pulpit put together a little poll to find out exactly where fans stand on the matter. The "revenge" storyline holds a slight advantage at the moment, though there is still plenty of time to weigh in and discuss before the big game on Feb. 5.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Patriots' Dorin Dickerson Lands On Injured Reserve

The 2012 Super Bowl has suffered its first injury casualty, though it is admittedly not a major one. New England Patriots tight end Dorin Dickerson has been placed on the practice squad/injured reserve list, leaving the Pats thin at the position in practice with Rob Gronkowski nursing an ankle injury.

The roster move does leave an open spot on the active roster. Pats Pulpit suggests that the Patriots may bring up another able-bodied tight end, perhaps Garrett Mills, to fill the void. At the moment, Aaron Hernandez is technically the only practicing tight end that New England has at the moment.

Dickerson was a seventh-round draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2010 before winding up on the Patriots' roster this season. At 6-3, 227 pounds, he has the ability to play either tight end or wide receiver if he can continue to earn a roster spot.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: How Long Will Kelly Clarkson's National Anthem Be?

The original winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, will have the honors of singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLVI. But how long will her rendition of the national anthem be? That's where Vegas comes in.

As Kegs N' Eggs' Adam Kramer notes, the over/under on Clarkson's national anthem duration is 1:32. Last year, in Super Bowl XLV, Christina Aguilera took her time with the anthem, stretching it to 1:54 and making the over/under a push despite screwing up a line. Aguilera is a belter who relies on melisma, though, while Clarkson, whose voice is certainly on par with Aguilera's in many respects, tends to sing things a little straighter.

There's also a possibility that Clarkson will see this as an opportunity to outdo fellow Idol alums who have hit the high note on "Freeeeee!" at the Super Bowl; she's the fourth Idol contestant to get the chance to sing at America's biggest sporting event, but her season of the popular reality show predated the ones featuring Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood.

You didn't think so much thought would go into a Super Bowl prop bet, did you?

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream, and check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Rob Gronkowski Injury: Not Time For The Panic Button

Although the New York Giants and the New England Patriots did not practice Wednesday, they released "projected" injury reports for the day as if they had. Sticking out for the Patriots was a big fat "did not participate" for record-setting tight end Rob Gronkowski, who injured his ankle in last Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. Greg Knopping over at Pats Pulpit says fans shouldn't go into crisis mode just yet.

I wouldn't look too much into this, as this is simply a "projected" report, and I wouldn't be totally surprised if Gronkowski was limited in participation tomorrow. Of course, the situation bears watching - I just wouldn't even come close to hitting the panic button yet. After all, it was just two days ago that multiple news outlets reported that Gronkowski would be playing in the Super Bowl.

The Pats listed 13 other players as "limited," though with so much time to rest it is still too early to call anybody's status for the 2012 Super Bowl in jeopardy. There may be a little more concern on the Giants' end, with Hakeem Nicks, Ahmad Bradshaw and Tyler Sash all earning "did not participate" designations. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora was listed as "limited" as well.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Giants 'Love The Challenge' Of Patriots Tight Ends

The New England Patriots and New York Giants will meet in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI and both teams are getting their strategies in order for this rematch.

One of the key components of the New England offense in 2011 was their dynamic tight ends, led by Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Gronkowski injured his ankle in the AFC Championship Game, but he and the team are insisting that it will not be an issue in the Super Bowl. According to Dan Salomone at the official Giants website, the injury -- and the Patriots tight end-centered offense -- is something that New York is keeping an eye on.

Giants linebacker Michael Boley had this to say:

From week to week it has been a similar thing for us as far as our game plan. It has always been about these are the guys that we have to stop going into the game. We always have a list of targeted guys that can make a game. For the tight ends, it has been a long list of them lately and it is kind of one of those things that we embrace. We love the challenge.

Safety Antrel Rolle added the following:

It all depends on your defensive scheme. There's many ways that you can try to take away those guys. Those guys are exceptional tight ends and they've been Brady's go-to guys all year long along with Wes Welker. They present a great challenge. No matter how you look at it. No matter what you try to do, you have to go out there and do the job. You have to do the job that's at hand. It's going to be a battle. It's going to be a battle each play.

