Adam Schefter

There has been a wave of optimism coming from players Sunday afternoon on Twitter — along with a smattering of information via national media members — as Super Bowl XLVI approaches.

In a tweet this afternoon by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, hope was raised for Patriots fans everywhere.

Might mean nothing or something. But one Pats official said practices this week were “10 times better’ than practices before Super Bowl XLII.

NFL Network reporter Albert Breer recently tweeted One Giant texted me this morning on Coughlin’s stirring speech: ‘He spoke from the heart. We are ready.’

As for the players …

Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz tweeted: I play this game for my family and the people from Paterson, NJ that understand the struggle.

A tweet was also sent out by Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez radiating positive energy about today’s game, saying: All love to my fans and hello good morning to all my haters!!! Imma put my ring on my wedding finger cuz I’m married to the game!!!

The twitter account of quarterback Eli Manning has not been active since December 2010, while an account for Brady is officially off the map.

Giants safety Antrel Rolle has been rather vocal on his twitter in the past 24 hours, his latest tweet being: Today is the day. There is no turning back. No matter what the outcome is today, I LOVE my GIANTS including Family, FANS, and FRIENDS.

In a retweet by assistant editor of Patriots Football Weekly Andy Hart, Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork talked highly of quarterback Tom Brady, tweeting: there is no other guy I’d want leading my team, whether he has his worst game or his best game.

All appear to be in good spirits as the countdown to kickoff inches closer.

In terms of who will come out on top by the end of tonight, staff writer for Patriots Football Weekly and patriots.com Erik Scalavino has made a prediction and is sticking by it.

Six hours to #SuperBowlIXLVI kickoff, and I’m still feeling good about my prediction: #Patriots 35 #Giants 13. Hernandez, MVP. What say you?

The host of The Field Report on 88.7 FM WSYC in Pennsylvania, Chris Field, rebutted with a tweet saying: That’s pretty bold. How will the Giants only score 13?

Scalavino responded rather quickly with: Turnovers, mostly by Manning.

Rich Cimini, reporter for the Jets on ESPNNewYork.com, tweeted about the vibe surrounding the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy:

I’m in downtown Indy. Great vibe around town. Wonder if it’ll be the same in two years in a city as big as NY.