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Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects

Friday, March 30th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

With the 2012 NFL Draft four weeks away, I have decided to release my annual list of top 50 prospects in the draft.  My list is based upon my personal opinion and scouting.  Yes my list will differ from the likes of Mel Kiper Jr, Todd McShay, and Charlie Casserly, because I have my own views and opinions on players.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio from 10am-2pm this Saturday and every Saturday live on ueradiolive.com, hosted by myself (Brandon Pemberton) and my homie Chris Marshall (@215_sports_guy). We will discuss this list, the Final Four, and much more.  Call in and join the convo! 267-519-1111!

Also be on the lookout for my top ten players by position as well!  Yall know I go in!!!!! #SportsTrappinBran

1. Matt Kalil OT USC 6’6′ 306lbs

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama 5’9′ 228lbs

3. Morris Claiborne CB LSU 5’11’ 178lbs

4. Robert Griffin III QB Baylor 6’2 1/2 223lbs

5. Andrew Luck QB Stanford 6’4′ 234lbs

6. Riley Reiff OT Iowa 6’6′ 313lbs

7. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma St. 6’1′ 207lbs

8. Quinton Coples DE UNC 6’6′ 284lbs

9. Melvin Ingram DE/OLB South Carolina 6’2′ 276lbs

10. David Decastro OG Stanford 6’5′ 316lbs

11. Mark Barron S Alabama 6’1′ 213lbs

12. Michael Brockers DT LSU 6’6′ 322lbs

13. Fletcher Cox DT/DE Miss St. 6’4′ 298lbs

14. Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama 5’10’ 193lbs

15. Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama 6’2′ 272lbs

16. Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama 6’2′ 265lbs

17. Luke Kuechly ILB Boston College 6’3′ 242lbs

18. Cordy Glenn G/T Georgia 6’5′ 3/4 345lbs

19. Dontari Poe NT/DT Memphis 6’4′ 345lbs

20. Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6’3′ 220lbs

21. Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson 6’4′ 258lbs

22. Jonathan Martin OT Stanford 6’5′ 312lbs

23. Kendall Wright WR Baylor 5’10’ 196lbs

24. Coby Fleener TE Stanford 6’6′ 247lbs

25. Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina 6’0′ 1/2 190lbs

26. Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama 6’2′ 186lbs

27. Devon Still DT Penn State 6’5′ 303lbs

28. Jerel Worthy DT Michigan St. 6’2′ 308lbs

29. Reuben Randle WR LSU 6’3′ 210lbs

30. Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB Illinois 6’4′ 260lbs

31. Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M 6’4′ 221lbs

32. Chandler Jones DE/OLB Syracuse 6’5′ 247lbs

33. Lamar Miller RB Miami 5’11’ 212lbs

34. Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6’4′ 314lbs

35. Mike Adams OT Ohio State 6’7′ 323lbs

36. Kendall Reyes DT UConn 6’4′ 299lbs

37. Doug Martin RB Boise St. 5’9′ 223lbs

38. Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska 5’10’ 204lbs

39. David Wilson RB Va Tech 5’10’ 206lbs

40. Peter Konz C Wisconsin 6’5′ 314lbs

41. Brandon Thompson DT Clemson 6’2′ 314lbs

42. Dwayne Allen TE Clemson 6’5′ 255lbs

43. Lavonte David OLB Nebraska 6’1′ 233lbs

44. Zach Brown OLB UNC 6’1′ 244lbs

45. Nick Perry DE/OLB 6’3′ 271lbs

46. Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6’2′ 213lbs

47. Mychal Kendricks ILB Cal 5’11’ 249lbs

48. Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma St. 6’4′ 221lbs

49. Alshon Jeffrey WR South Carolina 6’3′ 214lbs

50. Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech 6’4′ 215lbs

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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The 4th Coming of Bill Parcells: Please, I’ve Had Enough

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

When football enthusiasts hear the name Duane Charles Parcells they may think of a two-time Super Bowl winning head football coach of the New York Giants (’86 & ’90).  His resume in the National Football League places him on that monument of coaches from the Lombardis, Nolls, Shulas, and his protege, Belichicks.  To some, Parcells was a great coach, not only because he won two Super Bowls, but he resurrected two different franchises which makes his legacy even greater.  He brought the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1996, though losing to the Green Bay Packers team.  He also brought credibility to the New York Jets by getting them to an AFC championship game.  Lastly, the two-time Coach of the Year, Parcells is known to leave franchises in a better position than they were prior to him being there.  So, it’s a slam dunk that Parcells should be a rental coach for the Payton-less Saints team this fall.  I mean he can’t possibly @#$# up the New Orleans Saints the next ten months, can he?

