Excuse the Patriots and Giants if this year's Super Bowl teams seem more like two unworthy politicians running for office while trying to expose their opponent's weaknesses and covering up their own.
It's an election year, after all.
Instead of calling this Super Bowl week, let's call it Super Bowl weak.
And the adage "defenses win championships" doesn't apply.
The teams roll into Indianapolis this week with two of the worst defenses in the Super Bowl. New England gave up 411.1 yards per game this season, second most in the league, and New York was one of eight teams to give up 400 or more points.
Both defenses have played better in the postseason, but in the conference title games, the Giants gave up a big-play touchdown against the 49ers and the Patriots' secondary couldn't cover the Ravens.
Both teams thrive on offense, but Eli Manning has been inconsistent all season and Tom Brady was awful in the AFC title game, with a 57.5 quarterback rating.
The Patriots didn't beat a team with a winning record this season until the Ravens, and the Giants – outscored by their opposition in 2011 – had to beat an injury-riddled Cowboys team in the regular-season finale to squeak into the playoffs.
And if not for two muffed punt returns by the 49ers that led to the Giants' victory, and the Patriots benefiting from a stripped touchdown reception followed by a missed game-tying field- goal attempt by the Ravens, Super Bowl XLVI could have been a well-watched Harbaugh family reunion.
Instead, Super Bowl weak commences.
Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin approved this message.
What to watch
NBA, Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, 7:30 p.m., NBATV: Is this a preview of the Western Conference finals?
Today's poll
Which Super Bowl team has the better defense?
• Giants
• Patriots
Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Weekend results
Who is the best rookie guard in the NBA?
• MarShon Brooks: 2%
• Jimmer Fredette: 20%
• Kyrie Irving: 24%
• Brandon Knight: 3%
• Ricky Rubio: 42%
• Kemba Walker: 6%
• Other: 3%
Total votes: 495
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