Matchup to watch
N.Y. Giants LDE Michael Strahan vs. Green Bay RT Mark Tauscher
On film, what stands out most about the Giants' defense is the performance of Strahan, who continues to play at an astonishing level. Strahan still has great snap anticipation and initial quickness with speed to bend the edge and close on quarterbacks from out wide. He has active hands to separate and disengage when working a blocker's edge, and he effectively uses leverage as a power rusher. Strahan is a crafty veteran who feels pad pressure well, reads blocking patterns and squeezes rushing lanes with good body position.
Tauscher is an overachiever who has proved to be amazingly consistent throughout his career. He uses good technique, hand placement and leverage to compensate for a relative lack of strength and power. He can struggle against quality speed rushers and bull rushers, but he mirrors athletic defensive ends and neutralizes double moves effectively. He's an unsung contributor and a big reason why Favre has stayed so healthy all these years. But Tauscher will need occasional help from a tight end or chipping back. Bet the house that Green Bay will account for Strahan on every snap in passing situations.
How will the Packers handle the Giants' pressure packages?
New York's approach to attacking opponents with the blitz has changed since these teams first met this season back in Week 2. Similarly, Green Bay's run game has undergone drastic changes since then. Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo implements a blitz-heavy scheme that puts the squeeze on opposing quarterbacks, but the Giants also have the ability to drop seven into coverage and pressure with just a four-man rush. That's because in most matchups DEs Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan both merit double-team attention. Spagnuolo figures to pressure the pocket with zone fires that attack the interior pocket, creating one-on-one situations for either Umenyiora or Strahan and helping mask weaknesses in the Giants' secondary.
Even success in that area guarantees nothing against QB Brett Favre, who has been masterful in head coach Mike McCarthy's scheme, a spread that relies on principles of the West Coast offense. The experience of OTs Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher usually allows Favre to operate without much interference, but he still is dangerous under pressure because of his quick release. That said, expect the Packers to design their protection schemes to protect Tauscher and put a heavy emphasis on identifying the location of the middle linebacker. Also, a game plan that features heavy doses of RB Ryan Grant can help neutralize New York's explosive pass rush and wear down Umenyiora and Strahan. If Favre gets time in the pocket, he could have a big day against an average Giants secondary.
Can QB Eli Manning continue to play at a high level against a good Packers defense?
One of the strange truths related to the growth of Manning has been the injury to TE Jeremy Shockey. In the past when his protection broke down, Manning usually looked to Shockey, too often forcing throws into tight coverage. But since Shockey was lost to season-ending leg and ankle injuries, Manning has dutifully read through his proper progressions, leading to more consistent play. Credit the Giants' other targets, who are no slouches. When WR Plaxico Burress has his head in the game, he's as dangerous as any receiver in the NFL. WRs Amani Toomer and Steve Smith have also been productive and extremely reliable in possession roles in recent weeks. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride will continue to lean on a power rushing attack to move the chains and set up play-action opportunities for Manning.
The Packers have a fast, aggressive front seven, but season-ending injuries to DTs Johnny Jolly and Colin Cole have led to occasional struggles against the run. Though DT Ryan Pickett has been a force inside, Green Bay's linebackers have had a hard time separating from blocks off combination patterns because of the interior line's inability to control opposing offensive linemen. Gilbride can be expected to skew his play-calling to the right, where RT Kareem McKenzie and RG Chris Snee should overpower the edge of the Packers' defense in New York's Power "O" zone rushing scheme. C Shaun O'Hara must consistently seal off the inside and the guards need to limit upfield penetration from the second level.
Can the Giants' secondary stay with the Packers' wide receivers?
In Week 2, Favre got the ball out quickly against man-to-man coverage, effectively avoided pressure in the pocket and was patient waiting for opportunities to put the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Moreover, the Packers played without WR Greg Jennings, a dynamic player who attacks at all levels and become an exceptional red zone weapon. Green Bay's versatile unit of receivers also includes WR Donald Driver, WR James Jones and TE Donald Lee. Not only do the Packers force opposing coaches and players to be mentally sharp with their widely varied formations, they can create more confusion (and better matchups) because that core quartet of receivers can align at different spots in any combination within the formation.
The Giants finished the regular season ranked 11th in the league in pass defense, but they have been hit hard by injuries in the secondary (most notably, CBs Sam Madison and Aaron Ross). New York relies heavily on its pass rush and pressure schemes to offset deficiencies on the back end. Ross, at least, is expected to play Sunday after dislocating his shoulder Sunday. But even with Ross on board, the Giants will have their hands full matching up in the secondary against the Packers' spread offense. Expect McCarthy to attack deep vertically, challenging FS Gibril Wilson, SS James Butler and CB Corey Webster. New York needs a huge game from its banged-up, limited secondary in Green Bay. The Giants aren't likely to overcome even a few big downfield plays.
Scouts' Edge
Favre is one step away from yet another Super Bowl, while the Giants -- who have won nine straight games on the road -- are peaking at precisely the right time. A few questions remain: Can Manning continue to play with the consistency he's exhibited to this point in the playoffs? How will Spagnuolo match up with Green Bay's spread offense?
Both teams are playing with a tremendous amount of confidence and both are executing remarkably well on offense. Don't be surprised if the outcome hinges on special-teams play in what likely will be frigid weather conditions Sunday night in Green Bay. This has all the makings of a classic NFC Championship Game, with Favre turning another page in an amazing, storybook season. We think he and the Packers will find a way to win a tough, physical game at Lambeau Field to punch their ticket to Glendale, Ariz., and Super Bowl XLII.
Prediction: Packers 27, Giants 20
Leaning Giants myself, especially if it goes over 7.... GL today..
