Super Bowl XLII: New England Keys to Winning

We're less than 48 hours from what could be one of the most important Super Bowls in recent memory. For one, it could mean being undefeated with the best record ever. For the other, it could be stopping the huge favorite and capping a hugely improbable run from Wild Card to Super Bowl Champ.

The New England Patriots have the record, the swagger, and the huge line on the game. In order to win the game, they've got to do several little things--and that revolves around several different people. It's not that they have to really play over the top to win the game; it is a question of execution.

The things that they did against the Jaguars have got to be executed well--and for Randy Moss, that doesn't bode well. Keep in mind that the Giants will be basically blitzing non-stop, and while the Pats offensive line is strong, it will mean that dump down passes and quick screens to Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk will be the key to moving the ball down the field. As the Giants will test to see if Tom Brady is really hurt or not, it will be important that they don't try to go down the field too much or else the Giants' secondary will be licking their chops. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If Wes Welker can get open, he is the key to the offense.

On defense, the Patriots have got to keep Eli Manning from getting any rhythm. While the Giants running game is so-so, Brandon Jacobs can hurt you if you don't pay attention to him. By mixing up looks against the Giants and keeping them guessing, the Patriots should be able to frustrate Manning and Company and control the game inevitably down the stretch, which is what they did in the second half in coming back against New York in the regular season finale.

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Super Bowl XLII: New England Keys to Winning

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