I’ve been avoiding the internet like a plague all day, albeit a plague that I would desperately like to get a taste of. Previewing a super bowl that has already occurred is an uncomfortable exercise in patience and self-control.

I’m feeling cautiously optimistic about this game- call it post-causal optimism. I haven’t breathlessly followed every minute’s Gronk injury update, nor do I know the name of Tom Brady’s childhood goldfish. But I’d like to consider myself an informed supporter. And I think the Pats, with or without Gronk, match up favorably with the fighting Coughlins.

The biggest reason for my optimism (and I don’t think enough writers have discussed this) is the revenge factor. The 2007 Super Bowl was, for me, the most emotionally and physically painful loss (I slugged an unforgiving wall after Plaxico Burress burned Ellis Cobbs on the game’s final play.) I took the defeat hard, and I’d imagine Belichick, Brady and co didn’t take it lightly, either. The Pats would never engage in public smack talk, but I would wager a goodly sum that there was a surplus of motivational profanities being hurled in the locker-room, pre-game speech. You can never discount the effect and power of the more-motivated squad, especially on the grandest stage.

I’d also point to the gulf in talent between Tom Brady and Eli Manning, between Gronkowski (or Aaron Hernandez) and Jake Ballard, between Wes Welker and Hakeem Nicks. Yes, the Giants have the superior defense on paper and you would probably be wise to take Ahmad Bradshaw over Benjarvus Green-Ellis in a fantasy draft, but I think the most meaningful position (quarterback) combined with my theory about the motivational edge should tip the scales in the Pats’ favor. I’ll take Tom Terrific and his thirst for revenge over Peyton’s kid brother any day.

Anyway, I’m hoping this post-game-preview reads as insightful and not irrelevant. In a few short hours I’ll either be on cloud nine or I’ll be chucking pans across my apartment..