The matchup of the New England tight ends against the New York defense will be just one of the many story lines to keep an eye on in this year's Super Bowl.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Giants Were Ready For Two Week Super Bowl Layoff

The two weeks between when conference championship games end and when the Super Bowl begins is one of the most aggravating periods of the season. In between the two games, we have the only weekend without any real football in over 20 weeks (the Pro Bowl doesn't count), and in the stead of an actual match there is only hype upon more hype for the game to come. On the other hand, the week off does give the players some extra time to rest, something the New York Giants are taking full advantage of. Here's Antrel Rolle:

"I'm not too antsy. This last stretch has been an exhausting one, a lot of hard work, you're just putting everything to the side for these five games, which was very much needed," Rolle said. "It took a lot of mental space, as well as physical pounding and doing whatever it took to get to this point. And you know, once we're here, we're not going to stop now. So I'm going to enjoy this little time off, and once we come back to work on Thursday, I will be ready and full speed. Like I said, it all starts in practice."

The Giants have now played elimination games in four consecutive weeks, counting their regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. If anybody is especially anxious to get on the field it might be the New England Patriots, who earned a first-round bye in the playoffs on the strength of their 13-3 regular season record.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012 Key Matchup: Giants Receivers Have The Edge Vs. Patriots Secondary

Forget the New York Giants' pass rush. If the New England Patriots hope to win a Super Bowl rematch, they have to find answers for Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and the Giants' wide receivers.

The Giants-Patriots Practice Report (Even Though They Didn't Practice)

The New England Patriots and New York Giants didn't practice on Wednesday but the NFL requires them to submit an injury report anyway. Why? I don't know.

The player of note at this point is Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who missed a portion of the AFC Championship game with an ankle injury. He would have missed practiced but he's expected to play in the game either way.

Here's the full practice report if the teams, you know, actually practiced:

Giants

• Did not participate: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), S Tyler Sash (concussion)
• Limited participation: DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee)

Patriots

• Did not participate: TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle)
• Limited participation: WR Deion Branch (knee), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DT Kyle Love (ankle), G Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back, foot), WR Wes Welker (knee), LB Tracy White (abdomen)
• Full participation: G Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matt Slater (shoulder)

Super Bowl 2012: Eli Manning Talks About The Tom Brady Comparison And 'His Team'

In an interview on ESPN New York's "The Michael Kay Show", Eli Manning was asked about the idea of himself as the titular head of the New York Giants. Manning bristled at the suggestion that it was "his team." Sounding like his older brother, he deflected the question.

I never got into the deal of saying, ‘Hey, this is my team.' It's a part of a team. It's everybody's team. It's not one player's team. It's Coach Coughlin's team, but we play together. I think my teammates have faith in me. ... Am I one of the leaders? I'd say so. I've been here one of the longest on the team and have a great understanding of what's going on, but so do a lot of other players. ... It's not one person's team.

Technically, the Giants belong to John Mara and Steve Tisch, the owners. Still, Manning made his point, deftly turning away the question and the media firestorm that might have resulted with another answer.

He also revisited comments he made in August on the same show in which he called himself an elite quarterback, in a class with Tom Brady. Asked if he felt vindicated as the NFC Champions this season, Manning responded:

That was never the goal, to try to vindicate or try to prove to anyone. I wanted to come out and have a good season this year, there's no question. I worked hard this offseason getting prepared and through training camp and each week, just having the mindset of taking care of the football and working on your accuracy and getting your teammates prepared around you. ... I wanted to have a good season, but it's more proving to myself and playing to the potential that I knew I had.

Fans and the media have a long memory when it comes to statements like that. You can count on hearing more about it in the lead up to the big game. What gets said about the Giants being Manning's team and his status as an elite quarterback will depend largely on the outcome of the Super Bowl and his role in it.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check outPatriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl Betting And Other Odds On The Giants And Patriots

Super Bowl XLVI, featuring the rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, is under two weeks away. As recently as a couple of months ago, not many would have predicted this would be the Super Bowl matchup.

Pregame.com took the time to crunch some numbers on various odds throughout the regular season and the postseason concerning the two teams. Here are the interesting tidbits that they came up with:

- Two other teams would be heavy favorites over New York on a neutral field: the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints.

- According to Las Vegas odds, entering the last two weeks of the regular season, the Giants only had a 28 percent chance of making it to the playoffs.

