Patriots' experience will be the difference

The New England Patriots won't miss Adam Vinatieri in this Super Bowl because it's not going to come down to another last-season kick.

Vinatieri, now kicking for the Indianapolis Colts, won several playoff games in the past for the Patriots with last-minute or overtime kicks such as the ones that won Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVII or the infamous "Tuck Rule" game in 2001 against the Oakland Raiders.

Lately, the Patriots have had tougher times winning games than early in the season. But they've still been winning and are on the cusp of the first 19-0 season and just the second undefeated season in NFL history.

While New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and receiver Plaxico Burress have been clutch players in the post-season so far, the experience of New England's Tom Brady in these situations will be a major factor.

That said, it will still be a good game, and I think the Giants will be able to make a game of it late. But the experience the Patriots have means they won't have that sense of awe that I'm sure the G-Men will be struck with. And that will allow New England to get out to a comfortable lead early.

Don't be surprised to see New England get a couple of scores early and take a 10-0 or 14-0 lead before the Giants finally get things going.

The Giants do have a chance if their defense can get pressure on Brady early and test his injured ankle. This was something they failed to do, however, in the final game of the regular season against New England and Brady was eventually able to lead the Patriots to victory.

If the Giants can't get some pressure on Brady this time, he will be able to exploit the injury-decimated New York secondary.

Manning's leadership skills will be tested in this game and I do think he will be able to get his team going and maybe make a game of it late. But the Patriots aren't going to allow the Giants to come all the way back.

If you removed the experience factor the Patriots have, you could say that, otherwise, the teams are about equal at this stage of the season. It will be that experience that matters most.

New England 34

New York 27

One way or the other, history will be made tonight. and to see it happen will be quite special, indeed.

Mr. Nuzum doesn't claim to be an expert. Take his prediction with a grain of salt -- maybe a block of it -- or perhaps two aspirin and a full glass of water. For entertainment purposes only; please, no wagering.