Ignore the hype, Brady and Pats won't be denied

Everyone likes the Giants in the Super Bowl. And by “everyone,” I mean, “just about everyone.”
They’re hot. Their defensive line is ferocious. Jason Pierre-Paul has 17 sacks. Eli Manning has become one of the great clutch quarterbacks in the NFL. Tom Coughlin has become one of the great resilient rosy-cheeked coaches in the NFL.
I understand why the Giants are the most-touted three-point underdog in Super Bowl history. They beat the Patriots before in this situation, 17-14 four years ago when New England was undefeated.
Sorry, but I’m not getting sucked in. I know the Giants are healthier, but I also know they were 7-7 at one point. And you can bet Bill Belichick and Tom Brady hear the whispers, that the Patriots’ defense is among the worst in the league, and that Brady, at 34, has started to slip. My goodness, he hasn’t won a Super Bowl in seven years!
Here’s another thing that concerns some: As much as the Patriots win, they’re never dominant in the Super Bowl. They’ve won three by three points each — over the Rams, Panthers and Eagles.
For Brady to get ring No. 4, he has to be sharper, no doubt. And I think he will be, because with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, and prolific receiver Wes Welker, the Patriots have the short power passing game (if there is such a thing) to counteract the Giants’ pass rush. If Brady has just a little time, he can pick apart New York’s suspect secondary, and I suspect he will.
Hit those buffalo wings and seven-layer nachos hard at your Super Bowl party, and stay away from that purely decorative vegetable tray. And enjoy the Patriots’ 27-17 victory.