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» Super Bowl XLVI Final Word: Patriots | Giants

Five nuggets of knowledge about Super Bowl XLVI:

Legacy builders: The New England Patriots and New York Giants didn't have much interest in talking about the big picture during Super Bowl week. Anything beyond Sunday's game was too much to comprehend. But this game is important for legacies on both teams. For the Patriots, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick can tie the record for the most Super Bowl wins by a quarterback and head coach with four. (Former Steelers coach Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls; quarterbacks Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw also have four rings.) For the Giants, a second championship would cement quarterback Eli Manning's status as an elite quarterback. New York coach Tom Coughlin also would have a stronger case for the Hall of Fame with his second ring as a head coach.

Setting the tempo: An area that hasn't been talked about much this week is New England's effective use of the no-huddle offense. The Patriots used it more and more late in the season, and it's helped set the tempo. New York likes to use plenty of substitutions, particularly on its talented and deep defensive line, to keep everyone fresh. But a no-huddle will disrupt New York's substitution packages. New England didn't use the no-huddle offense much at all in the previous loss against the Giants in Week 9. How will New York adjust to it in the Super Bowl?

Gronkowski's contribution: Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury. But he is expected to play. Gronkowski won't be 100 percent, but his presence already makes an impact in this game. New York has to account for him, and that will open things up for others, like receiver Wes Welker and tight end Aaron Hernandez. Gronkowski caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Giants in the regular season. Don't expect that type of production in the Super Bowl.

Don't forget the kickers: Gronkowski, Brady, Manning and New York's defensive line have dominated the discussion for two weeks, but do not forget the kicking game. This Super Bowl is expected to be close and could come down to Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski and Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes. Both have done a good job this season. But there is a big difference kicking in the Super Bowl. In the AFC Championship Game, Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff couldn't handle the pressure and missed a chip shot near the end of regulation. Gostkowski and Tynes could have opportunities to be heroes or goats.

New England's track record with revenge: The Patriots have downplayed the revenge factor all week. Regardless of whether it's on their minds, they have done a great job of avenging prior postseason losses. The Patriots entered the season 0-3 in their last three playoff games. The most recent postseason loss was against the AFC East rival New York Jets. A motivated New England team convincingly swept the Jets in two regular-season games. The revenge tour continued in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, who knocked New England out of the playoffs after the 2009 season. The Patriots returned the favor two weeks ago. Now, New England has a chance to avenge the Super Bowl XLII loss to the Giants. Will the Patriots complete the trifecta?

The 2011 season was an interesting one filled with ups and mostly downs for the AFC East. Only one team finished with a winning record.

But that doesn't mean the AFC East lacked great individual performances. For example, the division produced an MVP candidate at quarterback who threw for more than 5,000 yards and another stellar season from the best cornerback in football.

Here is our All-AFC East Team for 2011:

Quarterback: Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Analysis: There is no question about this one. Brady set a new career-high with 5,235 passing yards, which surpassed Dan Marino's old record. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (5,476) finished with more yards and has the new record. Brady is the single biggest reason the Patriots are 13-3 and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. His performance carried New England through injuries and inconsistencies in other areas. Brady will be chasing his fourth Super Bowl title in the playoffs.

Running back: Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Analysis: This might be a controversial pick, because two other running backs -- Reggie Bush and Shonn Greene -- had 1,000-yard seasons. But Jackson was the best running back I watched this season. He simply had some bad luck, suffering a season-ending leg injury. He was on his way to making his first Pro Bowl. Jackson rushed for 934 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. He had an additional 442 yards receiving. His numbers would be off the charts if he'd played the final six games.

Fullback: Charles Clay, Dolphins

Analysis: Clay was one of the surprise rookies from Miami's draft class. He was a good blocker for Bush, has great hands and knows what to do with the football. Clay caught 16 passes for 233 yards. He averaged 14.6 yards per reception, which is astounding for a fullback. John Conner of the Jets is the best blocking fullback. But Conner is not a receiving threat.