The real football coach of the New Orleans Saints is Sean Payton, who as of April 1, 2012 will be suspended from coaching his team because he lied to Roger Goodell about the bounties his team were issuing in the NFL.  Payton has decided before he has to go into hiatus to make his most daring move as a head coach and bring in his mentor to coach his team.  Oh Lord, please, do I really have to listen to the NFL, the “four letter network”, all the sports radio stations and internet sites kissing the Big Tuna’s ring once again?  The Tuna’s head is already enormous, and you know he is loving the fact that his name is out there again.  What tickles me is he has the nerve to react as if he really isn’t interested in coaching again.  I will say it, why not?  Tuna, who cares that you will have to wait another five years before being enshrined?  The five year rule was made because you kept coming back to coach in the first place.  You will have your day in Canton, but I know you can’t resist being on that sideline, especially when you  have a chance to win.  Your protege is reaching out for help.  He trusts you more than anyone to take care of his baby!

This is a note to “Them Saints Fans” (Who That!).  I pray that the Big Tuna takes Sean Payton’s offer to coach your football team this fall.  As a Cowboy’s fan, I would endorse him myself.  I pray that he takes over your team and destroys it the way he did MINE!  The best thing about Parcells being the Dallas Cowboy coach was the day he QUIT!  His friends in the media announced his retirement, that’s funny because the man QUIT!  Mike Rhyner from the Hardline calls him “The New Jersey Con Man” because he is an individual that we thought would bring credibility back to the Dallas Cowboys organization and all he did was defecate all over Jerry Jones.  I have never seen the hands-on owner, Jones, so miserable as when the Con Man was the coach.  He paid Parcells handsomely right after his divorce settlement in 2002.  Those fat pockets didn’t generate any playoff victories, as he went 0-2 in his tenure.  I remember listening to his hour-long radio show, daily, doing more talking than coaching.  He wouldn’t allow any staff members, players or Mr. Jones to speak with the media.  It was The Con Man’s show.  The only coach that could get away with that is former coach Jimmy Johnson, who has the skins on the wall with the legendary status here in Dallas.  Bill Parcells was a joke down here in Texas and I promise you Jerry Jones couldn’t have been happier by his exit.

Once Parcells retired from the “Big D”, he found another fish in Miami.  At least he had some sense not to go back into coaching because of the failure in Dallas; heck his last playoff win was in 1998 as the New York Jets’ coach.  The Miami Dolphins organization must have been under the influence giving the Glorified Gym Teacher (thanks Mike Rhyner!) the keys to the kingdom by announcing him as the Executive Vice President of Football (fattening his pockets once again).  Didn’t the Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, teach anybody anything?  The Con Man cried about not having enough input in player personnel decisions.  Upon his departure, Parcells famously stated: “They want you to cook the dinner; at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries”.  After Parcells departed New England, Kraft brought in a guy named Belichick, and the rest is history.  The Glorified Gym Teacher took over the Dolphins, gutted the coaching staff and team, put his usual Parcells guys in place (he does this everywhere he goes), and by accident in year two, the team won the division, though losing in the first round of the playoffs.

Bill Parcells is a popular guy.  He looks comfortable as an analyst on ESPN and should consider staying there.  I know all coaches have that burning desire to get back into the game when an opportunity comes available.  The Con Man, Glorified Gym Teacher is 70 years old.  We have seen that father time passes both athletes and coaches.  His act, truthfully hasn’t worked in two decades.  His name holds plenty of weight but if you are Sean Payton, step back and ask yourself what has he done lately?  Close your eyes and what do you see?  Nothing.  As a fan, I have already had a mouth full Tuna.  No more please.

LeRoy McConnell of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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Peyton Manning is Fool’s Gold?

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

The Peyton Manning sweepstakes goes to the Denver Broncos!  John Elway once again completed his magical fourth-quarter comeback by landing the biggest free agent ever in the NFL.  It’s a wrap folks!  Fold up your tents, the Super Bowl will reside in the Mile High City for the next 5 years.  Peyton Manning will go down in NFL history as the best quarterback to ever play the game.  He will win an additional 5 MVP’s to go along with the four he already has.  Giselle’s husband, Brett Favre’s protege, the quarterback in New Orleans that knew about the bounties, and number eighteen’s little brother will all be  afterthoughts as they will bow down to the G.O.A.T., Peyton Manning!

