Have you watched Eli Manning and the New York Giants lately? Remember earlier in the NFL season where most of us wrote them off? In case you haven’t noticed, they are playing in Super Bowl XLII against the going-for-true-perfection New England Patriots on February 3, 2008. Why can they win this game?

1. Eli Manning: Genetics have finally trumped inexperience and the younger Manning is a bona-fide NFL quarterback. With fewer turnovers and a more poised stance, he is trying to follow in his brother’s footsteps.

2. Plaxico Burress: At 6’5” he is a big target for quarterback Eli Manning. With 12 touchdowns from his 70 receptions in the regular season, he is a hard man to cover.

3. The defense: Michael Strahan and the New York Giants defense have sacked opposing quarterbacks 53 times in the regular season, caused 16 fumbles, and took 15 interceptions. Strahan alone has caused 2 fumbles in the post season. Watch out Tom Brady!

4. They’re hungry: After a start of 0-2, their resurgent success is admirable. Throughout the playoffs, they have presented a cohesive unit that can win when they need to!

5. Statistics are on their side: Only one other team in NFL history has accomplished the elusive perfect season (see Miami Dolphins). The pressure is much greater on the New England Patriots here to keep the fire burning.