NFL Pro Football 2007-2008 Super Bowl XLII Picks Trends and Comparisons

NFL Pro Football 2007 Super Bowl LXII Picks
Trends and Comparisons

Fearless Rick's NFL Super Bowl XLII Comparisons and Trends

Rick Gagliano | January 31

Sunday, Feb. 3 - University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. (FOX)

Background and Stats || Trends, comparisons || Rick's Pick

Quarterback

Patriots: Tom Brady has three Super Bowl rings already, an 18-game win streak, is one of the most accurate passers in NFL history, seldom gets rattled, moves well in the pocket and can run for first downs. Brady is the complete package, especially in the clutch, and he's the undeniable team leader.

Giants: Eli Manning won his first playoff game this season and has now won three straight. He's from the same gene pool as brother Peyton, who won the Super Bowl last season. As the 2007 season progressed, Manning found a rhythm and has had his best games in the playoffs. He's a very accurate thrower, not a great scrambler, sometimes gets in trouble in the pocket, but increasingly avoids mistakes.

Edge: Patriots

Backs

Patriots: Laurence Maroney is a big, bruising runner with exceptional balance and good speed. He's been the difference for the Patriots late in games. Kevin Faulk is an expert third down back, great blocker and receiver in special situations. These two are a potent backfield combo.

Giants: Brandon Jacobs is the Giants power back. He's huge, but sometimes runs too straight up. Other than that, few knocks on this guy. If he gets a gap, he can run a long way. Ahmad Bradshaw emerged as a solid fill-in to take some of the load off Jacobs and is an excellent change-of-pace. He's quick, but can deliver a blow. Of the two, Jacobs is the better receiver, but Bradshaw actually may be more effective near the goal line.

Edge: Even

Receivers

Patriots: Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker are the most dangerous trio in football, hands down. They all have great speed, but each has a unique ability. Moss has a size advantage and is a wicked blocker, Welker a tremendous burst, and Stallworth runs great routes. Tight end Ben Watson is world class.

Giants: It all starts with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer running crisp routes and beating man coverage or finding seams in zones. Steve Smith has stepped into the slot receiver role well down the stretch and fits well into the offense. The Giants will miss Jeremy Shockey, but Kevin Boss has performed well and is a reliable blocker. The Giants led the league in dropped passes, but have been holding on to the ball better of late.

Edge: Patriots

O-Line

Patriots: Led by Matt Light and Logan Mankins on the left side, this unit allowed only 21 sacks and is as disciplined and solid as any line in the league. If they do their job, Brady picks apart defenses.

Giants: The right side of this line - Chris Snee and Kareem McKenzie - is the best part but the key man may be backup Grey Ruegamer, who can fill in at center or guard and has done so in playoff games. A solid run-blocking group, they allowed only 27 sacks.

Edge: Even

D-Line

Patriots: In the 3-4, Ty Warren and Richard Seymour are solid and smart, but Vince Wolfork is a real force in the middle. He simply clogs everything up and must be double-teamed or run away from. The Patriots were second to the Giants in sacks, but the up-front trio only accounted for 7.5 of them. Most came via blitz packages.

Giants: Pressure from ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora is a key to the Giants' pass defense. Inside, Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins are underrated as run stoppers and sack specialists. These guys led the league in sacks with 53.

Edge: Giants

Linebackers

Patriots: Mike Vrabel, Junior Seau, Teddy Bruschi and Adalius Thomas all have pro bowl talent, are smart, active and play within all of the Patriot schemes. Their only weakness may be in pass coverage as the are not the speediest bunch, but they also blitz effectively.

Giants: Antonio Pierce in the middle is the key here. Reggie Torbor is good on the strong side, but misses too many tackles. Kawika Mitchell or Gerris Wilkinson are both excellent on the weak side, seldom giving up containment and sure tacklers.

Edge: Patriots

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Secondary

Patriots: Asanti Samuel is the best cover man, but has been prone to free-lancing too much. Ellis Hobbs can be beaten and often is. Rodney Harrison has the hitting ability and experience to rank as one of the best safeties ever. The book on James Sanders is still being written.

Giants: Cornerback Sam Madison is one of the best in the league, but he may be a step slow at this point in his career. Aaron Ross has fit in well and plays with a lot of heart and desire. Safeties Gibril Wilson and James Butler have struggled, but this unit has come together well late in the season. R.W. McQuarters as the nickel back really makes these guys dangerous.

Edge: Even

Special Teams

Patriots: If there's anything ordinary about the Patriots, it's their special teams. With the notable exception of Wes Welker returning punts, they aren't a particularly dangerous bunch. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski is accurate, perhaps untested at the top level. Punter Chris Hanson is happy if he even gets into a game.

Giants: The Giants may be a little more inspired on special teams especially if punt returner R. W. McQuarters gets his hands on the ball. Domenik Hixon returned one New England kickoff for a score in the teams' previous meetings. Kicker Lawrence Tynes may not be very effective from long range, but his winner against the Packers has given him confidence. Punter Jeff Feagles is simply mister dependable.

Edge: Giants

Coaches

There's no way to overestimate the skills of Bill Belichick. He's the consummate pro football coach, a certain hall of famer. while Tom Coughlin has earned a great reputation as a molder of talent and leader, it's doubtful anybody's going to be outcoached here.

Edge: Patriots

Intangibles

The Giants have won 10 straight road games.
The Patriots have won 18 straight games, period.
The Patriots have not covered the spread in 7 of their last 8 games
The Giants have covered the spread in all of their last 10 road games.

Edge: Even, but something's got to give.

Total edges: New Ehgland 4, New York 2.

Friday: Rick's Final Analysis and Pick

Background and Stats || Trends, comparisons || Rick's Pick

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