Metaphors

I've heard all week about how the Giants defense matches up well against the Pats offense. I'm not sure I agree based on the game in November (Pats shot themselves in the foot on multiple drives), but I can see where they are coming from. The Giants effectively play a 4-2-5 base with 3 safeties getting a majority of snaps. Having all those DBs on the field (add Amukamara on obvious passing downs) allows them to spread safeties around to clutter up passing lanes in the middle of the field.

However, this scheme is more out of necessity than design. The Giants have struggled with LB play all year long. Boley is a constant but he isn't a big guy. They have tried Herzlich in the middle until he got hurt. Greg Jones has slipped to the point where they brought Chase Blackburn back after not signing him out of camp (where he remained unemployed until after Thanksgiving). Kiwanuka is listed as a LB but he plays more like a DE.

This gives the Pats an opportunity to run the ball effectively when the Giants go light (6 players 230 lbs and under). With 2 TEs (add Solder if Hernandez is at RB), the Pats would have the bulk to open holes and get to the 2nd level against DBs rather than LBs.

The Giants only counter to this is to bring up safeties into the box...which should allow play-action to freeze them long enough to give the TEs and Welker the ability to get open quickly or drive the seam and attack downfield.

Add this all up and the Pats offense stays on schedule and Brady stays clean and in control. That does assume the following:

1) Avoid negative plays. Can't have penalties that take the run option off the table.

2) Keep the game close. Falling behind by multiple scores transforms the game into a track meet where the lighter Giant defenders and multitude of rush ends are comfortable.

3) Absolutely no turnovers. This gameplan depends on drive efficiency so you can't lose entire drives to turnovers.

4) Win special teams. Rather have 60-70 yard drives than 80-90 yard ones. When they get into scoring position, must come away with points.

The Pats uncharacteristically failed on all these points in November. If they ace them next Sunday, the Pats should be able to control this game with strong runs and play-action passes. While it is a rematch of 2007, it should feel more like 2003-2004.

letekro

Yup. Ridley please.

BelichickFan

The Giants are 23rd in the league in yards allowed per rush, just one spot above us - our low ranking can be mitigated by 1) Spikes and Chung being back and 2) NYG have the lowest yards per carry offensively in the league; plus they won't be able to resist throwing on our secondary. That was a long way of saying I agree, we should be able to run on them and BJGE is looking like he's over his toe issue.

Coach42

I think the Pats ground game/offensive line play has be underrated all year. When they have committed to the run good things happen. I think we can run on this Giants team regardless of their personnel. I thought BJGE looked great last week and would love to run him into the ground.

Gumby

Yes, but is Ridley over his 'BB doesn't activate guys who drop the rock' issue?

State

We are in much better position counteracting an all-out Giants pass rush with a competent ground game. I'll never forget the last SB watching Maroney getting arm tackled by diving LBers for the Giants.

The Lawfirm and Ridley are much better. And Solder is a freak specimen.

AzPatsFan

The Giants undersized 4 DE rush line is susceptible to a steady diet of BJGE, and Riddley with an occasional sprinkling of Woodhead, for spice. If the Giants beef up to stop the run then they can't pass rush, with their larger but immobile reserves. Meanwhile we exploit their undersized D-line and and poor an/or undersized LBs, and light triple Safety defense with a power run game.

I would like to run at them with a steady diet of Light, Mankins, Connolly, Waters and Volmer; with Gronk and Solder as the TEs, and Hernandez as the H-back. BJGE and Riddley could have a 100 yards each. Except when Gronk Hernadez or Welker take a wide open pass.

ausbacker

A good way to help slow down and aggressive pass rush is to employ screens and dump offs with quick throws. The Giants linemen can't get to Brady if the ball has already left his hand.

I'll be interested to see if the Patriots employ either of these during the game.

Ice_Ice_Brady

It seems like they've tried that and always choke. They can't complete a simple screen, so they abandon the correct strategy. The Giants defense has a way of making teams employ the obviously bad schemes.

I'd like to see some misdirection as well. How about a WW or AH reverse early on, or better yet- A FLEA FLICKER!!!!

RelocatedPatFan

If they can dump the ball to BJGE, I think we might take them by surprise for a few plays and help set up the play action. We arely seem to get him the ball (I know there are obvious reasons for that), but being able to use him in that role could definitely throw the defense a wrinkle. Peopel expect Woodhead/Faulk in that formation to potentially get a pass.

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