The New England Patriots and New York Giants are ready to appear on the NFL’s biggest stage Sunday, Feb. 3, when they square off in Super Bowl XLII, with both teams eminently qualified to emerge with a victory.
The Patriots are seeking to make history, as with a win they’ll establish themselves as only the second team in NFL history to completely run the table and post a perfect record. But, unlike the 17-0 Miami Dolphins of 1972, New England will sport a 19-0 mark if they prevail in the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, the Giants seek to play the role of spoiler, and extend their Cinderella-like march throughout the playoffs. New York has already upset the Cowboys in Dallas and the Packers in Green Bay, and hope to deliver the same kind of blow to the Pats’ pursuit of perfection.
So, in the wake of two weeks of hype and ballyhoo, just how can the Giants make good on wide receiver Plaxico Burress’ prediction of a New York victory? And how can New England complete The Perfect Season?
How the Giants Can Win Super Bowl XLII
Stop the Patriots’ Passing Game
New England established numerous all-time NFL passing records during the regular season. New York must dominate the Pats’ passing attack while on defense. Defensive ends Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck must pressure Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady and force him to make hurried and bad passes, similar to what San Diego did in the AFC Championship game. The Giants’ linebackers have to be flexible enough to add to that pressure, yet be wary of a very effective short passing game.
The Patriots have made an offensive staple of throwing to running back Kevin Faulk in the flat, and completing over-the-middle passes to Wes Welker. New York’s secondary has to eliminate All-Pro wide receiver Randy Moss from the equation, which probably means double-teaming him. But they also need to watch both Donte’ Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney, both of whom have game-breaking abilities.
Control the Clock
Just as important, the Giants must quickly and firmly establish an effective running game against a competent Patriots’ defense. If anything, New England’s rush defense is their Achilles’ heel. New York’s offense needs to put the ball in the hands of both Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, and negate the Patriots’ defensive linemen and linebackers. Giants’ offensive linemen will have to create openings inside and outside for Jacobs and outside for Bradshaw so the offense can pick up fives yards a carry or so.
Gotham’s team can’t allow themselves to be forced into a predominantly passing game. Even though quarterback Eli Manning has been outstanding throughout New York’s playoff run, making him throw and throw and throw will cripple the Giants’ chances of winning the game. And by controlling the line of scrimmage New York’s offense will keep the ball out of the hands of Brady and allow their defense to spend time on the sidelines.
Execute on Special Teams
Kicker Lawrence Tynes didn’t exactly engender a lot of confidence in the NFC Championship game despite his game-winning field goal in overtime. He missed two attempts from closer in before the close of regulation. He’s got to make his field goal attempts, particularly since New England’s defense is deadly within the red zone. And R.W. McQuarters and Domenik Hixon need to give the Giants good field position when returning punts and kickoffs, respectively. Jeff Feagles must deliver solid, coffin-corner punts when called upon. And their efforts on kickoff and punts have to result in shutting down ground-gaining returns on the part of the Pats.
How the Patriots Can Win Super Bowl XLII
Utilize All Their Offensive Weapons
In spite of New England’s prolific pass offense, the Pats can mount an effective running game, and they need to do it in Super Bowl XLII. Laurence Maroney is one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL. They need to give the ball to him in order to balance their offensive efforts, and utilize Faulk – one of the Patriots’ best yardage gainers on the ground and via the air – and bruiser Heath Evans in short yardage situations.
Brady needs to make Moss a factor in this game, even if it’s simply by using him as a decoy. Moss has only caught two passes in New England’s two playoff contests, but has made critical blocks when needed, as well as having picked up 14 yards on a reverse play against the Chargers. The Patriots need to spread the ball around while passing, using tight end Ben Watson, Faulk and Maroney as needed.
Keep Giants’ Defenders Away from Brady
The O-line has to play a superb game against a very good New York defensive line. Matt Light and Company need to keep Umenyiora, Strahan and Tuck away from Tom Terrific. Brady’s coming off a high ankle sprain and his mobility may become a factor. The quarterback may need just a little bit more time to set up than usual. And the Pats’ braintrust certainly doesn’t want to see Brady forced to scramble any more than absolutely necessary.
Force Eli Manning to Throw
If the Patriots can shut down New York’s ground game, they can make Manning put the ball in the air more than Giants’ head coach Tom Coughlin would like. With Plaxico Burress nursing both a bad ankle and a bad knee, New England might not have to focus so much attention on the massive and speedy wideout. That means they can keep special watch on New York’s tight end Kevin Bass, and wide receivers Amani Toomer and Steve Smith.
The defensive line and linebackers are going to have to stack up against Jacobs, who weighs in excess of 260 lbs., to prevent him from gaining significant yardage. Likewise, they’ll need to pinch from the outside in order to stop Bradshaw, a quick back who has a penchant of gaining ground off-tackle and around the ends.