- The Giants ended up needing five straight wins to make it to the Super Bowl. Had a bettor placed $100 on that first game and let the winnings ride, the payout would have been over $5,400. (54 to 1 odds against.)

- The Patriots were favorites in 17 of the 18 games in which they played this season, with the only exception being their road game against the New York Jets.

- Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have taken the Patriots to four different Super Bowls prior to this year's and in each one the underdog has covered the spread. The winner won by three points in all four appearances. This, perhaps, is bad news for the Patriots, as they are the current three-point favorites.

- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is currently dealing with an ankle injury, although he and the team insist it will not be an issue in the Super Bowl. Bookmakers currently say that Gronkowski is worth no more than a half-point in Super Bowl XLVI.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Vince Wilfork Is The 'Elder Statesman' Of The Patriots Defense

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addressed the media via conference call on Tuesday to discuss a number of things regarding his team's Super Bowl XLVI matchup against the New York Giants in two weeks.

In a transcript provided by the official Patriots website, Belichick took some time to comment on Vince Wilfork, who was the unofficial MVP of New England's win over the Baltimore Ravens in last Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Belichick was asked about what Wilfork's performance and leadership mean to the Patriots defense.

Vince, he's really the elder statesman on the defense in terms of time with the New England Patriots. There are other players that have played longer but not necessarily on this team. He's got a great work ethic, very unselfish, does whatever we've asked him to do. We've put him in a lot of different positions: nose obviously, on the guards, outside on the tackles, gap schemes, two-gap techniques, stunts. Whatever it is, he's a very smart football player, he's instinctive, works really hard, very unselfish, does a great job with the younger players in terms of helping them improve and things to work on, things to make them more aware of his experience and impart that on them. Again, very unselfish, very supportive of all the other players on defense – linebackers, the defensive backs – and trying to tie it all together and play good team defense. He's given [to] us on a lot of levels, on the field, off the field, as a captain in individual meetings and some group settings. He does a good job of all of that. I think the most important thing is just the way he goes about it. He doesn't talk as much as just demonstrate how to prepare, how to practice, how to do your job, how to be alert, how to communicate, the different line calls and things like that. That really is, I think, the best way for a player to lead is by first of all doing his job very well so everybody can see how it's done and try to emulate that.

Fans of the Patriots have been touting Wilfork for some time, but the AFC Championship Game proved to NFL fans at large what a vital component the big man is to the team.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Bill Belichick Looks Back On His New York Giants Days

On Tuesday, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addressed the media via conference call to discuss his team's appearance in Super Bowl XLVI in two weeks. The official Patriots website provided a transcript of the chat, during which he discussed his team's preparedness and their opponents, the New York Giants.

In the final question on the conference call, Belichick was asked whether he remembers his time with Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants fondly.

Yeah, absolutely. I was there for 12 years. Those were 12 great years in my life. I loved every one of them with the Giants; the people that I worked with, where I lived, our community. Two of my kids were born there, so there are a lot of fond memories there, absolutely. Tom and the relationship on the coaching staff with those guys, especially on defense, with Romeo [Crennel] and Al [Groh] and so forth. I think that came out in the whole piece in the interview there the last time I was in that facility. It was certainly an emotional moment that struck a lot of chords. That was a big, big part of my career and my life.

Belichick was with the Giants from 1979 to 1990, starting as a special teams coach and defensive assistant. He later became the linebacker coach before finishing his tenure there as the defensive coordinator. He worked with current Giants head coach Tom Coughlin from 1988-90, when Coughlin was then the wide receiver coach. It is safe to say that even before the two head coaches squared off in the NFL, they were quite familiar with one another.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Eli Manning Feeling Healthy Heading Into Super Bowl Week

The New York Giants will be playing in the Super Bowl next week, but it wasn't because they kept their quarterback healthy in the NFC Championship game. Eli Manning was sacked six times and hit on a couple of other occasions by the San Francisco 49ers, but the veteran quarterback is apparently not feeling any ill-effects heading into his match-up with the New England Patriots.

The younger brother of Peyton Manning might not be able to top last week's performance -- he completed 32 of 58 passes for 316 yards and a pair of touchdowns -- but at least he sounds healthy.

"I feel good," Manning said. "I got a good workout in. (I) will be ready to go once we start practice and (I am) excited about our opportunities."

