How to Beat the Patriots
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Be Aggressive on Offense
The Patriots didn't set the single-season NFL scoring record by accident. As long as the weather is good, they're probably going to score 30 to 35 points, no matter how stout the defense. An offensive game plan that provides the most chances to score is the best strategy. The conventional wisdom when facing a powerful offense is to run the ball and keep the ball away from them. Wrong. Against the Patriots, Eli Manning and the Giants must throw the ball early and often. They can't wait until it's third and long to put the ball in the air.
Take Chances
This goes right along with being aggressive on offense and throwing the ball on first and second downs. Giants Coach Tom Coughlin must take some chances. Go for it on fourth down. Maybe toss in an onside kick or two. If it works, they might win. If it doesn't, they won't. But then again, they probably won't win, anyway, by being conservative.
Hit Brady
If Tom Brady sits comfortably in the pocket, he'll pick apart a defense. Go after him. It's not really about how many times he's sacked. It's about being around him, getting in his face, taking away his passing lanes and forcing him to throw early. The Giants have the pass rushers to get it done with Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck. And Brady's ankle injury might keep him from moving around in the pocket as needed to create space for himself -- which he usually does very well, although he's not a running quarterback.
Be Physical With Moss
It's not about doing what the Jaguars did in the second round of the AFC playoffs and putting two or three defenders on Randy Moss at all times; that leaves too much room for Wes Welker. It's about mixing it up and double-teaming Moss occasionally, but also covering him one-on-one at times -- and always having someone right in his face to push and shove him and keep him from getting off the line of scrimmage cleanly. If this leads to a few five-yard illegal contact penalties, so be it. They're better than 50-yard touchdowns.
Get Ahead, Then Start Playing for Real
When the Patriots fall behind, they don't get discouraged. They don't turn on one another. They don't just go away. That's when their championship mettle shows. They turn it up a few notches, and you'd better be ready to do the same thing. The Patriots trailed in the fourth quarter four times during the regular season -- to the Colts, Eagles, Ravens and Giants. And none of the four opponents managed to seal the deal and beat them.
-- Mark Maske
