Super Bowl XLVI preview: 10 key factors for Giants-Patriots rematch

The Boston Bombers

New England's aerial attack has been nearly impossible to stop this season. The Patriots have blown by the likes of Kansas City, Philadelphia and the New York Jets, all ranked in the top 11 in the NFL for total defense. In fact, they put up more than 30 points against each. In playoffs the Patriots managed to hold off the Baltimore Ravens and their stingy defense. This season, Tom Brady broke Dan Marino's single season pass record (despite the fact that he doesn't own it), tossed 39 touchdowns against only 12 interceptions and threw for 5,235 yards in the regular season to mostly tight ends. But what is really important is his resumé; he's won three Super Bowls in four appearances and flat out does not lose very often.

The Puppetmaster

Bill Belichick does not like to lose, especially Super Bowls. The system that coach Belichick has put in place in New England has baffled opponents for the past decade. This season, he has taken a team filled with holes on both sides of the ball and turned it into a winner. When was the last time you saw a Super Bowl team whose big name wide receivers were tight ends? To go along with their non-traditional offense, the Patriots have a defense that looks like Swiss cheese. Between the loss of free agents from last year's poor defensive group and the many injuries, Belichick still managed to lock up the top seed in the AFC and win a trip to Indy.

The Gronk Factor

With the emergence of Rob Gronskowski and Aaron Hernandez as elite tight ends, Tom Brady hasn't missed a step, despite the loss of quality receivers such as Randy Moss. The impact of these tight ends is likely a big factor in why this offense has been tough to stop: tight ends create a mismatch for the defense. They're too big for a safety to cover and too fast for a linebacker, but if you dare to put a cornerback on one of these big men you are likely to lose track of the talented wide receiver Wes Welker. Welker led the patriots in receiving yards this season and had eight games with over 100 receiving yards and has caught 10 touchdowns.

Versatility

With the lack of depth at most positions, the Patriots have been forced to improvise this season. Julian Edelman has been forced to play on both sides of the ball multiple times this season. Edelman has filled in as a wide receiver and a cornerback along with his role as punt returner. Aaron Hernandez lined up in the backfield against the Broncos in the AFC divisional game and rattled off 61 rushing yards. Wide receiver Michael Slater returned four kickoffs, made 17 special teams tackles, started three games at safety and forced a fumble against Indianapolis. He will appear in his first Pro Bowl this season.

Revenge

As you all remember, the 2008 Super Bowl pitted the undefeated New England Patriots against the wild card New York Giants. The Giants won that game, stunning Brady and company and stopping the Patriots chance to make history. That is not a loss that someone forgets about easily. In fact, that game is probably Tom Brady's biggest motivation right now. This group of Patriots is poised and ready to take revenge on Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin.