The Giants have been presented with a more difficult challenge each week during this amazing playoff run. On Sunday, they face their most difficult task: knock off the 18-0 Patriots and create their own legend. They know what they are up against, having played NE as tough as anyone in a Week 17 loss that gave the Pats their undefeated regular season. The Giants get to avenge that loss, knock off the mighty Pats, and make history all in one shot.
Are they capable? I believe so, but a few things have to happen. First, the Giants need do to play at a very high level. Some have said a perfect game. I won’t go that far, but they have to be clicking on all cylinders and also get the Pats to play similar to the way they did against San Diego, which frankly is nothing extraordinary. That starts with rushing the football effectively. I believe the Giants will have to out-rush New England, thus keeping the ball away from Brady and company for a greater period of time and also allow Eli to work off play-action resulting in big plays. To get in a scoring duel with them would be unwise.
Defensively, I’d put Aaron Ross almost exclusively on Wes Welker. He is athletic enough to slow down Welker and also cover those WR screens they run so effectively. Then I’d put Madison with over-the-top help on Moss. Make Stallworth, the tight ends, and Maroney beat you. The Giants will also have to give different looks, combining that four man rush with various blitz schemes. Mix it up. You won’t confuse Brady, he is too good for that. But make him work for it. They did a great job of that through three quarters last game until breaking down in the final stanza.
Finally, win the turnover battle. That doesn’t mean the Giants can’t turn the ball over. But if they turn it over once, make the Pats turn it over twice. Get to tipped balls. Make a big special teams play.
And lastly, don’t be afraid to gamble. The Patriots are the best team in football this year. But the best team doesn’t always win. If the Giants get into a situation where they have fourth and one inside the NE 35 yard line, go for it. Don’t settle for field goals. New England is just an average team between the twenty’s, but very good inside the twenty. Finish off what you start.
