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.
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