It'll be up to Manning's offensive linemen to give him opportunities by keeping him on his feet, but the Super Bowl should be exciting if both teams enter as healthy as they sound this week.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012 Key Matchups: Rob Gronkowski Vs. Giants Secondary Is Critical

The Giants and Patriots will meet in Super Bowl XLVI and there are a number of key matchups to consider, including how the Giants stop the Patriots tight ends. SB Nation's Super Bowl roundtable looks at the most important matchups in this game.

Antrel Rolle Remembers Watching First Giants-Patriots Super Bowl

The New York Giants have underwent a bit of turnover since facing the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII four seasons ago as just 15 players remain on the active roster. That leaves quite a few players that weren't a part of that game, but will be involved in next week's affair.

The Giants' media team asked their players where they were during the last Giants-Patriots Super Bowl and a few of them gave rather ho-hum answers. Giants safety Antrel Rolle recalled where he watched the game quite vividly, however:

"I was actually watching that in Brazil," he said. "There was only one place in Brazil showing the game, and I was standing on top of maybe like two bar stools and probably a midget was under me, who knows. I don't know. It was extremely crowded, everyone was stacked on top of each other. It was a small place in Brazil, probably no bigger than this restroom, and there were a million people in there. It was the only place showing it and I had to watch the game."

Rolle should play a bigger role in this game considering he's already recorded 21 tackles in the postseason thus far, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to recreate the excitement of his experience during the last Giants-Patriots Super Bowl.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Eli Manning On The Giants Super Bowl Schedule

The New York Giants will meet the New England Patriots at Super Bowl XLVI in a match-up that happened not all that long ago. That bodes well for both teams, too, as the veterans are familiar with the schedule of what is usually a whirlwind week.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning, the MVP of Super Bowl XLII, talked to the media on Tuesday as he described the discussions he's having with the younger players on his team in anticipation of touching down at the Super Bowl site.

"I just told them a little bit about how to prepare for this - handle all of your business with tickets, getting that stuff done, just a few things on the mindset of this week," Manning said. "We have to have great preparation. Prepare this week like you're playing the game this week. Once you get to Indianapolis and you have to take a bus ride to practice - your whole schedule gets thrown off. Once you get there try to keep the same routine on some things. Everything that we would do during a normal week, we're going to get it done this week and then next week have great practices and preparation, continue preparing, but get our workload in this week."

It sounds easy in theory, but there's usually some sort of ruckus caused by one of the team's players heading into the biggest game of the season -- regardless of how well they're prepared.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Super Bowl 2012: Rob Gronkowski Expected To Play But May Not Be 100 Percent

There's two weeks between the AFC and NFC Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl which means we have an extra week to dissect every minor story line and blow it up into something bigger. One of those stories in Super Bowl XLVI will be Rob Gronkowski and his injured ankle.

The New England Patriots tight end exited last Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens with said ankle injury but later returned. Boston Herald reporter Ian Rapoport, who previously reported Gronkowski is expected to play in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5, indicated that Gronkowski may not be 100 percent because of some ligament damage.

Again, he's expected to play. That hasn't changed. He just may not be completely healthy. Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn't offer up much of an update when asked about Gronkowski earlier on Tuesday. The Patriots will start practicing this week and then they'll make the trip to Indy for practice next week.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

No Rob Gronkowski Injury Update From Bill Belichick

Rob Gronkowski's status for Feb. 5's Super Bowl XLVI encounter between the New England Patriots and New York Giants remains unknown. Patriots head coach Bill Belicheck shed almost no light on the situation when asked about it during a Tuesdays press conference (via ESPN).

"Well, we'll see how it goes with Rob and some of the other players that are getting treatment when we get back out on the field. We haven't practiced, obviously, in the last couple of days. We'll just see how all that is when it's time to go."

Gronkowski suffered what appeared to be a pretty serious ankle injury during the third quarter for Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game. He was removed from the game and did not return.

There are apparently those within the Patriots organization that fully expect the record-setting tight end to play against the Giants. A source told the Boston Herald that "He'll be ready to go."

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.

Of Course Rutgers Produced As Many 2012 Super Bowl Players As Florida

Giants Vs. Patriots Is The Fifth Super Bowl Rematch

The 2012 Super Bowl is obviously garnering a lot of hype as a rematch of the classic game in 2008 between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. What isn't being mentioned much is that championship rematches, while rare, haven't been all that uncommon. In fact, there have been five in the 46-year history of the Super Bowl.

