Both of the conference championship games this weekend showed the importance of having an elite quarterback.  Eli Manning stayed in there despite getting sacked and hit into the ground.  He converted third downs and kept the Giants in the game while Alex Smith was unable to maintain his improved play against a better defense.  Alex Smith will start again next year for the 49ers but there seems to be a ceiling on his abilities.  Another QB should get a chance to play in San Francisco sooner rather than later.

The Patriots return to the Super Bowl but their defense isn’t that strong, and if Joe Flacco can shred your defense, Eli Manning should do the same.  The Patriots will try to beat the Giants with an overpowering offense.  Still, it should be a close game with the 2 best head coaches in the league against each other.  I think the Giants will win in another close and classic game.