Well Denver Bronco fans,  Dr. Seuss stopped writing feel good stories years ago.  I hope the Bronco-Nation enjoyed their pep rally, because this is the closest to a Lombardi trophy your new quarterback will take you.  Peyton Manning is a heck of a regular season quarterback that can get you twelve regular season victories each year.  He has a Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bears, although it was Rex Grossman as the opposing quarterback.  Bottom line, his post-season resume consists of a frustrating 9-10 record.  Broncos fans, keep in mind Peyton Manning threw a PICK6 which cost the Indianapolis Colts a Super Bowl win. 
 

The dog and pony show happened this past week in Denver.  The Broncos have introduced their new quarterback Peyton Manning, who is now public enemy #1 this fall in the National Football League.  I don’t think the NFL will have to worry about bounties anymore! (snickering!).  Manning has been the pray of defensive players since he has entered the league so the usual bulls-eye on him (and his neck) won’t phase him.  

I wonder if John Elway knows how much pressure he has placed on Manning to deliver a championship to Denver. 

Peyton, I thought you wanted to win a Super Bowl.  Wasn’t the sole reason for leaving Indianapolis to play for a contender?  Of all the teams you could have gone to, you chose DENVER.  What is Denver, besides Elway?  Denver is irrelevant.  Denver is no Dallas, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Green Bay, or New York.  No tradition, no one cares about Denver.  Is Denver going to really give you the best chance to win a championship?  The infamous John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharp, or even Rod Smith are not walking through that door.  Believe it or not, the AFC West is one of the toughest, competitive divisions there is.  The rivalry with Kansas City, Oakland, and San Diego will be more fierce than what you have experienced in the AFC South.

I thought you had a sense of urgency, due to you being 36 years old this season.  Knowing it is important to be on a team that gives you the best chance to win, maybe the 49ers would have given you the best opportunity to hold that Lombardi trophy multiple times.  I am sure you will go out there and prove us wrong.  Although it would be good to see you on the field again, it is unfortunately doubtful that the $96 million investment will show a good Super Bowl return.

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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BOUNTIES IN THE NFL……ARE YOU F’N KIDDING ME?

Monday, March 12th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell

First thing we learn when playing the game of football is to put your head on a swivel and when a player chooses not to, that’s his A$$!  Adrian Peterson has the NFL rushing record of 296 yards in a single game against the San Diego Chargers.  I bet there were Chargers players, coaches, and fans making a vow  to each other to get this Mutha (SHUT YO MOUTH) out of there!  Tom Brady threw for 517 yards and 4 touchdowns in the first game this past season in Miami!  How embarrassed were the players and coaching staff after an ass whooping they’d received in front of all their fans on Monday Night Football?

Breathtaking highlights happen while competing in football from week to week.  We watch unique players on offense, from pee-wee football all the way up to the professional level, trying to embarrass the opposition.  We watch hot-dogging, show-boating, and other celebrations when a touchdown happens.  It is part of the game and that is one of the reasons why football is so popular today.  The other reason why football is so popular, it’s a physically demanding game. 

I am in disbelief at several football analysts and radio sports jockeys we listen to who have never played the sport criticize how horrible it is to have a BOUNTY on a player.  ARE YOU F’N KIDDING ME?  A BOUNTY, FOR REAL, SERIOUSLY?!?!  There have been BOUNTIES on football players since the game began.

Lets define the word BOUNTY.  The definition of BOUNTY is a gift or a reward, something freely provided.

High school and college football use some sort of a mascot sticker (a reward) usually given out on Monday for outstanding plays that occurred in the past game.  In professional football there are no STICKERS given out; but there are motivational tactics for succeeding.  Now what would be an incentive to blast the upcoming opponent’s top player whether it be the quarterback, running back, or receiver?  Could it be money?  Well if so, then what is the problem?  

Football players receive a playbook each week, and in that book coaches put on a sermon about certain ball players that need to be stopped.  This is where the BOUNTY begins.  Coaches may practice a play fifteen times until a play is right.  If the opposing team has an offensive or defensive stud that is a threat to a possible victory, then we might need to take his A$$ out! 

America… Are you really shocked that a BOUNTY system exists in the NFL?  Do you know what these NFL players do for a living?  THEY HIT FOR PAYCHECKS!  Is the NFL going soft on us once again?  I shell out a few hundred bucks each year for the NFL Sunday Ticket on Directv, purposely to watch smash-mouth football.  I pay to see some of the best performers run, catch, and throw touchdowns.  As a defensive minded guy, I want to see blood making the grass grow from a pulverizing blow from a James Harrison quarterback sack on Colt McCoy or a TKO by Donte Whitner on Pierre Thomas.  MAN DOWN!  Down goes Thomas! 