Receivers: Wes Welker, Patriots; Brandon Marshall, Dolphins

Analysis: The best receivers in the AFC East this season are a pair of Pro Bowlers. Welker had an unbelievable year. He set a new career high with 1,569 yards. He also caught 122 passes and was one of the league's most sure-handed receivers. Marshall, in contrast, wasn't sure-handed. He had plenty of big drops, but still had a good season. Marshall caught 81 passes for 1,214 yards and six touchdowns. What's even more impressive is that Marshall put up big numbers despite Miami's in-season quarterback switch from Chad Henne to Matt Moore.

Tight end: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

Analysis: Gronkowski showed flashes as a rookie. But no one knew he would explode the way he did in his second season. "Gronk" set an NFL record for tight ends with 17 touchdowns. He averaged more than one per game, despite many teams' focus on stopping him late in the season. Gronkowski finished with 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and made his first Pro Bowl. Considering he's only 22, it will most likely be the first of many Pro Bowls.

Center: Nick Mangold, Jets

Analysis: Jets head coach Rex Ryan says a lot of things. But we believe him when he says Mangold is the best center in the NFL. Mangold fought through an ankle injury but had another solid season. He was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. The Jets' offensive line was up and down but completely fell apart when Mangold missed two games. New York's entire running game and blocking scheme is built around its center -- and for good reason.

Guards: Logan Mankins, Patriots; Andy Levitre, Bills

Analysis: Mankins, who made his fourth Pro Bowl, stayed healthy right up until the end and played 15 of 16 games. He should be ready for the playoffs. Levitre was one of my favorite players to watch because of his versatility. He's a very good guard, a solid offensive tackle and struggled at center. Levitre was forced to play all three positions in Buffalo this season because of injuries.

Offensive tackles: Jake Long, Dolphins; Matt Light, Patriots

Analysis: Long played through injuries all season. His back bothered him, and he ended up on injured reserve after tearing his biceps. But Long at 80 percent is still better than most left tackles, and he was good enough to make his fourth Pro Bowl in four years. Light gets our last tackle spot over New York's D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The Pro Bowl nod went to Ferguson. But Ferguson struggled at times this season and didn't play up to his usual standards. I think Ferguson got in on reputation and name recognition.

Defensive ends: Andre Carter, Patriots; Mark Anderson, Patriots

Analysis: No one flinched when the Patriots quietly signed a pair of veteran defensive ends in free agency to bolster their pass rush. Most of the focus was on big-name acquisitions such as receiver Chad Ochocinco and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. But two of New England's best signings were Carter and Anderson. Each finished with 10 sacks, and Carter made the Pro Bowl despite a late, season-ending quad injury. For all of New England's issues on defense, arguably its biggest strength was rushing the passer. The Patriots registered 40 sacks, and Carter and Anderson combined for half of that total.

Defensive tackles: Vince Wilfork, Patriots; Sione Pouha, Jets

Analysis: Wilfork, 30, continues to improve with age. He combines strength and smarts to play defensive tackle/nose tackle. Wilfork finished with 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. But it was his two interceptions this season that were most memorable. Wilfork rumbled for 28 and 19 yards, respectively, on his two picks. The second defensive tackle was one of the most difficult selections. But we went with Pouha over Miami's Paul Soliai. Pouha's numbers were more impressive for a nose tackle. He recorded 58 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Soliai played well for Miami but registered only 27 tackles.

Outside linebackers: Cameron Wake, Dolphins; Calvin Pace, Jets

Analysis: It was a down year for outside linebackers in the AFC East. Wake and Pace were the best of a thin crop. Wake's sack numbers dipped from 14 to 8.5 this season. Teams put more focus on Wake, and he faced more double teams. Pace stayed healthy this season but recorded his lowest sack total (4.5) since 2006. Pace's backup, Aaron Maybin, led the Jets with six sacks.

Inside linebackers: David Harris, Jets; Karlos Dansby, Dolphins

Analysis: Harris continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Harris was the Jets' most consistent defensive player outside of Darrelle Revis. He was always around the football and recorded 86 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. The second inside linebacker was another tough call. But we think Dansby had a slightly better season than New England's Jerod Mayo. A tailback getting 100 yards against the Dolphins' defense was rare, in large part due to Dansby. He established a physical presence in the middle for Miami and recorded 103 tackles and two sacks.

Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis, Jets; Kyle Arrington, Patriots

Analysis: What more can you say about Revis? He had another great season for the Jets. He led New York with 21 passes defended, and tied for the team lead with four interceptions. One pick was returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Teams opted to attack Revis more this season, which allowed more chances for him to make big plays. Arrington was this year's version of Devin McCourty. New England gave up a lot of passing yards, but Arrington made the most of his interception opportunities. He led the Patriots with seven picks and had 88 tackles.

Safeties: Yeremiah Bell, Dolphins; George Wilson, Bills

Analysis: The safeties struggled in the AFC East this season. But Bell was probably the most consistent in the division. He led Miami with 107 tackles. He also had two sacks and one interception. Wilson played lights out at times, particularly early in the season. He set a career high with 106 tackles and tied a career mark with four interceptions. Wilson did all of this despite missing three games with injuries.

Punter: Brandon Fields, Dolphins

Analysis: Fields was spectacular this season. He averaged 48.8 yards per punt and had 32 punts inside the 20. Fields was the only Dolphins player exciting to watch during Miami's ugly 0-7 start. Fields had a Pro Bowl season. But Oakland Raiders punter and Pro Bowler Shane Lechler is probably the best punter in the NFL.

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots

Analysis: Fantasy football players fell in love with Gostkowski this season. New England's high-scoring offense constantly put Gostkowski in position to rack up points, and he usually came through. Gostkowski led New England in scoring with 143 points. He made 28 of 33 field goals and all 59 extra points. The pressure of the playoffs always is different for kickers. But Gostkowski has shown no signs that he will be bothered by it.

Return specialist: Joe McKnight, Jets

Analysis: McKnight was a must-see because something exciting could happen every time he touched the ball. McKnight was fun to watch in the open field. He averaged 31.6 yards per kick return and is a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams. His longest of the season was a 107-yard touchdown return. The next step for McKnight is to develop as a running back. With LaDainian Tomlinson a free agent, McKnight could get a chance to backup Greene next season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Randy Moss, engulfed by reporters and cameras, stood in front of his locker stall and delivered a message to the world.

His New England Patriots went into the Meadowlands as underdogs on Sunday. They didn't have quarterback Tom Brady. Many observers figured the game would signal a power shift in the AFC East because the New York Jets supposedly had become the team to beat.

	Rich Kane/US Presswire
	New England quarterback Matt Cassel didn't make any major mistakes in a solid first start for the Patriots.

"I don't think there's one person in my face with a microphone that picked us to win today," Moss said with a gloating smile. "So I'm going to go ahead and end [the interview]. The Patriots, two and oh. We got one in the division. So all you haters, keep hating. We coming."

The Patriots beat the Jets 19-10 to run their regular-season streak to 21 victories. They've also beaten the Jets eight straight times in the Meadowlands. They will play host to the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass., next week.

Although the Patriots proved predictions usually are worthless in the NFL, it seems a safe bet they'll be 3-0 going into their bye week. The Dolphins are 0-2 after getting dismantled by the Arizona Cardinals.

The Patriots also have the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams among their first seven opponents. Another lopsided record should be expected heading into November.

Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel wasn't sensational, but he was good enough in his first start since high school. He completed 16 of 23 throws for 165 yards and no touchdowns. He didn't throw any interceptions. He had an 89.9 passer rating.

Cassel's teammates were unanimous in their praise of No. 16, who was unflappable all afternoon.

"He took us to the promised land in Week 2, and that's a victory," cornerback Ellis Hobbs said. "Every week you look forward to a victory. How you get there, you never know. He's a leader over there now. He's a guy we're looking toward to make plays on offense."

Said New England Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour: "You want your quarterback to play with emotion, but the emotion didn't play him."

Cassel bemoaned some missed opportunities and a few erroneous reads. But he made one less major mistake than future Hall of Famer Brett Favre did for the Jets.

