The real match up for the Superbowl appears to be basic.
1. Can Kevin Gilbride (picture), first full season Giants’ offensive coordinator, craft an offensive plan that is good enough to beat the Pats Bill Belichick.
2. Can Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo craft a defensive plan to stop the Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Gilbride has been less than creative this season. Very often the Giant offensive play calls seem predictable. (e.g., always running off tackle on first down, etc). The offensive play calls have also been ultra conservative at times, too much so in certain situations. Gilbride will need more than predictable play calls to beat one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, Bill Belichick. If the Giants offense is in "2nd or 3rd down and 8 yards" the whole game, they don't stand a chance. Eli will also need much better play action and fakes to freeze/outsmart the Patriot Linebacker core. A better running mix with Bradshaw is critical. Maybe Jacobs and Bradshaw in the same set? More screens to Bradshaw?, etc Lastly, the Giants receivers have to catch the ball ( wink wink Toomer)
Spagnuolo has a solid defense. The patch-works giants secondary has come up big in past games and will need to come up even bigger to beat the Patriots. Antonio Pierce ( and the other Giant linebackers too) will have to play harder, and READ better, to stop the Patriots. Giving the Patriots "five yards a carry" will not cut it. Clearly the Giants will have to apply pass pressure to Brady to win...period . Brady will carve up the Giants with passes like a Thanksgiving turkey if they give him time. The Giants have the weapons, carefully disguised blitz packages will be paramount. There is no question, the Patriots have an unbelievable offense. Its also true that the Giants defense has been playing inspired and did preview their effectiveness in the last game of the regular seasons against the Patriots. But, the Patriots have now seen this.. Spagnuolo will need to prepare for that too.
Giant blown coverage, bad special teams, unblocked blitz, off sides, running back fumbles, predictable offensive plays, pass interference,etc.. etc..etc. All play into Belichick's master plan. New England is not undefeated by accident :), to beat the best, each Giant has to play above their personal best, play each down like its their last chance to win and maintain impeccable discipline. Tall order, but doable.
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