N.Y. Giants LDE Michael Strahan vs. Green Bay RT Mark Tauscher
On film, what stands out most about the Giants' defense is the performance of Strahan, who continues to play at an astonishing level. Strahan still has great snap anticipation and initial quickness with speed to bend the edge and close on quarterbacks from out wide. He has active hands to separate and disengage when working a blocker's edge, and he effectively uses leverage as a power rusher. Strahan is a crafty veteran who feels pad pressure well, reads blocking patterns and squeezes rushing lanes with good body position.
Tauscher is an overachiever who has proved to be amazingly consistent throughout his career. He uses good technique, hand placement and leverage to compensate for a relative lack of strength and power. He can struggle against quality speed rushers and bull rushers, but he mirrors athletic defensive ends and neutralizes double moves effectively. He's an unsung contributor and a big reason why Favre has stayed so healthy all these years. But Tauscher will need occasional help from a tight end or chipping back. Bet the house that Green Bay will account for Strahan on every snap in passing situations.
How will the Packers handle the Giants' pressure packages?
New York's approach to attacking opponents with the blitz has changed since these teams first met this season back in Week 2. Similarly, Green Bay's run game has undergone drastic changes since then. Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo implements a blitz-heavy scheme that puts the squeeze on opposing quarterbacks, but the Giants also have the ability to drop seven into coverage and pressure with just a four-man rush. That's because in most matchups DEs Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan both merit double-team attention. Spagnuolo figures to pressure the pocket with zone fires that attack the interior pocket, creating one-on-one situations for either Umenyiora or Strahan and helping mask weaknesses in the Giants' secondary.
Even success in that area guarantees nothing against QB Brett Favre, who has been masterful in head coach Mike McCarthy's scheme, a spread that relies on principles of the West Coast offense. The experience of OTs Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher usually allows Favre to operate without much interference, but he still is dangerous under pressure because of his quick release. That said, expect the Packers to design their protection schemes to protect Tauscher and put a heavy emphasis on identifying the location of the middle linebacker. Also, a game plan that features heavy doses of RB Ryan Grant can help neutralize New York's explosive pass rush and wear down Umenyiora and Strahan. If Favre gets time in the pocket, he could have a big day against an average Giants secondary.
Can QB Eli Manning continue to play at a high level against a good Packers defense?
One of the strange truths related to the growth of Manning has been the injury to TE Jeremy Shockey. In the past when his protection broke down, Manning usually looked to Shockey, too often forcing throws into tight coverage. But since Shockey was lost to season-ending leg and ankle injuries, Manning has dutifully read through his proper progressions, leading to more consistent play. Credit the Giants' other targets, who are no slouches. When WR Plaxico Burress has his head in the game, he's as dangerous as any receiver in the NFL. WRs Amani Toomer and Steve Smith have also been productive and extremely reliable in possession roles in recent weeks. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride will continue to lean on a power rushing attack to move the chains and set up play-action opportunities for Manning.
The Packers have a fast, aggressive front seven, but season-ending injuries to DTs Johnny Jolly and Colin Cole have led to occasional struggles against the run. Though DT Ryan Pickett has been a force inside, Green Bay's linebackers have had a hard time separating from blocks off combination patterns because of the interior line's inability to control opposing offensive linemen. Gilbride can be expected to skew his play-calling to the right, where RT Kareem McKenzie and RG Chris Snee should overpower the edge of the Packers' defense in New York's Power "O" zone rushing scheme. C Shaun O'Hara must consistently seal off the inside and the guards need to limit upfield penetration from the second level.
Can the Giants' secondary stay with the Packers' wide receivers?
In Week 2, Favre got the ball out quickly against man-to-man coverage, effectively avoided pressure in the pocket and was patient waiting for opportunities to put the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Moreover, the Packers played without WR Greg Jennings, a dynamic player who attacks at all levels and become an exceptional red zone weapon. Green Bay's versatile unit of receivers also includes WR Donald Driver, WR James Jones and TE Donald Lee. Not only do the Packers force opposing coaches and players to be mentally sharp with their widely varied formations, they can create more confusion (and better matchups) because that core quartet of receivers can align at different spots in any combination within the formation.
The Giants finished the regular season ranked 11th in the league in pass defense, but they have been hit hard by injuries in the secondary (most notably, CBs Sam Madison and Aaron Ross). New York relies heavily on its pass rush and pressure schemes to offset deficiencies on the back end. Ross, at least, is expected to play Sunday after dislocating his shoulder Sunday. But even with Ross on board, the Giants will have their hands full matching up in the secondary against the Packers' spread offense. Expect McCarthy to attack deep vertically, challenging FS Gibril Wilson, SS James Butler and CB Corey Webster. New York needs a huge game from its banged-up, limited secondary in Green Bay. The Giants aren't likely to overcome even a few big downfield plays.
Scouts' Edge
Favre is one step away from yet another Super Bowl, while the Giants -- who have won nine straight games on the road -- are peaking at precisely the right time. A few questions remain: Can Manning continue to play with the consistency he's exhibited to this point in the playoffs? How will Spagnuolo match up with Green Bay's spread offense?
Both teams are playing with a tremendous amount of confidence and both are executing remarkably well on offense. Don't be surprised if the outcome hinges on special-teams play in what likely will be frigid weather conditions Sunday night in Green Bay. This has all the makings of a classic NFC Championship Game, with Favre turning another page in an amazing, storybook season. We think he and the Packers will find a way to win a tough, physical game at Lambeau Field to punch their ticket to Glendale, Ariz., and Super Bowl XLII.
Prediction: Packers 27, Giants 20
Leaning Giants myself, especially if it goes over 7.... GL today..