Brett Favre was quoted the other day as saying “I’ve always been friends with Darren Sharper, and he came in a couple times and popped me hard.  I remember saying, ‘What the hell you doing, Sharp?’  I felt there should have been more calls against the Saints.  I thought some of their guys should have been fined more.”  Players are trying to win by any means, if you are the best player then you are public enemy #1.

The game of football is the best sport in America,  our modern day “Clash of the Titans”.  With that said, I am tickled by all of these non-athletic “media experts” astounded by what went on in New Orleans.  There are media types that think Gregg Williams and Sean Payton should receive a lifetime banishment from the NFL for allowing a BOUNTY pot to go on.  Last I checked, football players wear protective gear from head to toe.  NFL referees are responsible for protecting players, and if there are illegal hits, the league does not have a problem handing out  fines and suspensions.

Football is a contact sport better known as legalized violence at any level.  Its popularity comes from being able to knock the snot out of the opposing players.  At anytime a player can literally hit somebody as hard as they possibly can and fans in the stand will jump up and down cheering for that exclamation point. 

You can take the money out of the equation all you want, but the BOUNTY will still exist.  They will just call it a TARGET!  The Indianapolis Colts won ten games, 11 out of 12 years.  Last year they were 2-14.  You don’t believe Peyton Manning thinks he was a TARGET?  The last time I checked, in 2010 the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl using the BOUNTY system. 

In the words of Herm Edwards, “YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME”!

LeRoy McConnell III of A Fan’s Point of View, for War Room Sports

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Eli Manning: Undoubtedly Elite

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

By Devin McMillan

It all started back in August (2011) on a New York City radio show.  Show host Michael Kay asked New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning if he considers himself an “elite” quarterback, in the class of say……3-time Superbowl champion and American Golden Boy, Tom Brady.  Eli’s response?…

“I consider myself in that class.  Tom Brady is a great quarterback, he’s a great player, and what you’ve seen with him is he’s gotten better every year.  He started off winning championships and I think he’s a better quarterback now than what he was, in all honesty, when he was winning those championships.  I think now he’s grown up and gotten better every year and that’s what I’m trying to do.  I kind of hope these next seven years of my quarterback days are my best.”

America’s response?…

Eli’s comments were met with laughter, ridicule, and in some circles, even a little anger.  No one believed him.  But what was he supposed to say?  Was he supposed to say, “no, I’m not in that class, I’ll never get any better than I was the last time you saw me, Tom Brady is my daddy”?  Had he spoken with that sort of lack of confidence, the firestorm of criticism may have been even greater than what he received for exuding the utmost confidence in his talent, skill level, and abilities.  What would Giants fans have thought had Eli cowered in the face of what should have been viewed as a challenge to him to become the very best he could be?  I wonder if they even believed him.  I’ve had discussions with Giants fans in the past few years who wouldn’t even say that Eli was the best quarterback in the NFC East, let alone one of the better signal callers in the league; a ridiculous notion if you ask me.

I believed Eli’s comments to Michael Kay, and had been a believer for quite some time prior to them.  I had long before noticed his propensity to shine in clutch moments and I believed he was well on his way to climbing from underneath the huge shadow cast over him by his older brother.  Only this was a belief difficult to defend due to the stat-lackey nature of most sports fans.  Though Eli Manning tossed the pigskin around for 4002 yards and a career high 31 touchdowns in the Giants’ 10-6 2010 season, football fans chose to concentrate on the one glaring statistic that could legitimize their arguments against Eli’s ascension into the conversation of the elite…the 25 interceptions.  Forget the 156 touchdown passes up to that point.  Forget the 4000 yard seasons that have become a trend as he improved as a QB.  Forget the 60-43 record as a starter.  Forget the 13 4th quarter comebacks and the 16 game winning drives.  Forget the Superbowl win after the 2007 season.  Forget the Superbowl MVP he EARNED with his performance in that game vs the then 18-0 New England Patriots.  Forget all of that stuff and just for a minute watch the game and make a judgment without a boxscore and preconceived notions.  It would serve the world better if more of us would learn to administer the “eye test” from time to time rather than depend on Sportscenter highlights to form our sports opinions (That’ll be the day…).  This was Eli Manning in a nutshell through the 2010 season.

Then came “the comments”.  Eli had boldly stated his arrival to a nation full of cynics.  And all he did after that was have his best season as a pro.  In the all-important 2011 campaign, Manning completed 61% of his passes, for 4933 yards, to go along with 29 TDs, 16 INTs, a QB rating of 92.9, 7 more 4th quarter comebacks, and 8 more game winning drives; all while the Giants struggled to a 9-7 record and a division title in an unexpectedly weak NFC East.  He also threw an NFL record 15- 4th quarter touchdowns; a record originally set by Johnny Unitas (14) and shared with Eli’s older brother, Peyton.  In the postseason, he raised his game even more, completing 65% of his passes, for 1219 yards, to go along with 9 TDs, 1 INT, a QB rating of 103.3, 2 more 4th quarter comebacks and 2 more game winning drives.  This run consisted of a home win vs Atlanta and 3 road wins vs the NFC #1 seeded, 15-1 defending champion Packers, the #2 seeded 49ers, and a Superbowl rematch with the AFC #1 seeded Patriots.

