THE KEYS TO WINNING SUPER BOWL XLII : NEW YORK GIANTS EDITION

Well as promised today we are going to take a look at the keys to success for the New York Giants, as they are looking to upset the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.


#1: DEFENSE
The keys to both teams winning this game will be how well they play defensively. Personally, I believe the Giants have a lot more to worry about than the Patriots, considering the Giants offensive line is no where near as good as the Patriots.

If they plan on having a shot at this game, the Giants' defensive line must be able to penetrate the Patriots' offensive line and get to Patriots QB Tom Brady. In their Week 17 match-up they did just that and came within a field-goal of winning that game. The problem with the pass rush in that game was that the Giants defensive backs couldn't cover the Patriots dangerous receiving core, thus propelling the Patriots to a 38-35 victory in that game.

The defensive line needs to make Brady moves his feet, particularly DE's Michael Strahan and Osi Umeyiora. They need to make him hurry his throws and throw off-balance in order to deter his pinpoint accuracy. Furthermore, Giants DB's Corey Webster and Aaron Ross will have to play shutdown defense on passing plays. That means they must stop WR's Wes Welker, and Randy Moss, Brady's two favorite targets who have lit up the stat sheet all season. (Moss with his 23 receiving TD's and Welker's 116 receptions; both of which are team records.)


#2: QB - ELI MANNING
This will be Mannings first trip to the big game and it will be exciting to see how he will react to the pressure surrounding the game. If the Giants win this game expect Manning to be the main reason why. If the Giants do win expect him to join his brother Peyton as a Super Bowl MVP.

The Patriots will send a number of different blitzes at Manning in order to confuse him. He, like Brady, will also have to rely heavily on his offensive line to protect against the pass-rush. During interviews in Tuesday's annual "Super Bowl Media Day" Manning appeared to be very relaxed and almost giddy at the chance to be playing in the Super Bowl. Look for Manning to try and go over the top on Patriots defensive backs by throwing high, deep passes to his recievers. His receiving corps has a huge height advantage over the Patriots defensive backs, look for him to incorporate this strategy in his gameplan.


#3: GIANTS RUNNING BACKS
Starting RB Brandon Jacobs and spell RB Ahmad Bradshaw will have to do their best to establish the running game early. Look for the Giants to run a number of draw plays to Bradshaw in passing situations, in order to throw off the defense. Jacobs will be utilized in short yardage situations where he is at his best.

However, Jacobs has been known to blast through the line and turn what looks to be a 5-yard run into a 25-yard gain. Jacobs has a similar running style as former players Jim Brown, Roger Craig and Jerome Bettis. His strategy is to hit or be hit, he has been known to overpower linebackers and defensive lineman with his monstrous 6'4", 240 pound frame, which is exceptionally large for a RUNNING BACK. Jacobs could establish himself as one of the best power-rushers currently in the league, if they can defeat the Patriots. Remember in Week 17 Jacobs rushed for only 67 yards on 15 carries.

Bradshaw is a work in progress, he has only picked up significant playing time since the end of the season. Bradshaw is an explosive back with exceptional speed. He also has soft hands and is a good receiver in the backfield. The Giants will look to use him in short passing routes and runs to the outside. His speed will make him a key factor in the Giants' chances of winning.