BenJarvus Green-Ellis has the running style and bulk to make hay. The 5-foot-11-inch, 215-pounder has good patience and vision. He gets to the hole quickly and will break tackles. He is by no means a speedster but he has adequate quickness, will find cutback lanes, and always falls forward. Green-Ellis, who is coming off one of his best games of the season, has good stamina and if he’s on the field in the fourth quarter it means the Patriots are nursing a lead.
Danny Woodhead will get a handful of carries and the 5-8, 195-pounder usually makes the most of them. A shifty player with good instincts, quickness, and athleticism, Woodhead can slip through the slightest creases and will wiggle, spin, and bounce off tackles. Durability will always be a major concern for a man his size but his toughness is unquestioned. Stevan Ridley’s late-season bout of fumblitis cost him a shot at playing in the AFC Championship game. The rookie’s fresh legs and boundless enthusiasm could be beneficial against the Giants. Ridley (5-11, 225 pounds) is good-sized back with above-average vision and power. He’s more quick than fast and isn’t shy about taking on defenders.
Kevin Faulk lacks the speed and quickness to be consistently effective and the only way Lousaka Polite touches the ball is if it’s first and goal from the 1-foot line.
New England’s rough and gruff interior three will have to be at its best. Center Dan Connolly (his switch from guard to center has been impressive), left tackle Logan Mankins (fiery competitor always plays on the edge and to the whistle), and right guard Brian Waters (he’s quick off the ball and has strong hands and powerful arms) have great communication and they will open holes.
Giants tackles Linval Joseph (he has super size — 6-4, 323 pounds — and strength) and Chris Canty (he’s amazingly athletic for a 6-7, 317-pound man) can clog lanes and make plays in the backfield.
EDGE: Patriots
Rushing yards per game (postseason):
New England offense: 121.0 (Sixth)
NY Giants defense: 120.3 (Sixth)
WHEN THE PATRIOTS PASS
