Brady has been shaky in the playoffs as of late, but i see him rebounding and really performing on the biggest stage in professional football. As is the case in seemingly every Patriots game, the biggest match-up is the Pats TEs vs NYs LBs and Safeties. Against the Ravens, 16 of Brady's 22 completions were against a linebacker or safety combination. Gronk and Hernandez are matchup nightmares, and when you eliminate one the other flourishes. The Pats have also been lining either pof them up in the backfield, sometimes handing Hernandex the ball and sometimes sending them on wheel routes matched up against linebackers. This has the potential to lead to some explosive plays for the Patriots tight ends.
Also, BJGE ran the ball really well against a staunch Ravens run defense. He was so effective because of the personnel match-ups. The Patriots would line up in the gun or other obvious passing formations, forcing the Ravens to counter with passing oriented personnel by adding a defensive back and taking out a linebacker of defensive lineman. The draw play could be really effective against the Giants aggressive pass-rush of Canty, JPP, and Umenyoira (SP?).
The Giants have a clear advantage in the secondary and with the pass-rush. Both are on fire for the Giants, and the Patriots have had a really hard time countering the Giants pass-rush as of late. Brady needs to get the ball out of his hand early out of the gun to guys like Welker, Hernandez, and Branch. If not, he's going to be pressured heavily. Defenses have thrown Brady out of his rhythm by playing tight man coverage, pressing the Pats receivers at the line. this throws receivers of their routes and out of sync with Brady, which is troublesome.
It promises to be an incredible game and is really a toss-up.