The most recent occurred in 1996, when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers for their fifth ever title. The two teams had previously met up in 1976 and '79, and are the only two teams to play each other three times in a Super Bowl. The Cowboys also played back-to-back Super Bowls against the Buffalo Bills in 1993 and '94 to cap a four-year stretch run of losses in the game by the Bills.

The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the team's only two Super Bowl appearances in 1983 and '89. The Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins played each other in 1973 and '83, splitting the series. The Dolphins took the first game, 14-7, but couldn't seal the deal the second time in a 27-17 loss.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Giants Vs. Patriots 2012: Super Bowl Rematch Has Plenty Of Differences Four Years Later

You will be hearing a lot over the next two weeks about this year's "rematch" in the 2012 Super Bowl. However, outside of the same quarterbacks, same coaches, and same uniforms, this years matchup between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots actually isn't all that similar to the classic showdown in 2008, as Pro Football Talk points out.

Both teams have replaced most of their starters between both sides of the ball. The Giants return nine starters off of their championship squad, while the Pats return just five. Offensively, the Giants return Eli Manning, running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, and offensive linemen David Diehl, Chris Snee and Kareem McKenzie. The Patriots will be returning Tom Brady, receiver Wes Welker, and the entire left side of its offensive line in Matt Light and Logan Mankins.

Both teams have essentially replaced their entire defensive lineups. The Patriots' Vince Wilfork is technically the only player still starting from the game four years ago between the two squads, though there is no doubt that defensive end Osi Umenyiora will factor heavily into the Giants' 2012 gameplan despite occupying the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl 2012 Prediction: Will Patriots Avenge Their XLII Loss Against Giants?

The Giants will meet the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI just four years after New York delivered a massive upset over New England in Super Bowl XLII. Who's the early pick to win the game?

Tom Coughlin Won't Retire After The Super Bowl

At 65 years old, Tom Coughlin is the oldest active head coach in the NFL. If his New York Giants happened to walk away from Super Bowl XLVI with a win over the New England Patriots and a second championship ring under his watch, it's unlikely anyone would begrudge him retiring a winner. The grandfatherly, occasionally curmudgeonly Coughlin apparently has no such plans, however.

Coughlin reportedly told Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com that he isn't even entertaining the idea of hanging up his cleats just yet.

"I feel good," Coughlin said "Retire to do what?"

He reiterated that he still loves the job that he does, and that his family, including his 10 grandchildren, offer much-needed reprieve when he needs it. Coughlin currently has one more year on his contract, and is all but assured a healthy extension for the Giants run to the Super Bowl after going 9-7 during the regular season.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl 2012: Turnovers Are Critical For New York Giants

The New York Giants' surprising run to the 2012 Super Bowl — which has featured the Giants rebounding from falling to 7-7 in Week 15 of the 2011 NFL regular season and ripping off five straight wins — has been led by Eli Manning and a rugged defense.

But as SB Nation's Giants blog Big Blue View points out, New York has also benefited from a span of superior ball security in which turnovers have been vanishingly rare.

Despite the wet and windy weather, the Giants did not have a turnover. It was the seventh consecutive game in which they did not lose a fumble, their longest such streak since 2008. The Giants did not commit a turnover in three of their last four games, including the regular season finale vs. Dallas. They have won their last eight games (regular season and postseason) in which they did not turn the ball over.

The Giants have committed just two turnovers in their five-game winning streak, with Manning throwing interceptions against the New York Jets in Week 16 of the regular season and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl 2012: Patriots To Wear Blue Jerseys; Giants Wearing White Road Jerseys

The New York Giants and New England Patriots will meet in Super Bowl XLVI on February 5 after both teams were able to win on Championship Sunday. The two teams are playing on a neutral field at the Lucas Oil Dome in Indianapolis but, officially, the Patriots are designed as the home team and the Giants as the road team.

The Giants have announced via Twitter that they'll be wearing their white road jerseys in the game, which will give both teams the same jerseys as their 2008 Super Bowl matchup. The Patriots will wear their blue uniforms.

The Giants road uniforms have been good to them so far. They won two of their three playoff games on the road and Eli Manning set a new NFL record with five road playoff wins. Head coach Tom Coughlin is tied with Tom Landry with seven road playoff wins.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl XLVI Tickets: Overall Average Is Up 11 Percent From Last Year

TiqIQ, SB Nation's ticketing partner, explains that the smaller stadium has helped drive average prices up for Super Bowl XLVI, but the cheapest tickets can still be had for less than they were last year.

Tom Brady Has Trouble Watching Highlights Of First Patriots-Giants Super Bowl

Tom Brady has already tied John Elway's record by leading his team to a fifth Super Bowl. On Feb. 5, he'll have a chance to tie the record currently shared by Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw by going for his fourth Super Bowl victory.

Of course, he could be trying to break that record if he and the New England Patriots hadn't lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. Brady and the Patriots will have a chance to avenge that loss this year, but that doesn't mean the memories of it have gotten any easier to deal with, he told sports radio station WEEI on Monday:

"I still can't watch highlights from that game. I think that's just the way it is. You get to the end and we had a great opportunity there and really squandered it, because we didn't play our very best."

While Brady may not watch that film, he will apparently be looking at another game the Patriots played against the Giants: the one from Nov. 6.

"We'll certainly look at that game, several times. You see matchups. You see how your guys match up against their guys -- route-running and blocking and so forth. It will have absolutely zero impact on the game, but at the same time, hopefully we can learn some lessons from that game."

For more the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. For more of a local angle, be sure to check out Giants blog Big Blue View and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit.

Eli Manning, Tom Brady Will Make NFL History In Super Bowl

The New York Giants and New England Patriots are gearing up for their rematch in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. Although the game is still two weeks away, it is already an historical event.

According to NFL historian Jon Zimmer, this year's Super Bowl marks the first time in Super Bowl history that two former Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks will face off against one another in the biggest game of them all. Tom Brady twice won Super Bowl MVP honors in 2002 and 2004, while Manning took home the trophy in 2008, when the two teams last met for the NFL's top prize.

Although Manning and Brady were the starting quarterbacks in 2008's Super Bowl, the rematch means they both own a Super Bowl ring and a Super Bowl MVP title. Hard to believe it's never happened before, but it adds another layer to Super Bowl XLVI.

Here's a look at the complete NFL playoffs bracket. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl Talking Points: New York, New England, And One Giant Rematch

The Patriots prevailed over Baltimore, the Giants survived in San Francisco, and the stage is set for a Super Bowl rematch. Let's relive Sunday's championships, and take a look at what to expect next.

Super Bowl Concern: Giants Offensive Line Needs To Protect Eli Manning

The New York Giants earned a Super Bowl XLVI berth on Sunday with their overtime win over the San Francisco Giants in the NFC Championship Game. They'll meet the New England Patriots in Indianapolis in two weeks, but they still have a bit of work to do before then.

One of New York's issues that needs addressing is their shaky offensive line and the amount of protection that Eli Manning has been receiving as of late. Specifically, the lack thereof. Ed Valentine at Big Blue View sheds some more light on the situation:

The Giants Offensive Line: Yes, the San Francisco front seven on defense is outstanding. And yes, the Giants are in the Super Bowl. The Giants, though, have serious long-term issues to address on their offensive line. That group nearly got Manning killed on Sunday. He was sacked six times and hit probably a dozen more. Without his ability to move deftly in the pocket he could have been sacked twice as many times. As we have seen so many times this season, there was rarely anywhere for Giants running backs to go, except to the ground. I'm not even going to bother going over the personnel issues. I don't want to ruin my good mood.

Manning certainly took a ton of punishment in the Championship Game and the Giants likely cannot afford their quarterback to be as exposed against the Pats.

Here's a look at the complete NFL playoffs bracket. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Patriots Players On 'Incredible Feeling' Of Returning To Super Bowl

The New England Patriots needed Billy Cundiff to miss a field goal in order to advance past the AFC Championship and onto the Super Bowl in regulation on Sunday, but that wasn't on the mind of the players following their victory. Instead, the majority of the team wanted to talk about returning to the Super Bowl once again.

The Patriots have been to the Super Bowl three times in the past 11 seasons, meaning this isn't the first rodeo for a few of the returners. Not surprisingly, some of the veterans were asked what it means to be returning to the big game once again following Sunday's victory.

