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February 3, 2008

Defense Wins Championships

GLENDALE -- There is, of course, still another half of football to be played, but Super Bowl XLII, so far, has been yet another example of why "Defense Wins Championships" has become a tried-and-true adage.

Although the Patriots are ahead on the scoreboard, 7-3, they have to be concerned about their inability to protect Tom Brady. The Giants pass rush -- Justin Tuck, in particular -- has pressured Brady constantly, making it extremely difficult for him to throw the ball deep. He has been sacked three times, twice by Tuck.

Perhaps, in the second half, the Patriots should try to connect on shorter, quicker routes, to move the chains and negate New York's powerful pass rush.

Fortunately for the Pats, their defense has shut down the New York offense, limiting the Giants to a field goal on the game's opening possession. The problem, however, is that the Giants have done an excellent job of controlling the clock, racking up a whopping edge in time of possession, 19:27 to 10:33.

That's frighteningly similar (if you're a New England fan) to what Bill Parcells' Giants did in Super Bowl XXV against the favored Buffalo Bills and their prolific offense. The Bill had the ball for only 19:27 in a 20-19 loss to New York.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 7:54 PM | Permalink