Pelletier's Perspective 2.2.08: Super Sunday
Posted by Justin Pelletier on 02.02.2008
Three down and one to go. How can my adopted team pull of an upset for the ages? Come inside and find out on the latest additon of....PELLETIER'S PERSPECTIVE.
Super Sunday appears to be one of the biggest foregone conclusions in the history of the modern world. The anointment of the Patriots seems as destined as the sun rising, the seasons changing or Amy Winehouse's next trip to rehab, but it doesn't HAVE to be that way.
It was 39-years ago that another New York underdog shocked America and left sports with one of its most indelible images. What will it take for Eli Manning to be able to run off the field with his finger raised in victory, ala Broadway Joe at Super Bowl III? Well that's a very good question. So come with us as we here at The Perspective examine the keys to a Giants victory.
THE FRONT FOUR
Every Patriot opponent's first key is to apply pressure to Tom Brady, but it rings especially true for the G-Men. New York's defensive line is the most potent ingredient on its team and if the Jacksonville Jaguars taught us anything, it's that you HAVE TO PUT PRESSURE ON BRADY!
If New York doesn't pressure Brady and allows him time to read the defense, find an open receiver and rub one off the Patriots will win by 50. Brady is too good and the Giants secondary is too bad. If the front-four can't pressure Brady than New York will have to turn to the blitz and that won't work either. Brady will molest a defense with any fewer than seven men in pass coverage.
MANNING TO BURRESS
That has to be a common refrain on Super Sunday. This is the game where Eli and Plaxico have to cement themselves as one of the premier pass catching combos in the league. Manning appears to be coming into his own and can ill-afford a regression. Burress has all the physical tool and toughness to be a top five receiver in this league. This is the game they need to make their mark.
Any fewer than six catches for 100 yards and AT LEAST one touchdown won't cut it. Manning has been groomed for this moment his entire life and, at 6 feet-6 inches, Burress is a match up nightmare for most every little corner in the league. If the Giants offense is going to hang with New England, Burress and Manning have to come up big.
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING, PT. 2
It's no longer Tiki and the Dayne-Train but Bradshaw and Jacobs. While not as heralded as their predecessors, Bradshaw and Jacobs are the perfect mix to keep a running game going strong.
A 260 lbs. battering ram, Jacobs, is the perfect weapon for the Giants to utilize early in the game to show New England its physical presence. When he is spelled by the quick Bradshaw, defenses have a hard time adjusting, allowing "Lightning" to break off big gains. Jacobs return in the latter stages of a contest spells doom for a tired defense.
That is exactly how it has to go on Sunday. The Giants must control the clock with their runners in an effort to keep this super nova known as the Patriots offense off the field. Jacobs and Bradshaw both better come to work with their hard hats on because if they fail the Patriots could turn off the lights early.
THE DETAILS
I know Tom Coughlin must preach this to his team daily but never before has attention to detail been so important. If the Giants want any chance at the Lombardi Trophy they must execute properly on every play. They can not suffer a large amount of turnovers, penalties or miss opportunities because lord knows the Patriots won't. A clean game means the Giants are in it come the end. A few turnovers and a couple dumb penalties mean "Hello Dynasty."
THE PREDICTION
Every Giants victory scenario begins with "If the Giants can…" while the Patriots championship plan is much simpler, just do what they've done each time out the previous 18 weeks. Common logic says that Sunday will be a Cowboys/Bills-esque beating.
I've never accused of being common, however, and I'm not a huge fan of logic, either. Call it homerism, call it stupidity, call it the fact that I don't have any money riding on it but I've got a feeling.