"The taste and the victory and the whole nine [yards]. When you get an opportunity to do it again - it's incredible. It's an incredible feeling," offensive lineman Matt Light told the media. "It will take a while to sink in that we're going [to the Super Bowl] and then it will be a heck of a week of preparation as always, but this is what we fought hard for all year to have an opportunity to get to the Super Bowl. We'll see how it goes from there."

Wide receiver Deion Branch is also making another trip to the Super Bowl with the Patriots after being named the Super Bowl MVP in 2004.

"It's great. That's why I came back to this place," Branch said. "That's why I'm very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something like this. It's very special."

Here's a look at the complete NFL playoffs bracket. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Giants' Tom Coughlin Not Surprised About Super Bowl Berth

The matchup for Super Bowl XLVI is now set. The New York Giants and New England Patriots will meet in Indianapolis in two weeks in a rematch of the 2008 contest.

The Giants punched their ticket to the Super Bowl by defeating the San Francisco 49ers in overtime in the NFC Championship Game by a final score of 20-17.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was interviewed following the Championship Game and his comments were posted on the team's official website. Coughlin was asked whether he is surprised that his team was heading to the Super Bowl. Here is what he had to say:

I'm not surprised. I'm delighted. I'm excited. At times it's very difficult to contain yourself. Even this past week when the excitement of this thing was building up, the days seemed to be flying by and I was nervous that we were doing all we could possibly do to put ourselves in a position to win, but these guys have gone out and done it against the best we've played. We've played an awful lot of superior football teams this year and down the stretch we've played a lot of them and that certainly has helped.

Since the last week of the season in their do-or-die game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants have certainly not been lacking in confidence. That belief in themselves has paid off in the form of a Super Bowl berth.

Here's a look at the complete NFL playoffs bracket. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Rob Gronkowski Says Injured Ankle Is 'Good'

The New England Patriots beat the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game which gets them a spot in Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants. But the Patriots didn't win the game without a big scare -- Rob Gronkowski was injured during the game.

Gronkowski came down awkwardly on his ankle (video here) and looked like he had a serious injury. He went to the locker room to get his ankle re-taped and missed just three minutes of action before returning.

After the game, he avoided questions about his injured ankle from reporters but did say it was "good." ESPN Boston reports Gronkowski was spotted after the game with a walking boot, but that could just be precautionary.

You can bet the Patriots won't be saying much about Gronkowski's injured ankle. The good news, though, is that he'll have two weeks to recover from the injury before the Super Bowl on February 5.

Here's a look at the complete NFL playoffs bracket. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl XLVI: How The New England Patriots Got Back To The Big Game

The Patriots' decade of dominance fizzled out four years ago with a Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. What's changed since then to give New England a chance to settle an old score in the championship this year?

Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin Join NFL Record Books As They Head To Indianapolis

The New York Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling NFC Championship game on Sunday night and Eli Manning set a new record in the process. Manning won his fifth road game, which is a new NFL record. He won three straight road games in the Giants first Super Bowl run back in January 2008 and he won two this year in the divisional round and, on Sunday night, the NFC Championship game.

Manning's not the only Giant with new NFL records for road wins. Head coach Tom Coughlin tied Tom Landry with seven career road playoff wins.

Manning is only 30 years old so he'll likely have a chance to extend his record, and it wouldn't surprise me if Coughlin passed Landry sometime in the next couple of years.

The Giants are a well-tested team away from their home stadium, which is good news as they head to Indianapolis to face the New England Patriots in the 2012 Super Bowl.

Here's a look at the complete NFL playoffs bracket. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl 2012: Late Game Heroics The Difference For Manning, Giants In Week 9 Victory

While the New York Giants dramatic 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII will undoubtedly be the center of conversation over the next two weeks, Super Bowl XLVI is also a rematch of a 24-20 Giants victory in Week 9 of the regular season.

The game was dominated by the defenses, as neither team scored in the first half.

However, the points came fast and furious in the fourth quarter, with both QB's finding their rhythm in the no-huddle offense.

Manning's 10-yard TD pass to Mario Manningham gave the Giants a 17-13 lead with 3:03 left. However, Tom Brady quickly marched the Patriots down the field, re-gaining the lead with a 14-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski with 1:36 left.

That set up Manning for a dramatic last-minute victory in Foxborough, as he completed a 1-yard TD pass to Kyle Ballard in the last few seconds to win the game.