"Let's hope that a lot of quarterbacks do that throughout the rest of the year," Cassel said of Favre's interception. "He's a great quarterback, and it was fun to compete against him. I remember watching him growing up. It'll be a memorable first start for me."

Favre's glaring error happened in the third quarter, with the Patriots ahead 6-3. He was intercepted by safety Brandon Meriweather at the Jets 24-yard line.

"I saw the guy," Favre said of Meriweather. "Maybe I got a little greedy."

Six plays later, the Patriots scored their only touchdown, a Sammy Morris leap into the end zone for a comfortable 13-3 lead with 6:20 left in the third quarter.

The Jets scored their only touchdown on their first drive of the fourth quarter. Favre completed all six of his passes for 51 yards, including a touch pass to a wide-open Chansi Stuckey from the 2.

But one impressive drive wasn't going to be enough. Not nearly.

The Patriots were the better team in so many ways. The Jets wasted seven points with a missed 31-yard Jay Feely field-goal attempt on the opening drive and their inability to punch the ball into the end zone after getting first-and-goal from the Patriots' 3-yard line in the second quarter. They settled for a field goal.

New England's special teams were dominant. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski not only drilled four field goals, but he also recorded five touchbacks on kickoffs.

The Jets' average start was on their 21-yard line. The Patriots' average start was on their 42.

The Patriots also were more disciplined. They had two penalties for 10 insignificant yards.

The Jets committed six penalties for 60 yards and had a couple more declined. Their costly calls included 12 men on the field, a pass from beyond scrimmage, roughing the passer and a facemask on a Cassel scramble for no gain.

"I think we as a team should see there's a lot of room for improvement," Favre said. "But we're not far off. When we'll turn that corner, I have no idea. We battled back and did some good things, but ultimately we didn't score enough points."

In the visitors locker room, the Patriots were feeling vindicated as a team and not a bunch of supporting cast members made to look good by one leading man.

They want you to know the Patriots still are the team to beat, and they'd just proved it.

"This team was going to come down and do what they did today regardless of what anybody else thinks," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "That is who they are, and that is their job.

"I don't think it really matters what you think. That's just what they are going to do, regardless."

The Jets -- and the world -- were reminded of that Sunday.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots QB Tom Brady was nowhere to be found at today's lone training camp session.

The reason for Brady's absence wasn't announced, but it's believed to have been a scheduled day of rest for Mr. Everything.

Matt Cassel, who is making the backup QB battle a no-contest versus Matt Gutierrez and Kevin O'Connell, took the first-team reps.

"I plan on being the backup quarterback, and I come out here every day and I get ready as if I'm the starter," Cassel told ESPN.com. "Today was one of those days because Tom didn't go. So I took all the No. 1 snaps.

"It's good for me to get those snaps. Those are quality snaps you can't (replicate) as the No. 2 a lot of times." 

• The Patriots must have felt a pit in their stomach when they saw trainer Jim Whalen hovering over cornerback Fernando Bryant, who went to the ground with an apparent left knee injury.

Bryant, the starter so far in camp, has missed a lot of games over his career. Another injury would send the front office to its Rolodex to find secondary help.

Although Bryant limped off the field, he later returned. 

• Safety Rodney Harrison knows how to toe the company line. He wouldn't bite when asked why he had been on the PUP list up until his Wednesday return.

"Just working hard to get better," Harrison said, drawing laughter from the media horde. "I'm out here. That's the only thing that matters. I'm ready to go. I'm excited, flying around and getting excited."

• The Patriots resumed mostly situational work: two-minute, red-zone and down-and-distance drills. They punted from their end zone and hopscotched their field-goal unit around the field (Stephen Gostkowski missed wide left on a pair of 37-yard tries). 

• WR Randy Moss made an astounding one-handed grab on a Cassel pass that seemed destined to sail incomplete. Moss leapt straight up, snared the ball with one hand and fell backward to the ground.

Big whoop.

CBS analyst Randy Cross said it was only the third-best Moss catch he'd seen in his two-day visit to Patriots camp.