Belichick's Midget Army
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- Apr 9, 2011
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I have a general bad feeling. They come too hot and the Patriots come kind of warm. If Brady doesn't get the offense scoring in every other drive, I don't see the defense stepping up to Cruz-Manningham-Hicks-Manning. It's one thing to "contain" Tebow or Flacco, another is to contain an offense that produced over 4900 yards passing and that have been in synch for 3 years.
I don't think the talk about the defense stepping up is valid. The secondary was burned badly in at least 5 plays. Steerling Moore got away from a holding penalty in the second-to-last play of the game (the pass to Pitta before the kick). Had Flacco been a better QB, I see two passes he could have converted in TDs: the long pass to Smith in the first half (he could have planted his feet and throw in that roll, he had the time; ended up undethrowing him) and another pass to a receiver I don't remember, I think Boldin that, had he thrown it on stride, he was gone. He wasn't under pressure then.
Most of the Patriots success on not giving up as many points and yards as in the regular season came from Wilfork and Love having a great game against the inside of the Ravens line, particulary the right side, and the Ravens commiting to the run with Rice even though it wasn't working.
Although the Giants don't have a great offensive line, as seen by how Smith, Smith and McDonald ate them alive in the second half of the Championship Game, they have a quicker, more experienced passer, and better receivers. Also, I think, a better coach. Or luckier, I don't know, but I know he won't be trying to establish the run if it isn't working.
As for the Patriots offense, without Gronkowski at 100%, I'm not saying it's going to suck, but it won't be lights out as much as it was during the regular season. The Giants may not have players like Reed, Lewis, or Webb in the back, but they have better players rushing the passer. Since Brady seems to struggle lately when teams back-up and rush only 3 or 4 and mix coverages behind to confusse him, and since they can afford to rush the QB with only 4, I think they have the upper hand at least based on the number of players they can commit to coverage.
I hope BB sticks to the run even if they fall behind. That seems to be a strong point in this offense that can help mittigate the "everybody fall back" strategy. Use LawFirm and Woodhead. Use Ridley. Don't use Faulk. Set screens, use Gronkowski to block upfield, split wide as though as he was healthy, and set the screens that way.
Overall, I expect a shootout. Either the Giants blow the Pats out, or it goes toe-to-toe.
I don't think the talk about the defense stepping up is valid. The secondary was burned badly in at least 5 plays. Steerling Moore got away from a holding penalty in the second-to-last play of the game (the pass to Pitta before the kick). Had Flacco been a better QB, I see two passes he could have converted in TDs: the long pass to Smith in the first half (he could have planted his feet and throw in that roll, he had the time; ended up undethrowing him) and another pass to a receiver I don't remember, I think Boldin that, had he thrown it on stride, he was gone. He wasn't under pressure then.
Most of the Patriots success on not giving up as many points and yards as in the regular season came from Wilfork and Love having a great game against the inside of the Ravens line, particulary the right side, and the Ravens commiting to the run with Rice even though it wasn't working.
Although the Giants don't have a great offensive line, as seen by how Smith, Smith and McDonald ate them alive in the second half of the Championship Game, they have a quicker, more experienced passer, and better receivers. Also, I think, a better coach. Or luckier, I don't know, but I know he won't be trying to establish the run if it isn't working.
As for the Patriots offense, without Gronkowski at 100%, I'm not saying it's going to suck, but it won't be lights out as much as it was during the regular season. The Giants may not have players like Reed, Lewis, or Webb in the back, but they have better players rushing the passer. Since Brady seems to struggle lately when teams back-up and rush only 3 or 4 and mix coverages behind to confusse him, and since they can afford to rush the QB with only 4, I think they have the upper hand at least based on the number of players they can commit to coverage.
I hope BB sticks to the run even if they fall behind. That seems to be a strong point in this offense that can help mittigate the "everybody fall back" strategy. Use LawFirm and Woodhead. Use Ridley. Don't use Faulk. Set screens, use Gronkowski to block upfield, split wide as though as he was healthy, and set the screens that way.
Overall, I expect a shootout. Either the Giants blow the Pats out, or it goes toe-to-toe.