The win had New York riding high with a 6-2 record, setting up a bizarre roller-coaster finish where they were left for dead multiple times before another improbable ride to the Super Bowl.

New England, meanwhile, has not lost a game since the loss to the Giants, reeling off 10 straight victories to reach the Super Bowl for the fifth time in the Brady/Belichick era.

Super Bowl 2012 Schedule: Two Long Weeks Until Big Game

With Super Bowl XLVI scheduled for Feb. 5, there are two long weeks between the conference championship games and the final game of the 2011-2012 season.

That's a life-time in the 24/7 news cycle of the modern media, which leaves time for an unprecedented amount of hype along the media-dominated Acela corridor for a game between two glamorous QB's, a backlash to all the hype and a backlash to all the backlash.

And that's just until this Thursday, by which time every possible story-line will have been beaten into the ground.

The Pro Bowl and the Senior Bowl next weekend will be a brief respite to the Super Bowl hype, but neither game has ever generated much attention with the casual fan.

Instead, the "Year of the QB" discussion will likely reach new heights, as people debate whether a second Super Bowl championship would ascend Eli Manning past his older brother or whether a fourth would ascend Tom Brady towards the top of the greatest QB ever discussion.

2012 Super Bowl Odds And Line: Patriots Early Three-Point Favorite

The New England Patriots are the early favorites in Super Bowl XLVI, getting -3 over the New York Giants in the Feb. 5 game in Indianapolis.

After two low-scoring conference championship games where the defenses were in control, the odds-makers expect more of a shoot-out in the Super Bowl, projecting both the Giants and the Patriots to score in the mid-to-high 20's.

In a season that became known as the "Year of the QB" as passing offenses around the NFL shattered every conceivable record, it's fitting that the two teams left are pass-oriented squads who depend on the late game heroics of their star QB's.

Both Tom Brady and Eli Manning could have big games in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, although a good portion of the New York defensive line (Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka) that gave the Patriots offense so much trouble four years ago is still there.

For more odds and lines on prop bets for the Super Bowl, be sure to visit SB Nation's Odds Partners at OddShark.com.

Is Eli Manning Better Than Peyton? And Other Questions Following Championship Sunday

Is Eli Manning better than Peyton? Looking back at the day that was and forward to the Super Bowl with that question and six others from Sunday.

NFL Playoff Bracket Updated With Patriots-Giants Super Bowl Matchup

The 2012 NFL playoffs schedule includes only two more teams -- New England Patriots and New York Giants. Those two teams will meet in the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis after the Patriots beat the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game and the Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Here's a full look at the NFL playoff bracket.

This year's bracket was very well balanced on the AFC side as the No. 1 seed (Patriots) faced the No. 2 seed (Ravens) in the AFC Championship game. The 49ers, the No. 2 seed, lost to the Giants, who were the fourth seed.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.

Super Bowl 2012: Giants, Patriots Meet Again

The New York Giants and New England Patriots will play a rematch of Super Bowl XLII when they meet in Super Bowl XLVI, following their Conference Championship wins on Sunday.

2012 Super Bowl Schedule: Patriots, Giants Will Meet In Indianapolis

It's official: we have a Super Bowl rematch.

The New England Patriots will be representing the AFC in the 2012 Super Bowl after beating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game, 23-20. Over in the NFC, the New York Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers which means we will have a rematch of the Super Bowl we saw four years ago between the Patriots and Giants (a game the Giants won with a late touchdown pass from Eli Manning).

The two teams will meet on Sunday, February 5 at the Lucas Oil Dome in Indianapolis, home of the Colts. It is the 46th Super Bowl. The game time is 6:30 p.m. (ET) and NBC will televise it. Here is all of SB Nation's 2012 Super Bowl coverage leading up to the game (including all the Super Bowl commercials).

The Patriots, the AFC's No. 1 seed, got here largely based on Tom Brady and the offense. The Pats offense is ranked third in points scored and second in yards and they're once again the strength of the team. The Patriots defense has struggled quite a bit this season but they've been good enough to get New England into the final game of the season.

For New York, their ride has been awfully similar to the one they made four years ago when they faced these same Patriots. They finished the season 9-7 and managed a playoff berth by beating the Cowboys in a win-and-you're-in game in Week 17. From there, they beat the Falcons, Packers and 49ers.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.