Key Match-ups in Super Bowl XLII
How Do Giant, Patriot Players Match-up in Title Game?
A look at both teams' head-to-head offensive versus defensive ballplayers, offering a glimpse at who may dominate the contest.
With Super Bowl XLII only hours away, which match-ups are most crucial to the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, the two teams battling for the NFL title? Although still considered 12-point underdogs, New York won’t be any pushover. They’ll play tough against the 18-0 Patriots.
New York’s Offense vs. New England’s Defense
LT David Diehl vs. RDE/RDT Richard Seymour
Originally a guard, Diehl will have to do a yeoman’s job against Seymour, a former All-Pro who was sidelined by injury for much of the season. Diehl’s a very effective blocker when it comes to speedy running back Ahmad Bradshaw’s outside scampers.
C Shaun O'Hara vs. NT Vince Wilfork
O’Hara’s a vastly underrated offensive lineman who played a good game against Wilfork when the two teams met to conclude the regular season. He opens holes for power runner Brandon Jacobs and provides weakside opening for Bradshaw on cutback plays. But Wilfork had a terrific year, making the Pro Bowl. And the Pats may just play a four-man front this time around in an attempt to negate the Giants’ running game.
RT Kareem McKenzie vs. LDE Ty Warren
McKenzie is quick on his feet and is adept at making holes for New York’s backs. He’ll have his hands full fending off Warren, who was second on the Patriots in tackles. Warren is an accomplished pass rusher and is likewise effective against the run.
Giants’ Receivers vs. Patriots’ Secondary
Only time will tell who will cover whom. New York’s Plaxico Burress badly burned NE corner Ellis Hobbs in the regular season finale. But Burress is hurting and didn’t practice all week until Saturday’s walk-through. The $1 million question is whether he’ll still require a steady diet of double coverage. If so, expect SS Rodney Harrison to be his second shadow. Expect the Patriots’ Asante Samuel to draw the primary responsibility to make Burress a non-factor.
If Burress’ injuries prevent him from playing his usual game, NY quarterback Eli Manning will have to rely upon the veteran WR Amani Toomer and TE Kevin Bass as his primary targets in passing situations.
New York’s Defense vs. New England’s Offense
RDE Osi Umenyiora vs. LT Matt Light
Umenyiora has outstanding speed but didn’t do much against Light the last time the two teams met. He’ll need to dispose of Light to pressure Patriots’ QB Tom Brady. In other situations Light may have to deal with DE Justin Tuck, who takes a lot of reps, and can line up anywhere on the defensive line. NY’s Fred Robbins, another D-lineman rotates in and out, as well.
DT Barry Cofield vs. CDan Koppen
Giants’ DT Barry Cofield will have to beat either Patriots’ RG Stephen Neal or their center, Dan Koppen. Cofield’s more effective against the run, and appears during early downs. Koppen’s a Pro Bowler, and Neal is exceptionally quick on his feet.
LDE Michael Strahan vs. RT Nick Kaczur
Kaczur’s a solid O-lineman but he’ll find he’s got his hands full facing Strahan, who’s still a ferocious pass rusher in spite of his 36 years.
Giants’ Secondary vs. Patriots’ Receivers
SS James Butler, FS Gibril Wilson, RCB Corey Webster and LCB Aaron Ross are going to have to register a stellar effort to shut down what’s probably the No. 1 receiving corps in the NFL. Figure they’ll double cover Pats’ WR Randy Moss, which leaves wideout Wes Welker and fellow wide receivers Donte’ Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney each covered by a single D-back if NE goes to a four- or five-receiver set, something they frequently employ.
No matter what, expect a good, hard-fought contest.
