Keys to Victory for Super Bowl 42

New England Patriots

1. Get Randy Moss involved-Moss has been quiet this post-season, but he can make some real noise at any time.  When Moss makes a big play, it can literally take the life out of the opposing team.

2. Pressure Eli Manning-When Manning is under constant pressure, he tends to buckle and make a key mistake or two.  Eli has had an outstanding post-season so far, but if the Patriots can make him lose his confidence, the game won’t even be close.

3. Shut down Giants running game-The key to beating the Giants for the past few seasons has been to shut down their running game and make Manning be the one to try and win the game.  That formula still applies today.

4. Get the ball to Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk on 3rd downs-New England is tough to beat, because they are the best at keeping the chains moving.  Tom Brady relies on Welker and Faulk as his main targets on 3rd downs, and opposing defenses are so concerned about Moss, that they allow the duo to nickel and dime them to death.

5. Be willing to run the ball-The Giants have a stellar pass rush, and the best way to slow it down is to run the ball right at them.  If the Patriots abandon the run, as they have in other games, Brady could finish the game with more than just a sore ankle.

New York Giants

1. Put pressure on Tom Brady-Just ask the Jacksonville Jaguars what Brady will do when he is allowed time to throw the football. 

2. Run the ball well-The lethal offense of the Patriots cannot score if they are standing on the sideline.  If New York can move the ball via the run, and dominate the time of possession, they have a chance to defeat the giant.

3. Don’t allow any big plays-New England can dent the scoreboard on one quick play, or they have no trouble converting a long methodical drive into a score.  However, it is important to limit their big plays and keep the score as close as possible.

4. Defend Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk on 3rd downs-Brady looks for Welker and Faulk to move the chains. It is essential that the Giants tackle the aforementioned duo before they can reach the sticks. They must force the Patriots to have to punt the ball.

5. Have to win turnover battle-The Patriots are near impossible to beat, which means that it is vital that the Giants win the turnover battle to have a chance in the game.  If New York continues to protect the ball well, they certainly are good enough to pull off the upset.