XLII

Can the Giants defense get to Brady? Will the Patriots team from weeks 1-13 show up or will the latter 2007 season Pats make an appearance? Toomer - butter fingers or touchdowns? Will Moss be the deadly weapon, or will Gaffney or Welker be the go-to-guys? Lots of questions, but one thing is certainly clear. This weekend's XLII is anyone's game.

Now, before all you naysayers jump on your "the 2007 Pats are the greatest team in NFL history" soapbox, let me stop you before you start. Arguably, the Pats ARE one of the most magnificent, well-coached, well-rounded, sensationally skilled teams to ever touch the turf. With that sentiment, I concur. However, since week 17 when the underdog Giants frightened their favored foes (final score, Pats-38, Giants-35) with pass rush plays and tit for tat scoring on offense, Eli & company have gained an uncanny confidence and subsequently, have emerged as the team you want to root for. The team that just COULD win. The little engine that ... could.

Here, I could brief you on the considerably long list of 2007 Patriots team and individual players' accolades. Hmmm...no need for that because for 19 weeks, the talk of New England and their greatness has been (pardon the understatement) driven into the ground at sports bars, office breakrooms, sports chat shows, and every other place where humans eat, sleep, or breathe. I'll spare you. However, what I must share with you is my belief in a Giants team whose maturation as a fighting unit has been compelling to watch and has been effective for winning playoff games (3, to be exact) on the road. Following a mediocre 10-6 regular season, who would have thought we would be watching Little Manning in the Big Game?!?!

Game plan, Giants...Get the pressure on Brady. Yes, Brady's offensive line is one of the best in the League, but with the man power of Umenyiora and Strahan, it IS possible. Use Burress and Toomer for those receiving yards when necessary but preferably, let Bradshaw and Jacobs gain major yardage for you on the ground, and convert those big 3rd downs. Offensive Line...take notes from Brady's offensive line, and protect Eli as if your lives, your family's lives, your children's lives, and your JOBS depended on it. If that mentality does not keep you on your toes for keeping your QB upright, what will!?!? Finally, be inspired, confident, and focused!

Football fanatics, if the Giants employ these strategies, and if the Patriots are not careful and extremely aware, XLII could be the game to end a perfect Patriots dream and the beginning of a fantastical Cinderella story for New York. The Giants -the little engine that ... MIGHT.
*Erica Renee