Giants at Patriots

Scouting Report

November 06, 2011|By Jim McBride, Globe Staff

(nick laham/Getty Images )

Today, 4:15 p.m., Channel 25 (Line: Patriots by 9)

When the Patriots run

The exceptional balance the Patriots displayed in previous games was absent against the Steelers after they fell behind and all but abandoned the run. Kevin Faulk got the most touches, and it appears age and injuries have taken their toll on him. Clock-killing tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis never got on track in Pittsburgh, either. A rugged, north-south runner, Green-Ellis charges hard to the hole, will break tackles, and almost always falls forward. Green-Ellis gets stronger as the game wears on, so getting him in a groove early is crucial. Danny Woodhead needs more touches - and not on kickoffs. He could excel today on draws and screens as he hides among the Giants’ big bodies, who will focus on getting to Tom Brady. It would be a shame if the return of Faulk renders rookie Stevan Ridley a spectator. Ridley has shown excellent leg drive and a nice competitive spirit. New England’s interior three of Dan Connolly, Logan Mankins, and Brian Waters excel at run blocking. The Giants’ first line of defense is built to rush the passer, so the run defense falls on the linebackers. Rookie middle man Greg Jones has nice instincts and will rattle teeth. Wingmen Mathias Kiwanuka and Michael Boley are smart and versatile.

EDGE: Patriots

When the Patriots pass

Tom Brady and his protectors will be under the gun as they face one of the fiercest pass-rushing defenses in the NFL. The relentless Giants can bring the heat from the inside and outside. Ends Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck get in the backfield in a flash using explosive first steps, great strength, and athleticism to catch tackles flat-footed. Tackles Chris Canty and Linval Joseph have the strength to collapse the pocket up the middle. Brady will have to get rid of the ball quickly, and that means a heavy dose of Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez (Rob Gronkowski will be a blocker today) and plenty of screens to Kevin Faulk and Danny Woodhead. Corey Webster is New York’s best corner, and he may draw Welker. Hernandez can be a beast after the catch but he drops too many balls. If the short game loosens up the defense, Brady will go on the attack with Deion Branch and possibly Taylor Price. Branch runs great routes and has a great rapport with Brady. Giants safeties Kenny Phillips (excellent range) and Antrel Rolle (good cover skills) are solid but not spectacular.

EDGE: Patriots

When the Giants run