In my opinion, Superbowl XLVI was Eli’s finest hour.  Not because he had his finest game or anything of that nature; but because after all of the intense scrutiny that commenced prior to the season because of his comments, he was in a position to “zip-up” all of his critics in a Superbowl rematch with arguably the greatest quarterback, coach, and dynasty of this or any era…and boy did he deliver!  On the biggest stage in sports, Eli went 30/40, for 296 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, with a 103.8 QB rating.  Though quite efficient, it wasn’t Eli’s statistics that were most impressive (which it usually isn’t).  It was the calm and poise he once again demonstrated, but this time in the biggest moments of the biggest game of his life.  Eli Manning’s most important season ever came down to the wire with another one of his signature 4th quarter comebacks and another one of his signature game winning drives.  On that final drive, Eli went 5-6 for 76 yards, including a beautiful 38-yard sideline throw and catch from Manning to Manningham, capped off with a 6-yard Bradshaw rushing TD…”by mistake”.  The evening culminated with Eli hoisting his second Lombardi trophy and his second Superbowl MVP at the expense of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots, and anyone who still refuses to give Eli Manning his “just due” for being the “elite” winner that he is.

Besides his proverbial trip to Disney World, Eli’s night came complete with a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Centennial Edition (fit for an MVP) and these comments from his also often-embattled head coach, Tom Coughlin:

“That was quite a drive that he was able to put together.  He deserves all the credit in the world, because he really has put his team on his shoulders all year.”

Anyone with eyes and an objective opinion can see that Tom Coughlin is right.  The brightest spot of a struggling Giants team all season was the play of their quarterback.  Unlike Kevin Durant, Eli Manning didn’t sport a backpack at his press conferences.  But he damn sure hung a big blue one off his shoulder pads for 3 hours every Sunday this Fall.  I understand as much as anyone that football is the ultimate TEAM game and that no one wins or loses by themselves.  If not for the Giants front four stepping up to help late in the season, or their running game eventually showing up in the playoffs, or their entire team deciding down the stretch that they were “all in” for an historic run, Sunday night may not have happened.  However, not many thought that Eli Manning had a chance in the world to remotely live up to his reply to that dreaded Michael Kay question on an innocent August day.  Has he made you a b-ELI-ever yet?  No matter how you slice it, you definitely can no longer spell “elite” without Eli.

Take off your backpack Eli.  You can rest your shoulders now…and maybe; just maybe, the doubters can rest their mouths.

Devin McMillan of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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Superbowl XLVI Preview

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Well, the biggest sporting event of the year is finally here, Super Bowl XLVI.  The 46th installment will feature the Eli Manning-led New York Giants versus Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, who are looking for their 4th Super Bowl ring over the last eleven seasons.  I will breakdown each phase of the game: Offense, Defense, Special Teams, for each team and give out my winner against the point spread afterwards.

Also be sure to catch Sports Trap Radio, Saturdays from 10am to 2pm live on http://ueradiolive.com/ , hosted by Brandon Pemberton (@BrandonOnSports) and Chris Marshall (@215_Sports_Guy).  We will bring you the realness, each and every Saturday morning, no holds barred, no opinions withheld.  Be sure to listen in and feel free to call in and join in on the conversation and debate.

Offense

Giants: Eli Manning has had the best season of his career, carrying this team on his back all season.  The running game has been pretty non-existent for much of the season, being as though Ahmad Bradshaw missed four games due to a foot injury.  Brandon Jacobs, who is one of the team’s emotional leaders, had a mediocre season, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry and compiling 571 yards in 14 games.  But offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has done a great job calling plays by running the ball anyway, keeping teams honest and allowing the Giants offensive line to be physical and not retreat all game.

The Giants passing game has been its bread and butter all season and for them to win the game, they will need Manning to continue to play at the elite level that he’s been at over the last two months.  People laughed at him during the preseason when he said he was one of the league’s elite, and up to this point he’s done nothing but prove everyone wrong.  The trio of wide receivers: Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Mario Manningham are among the league’s best.  Add in tight end Jake Ballard, who has been a pleasant surprise in the passing game and you have a deadly offense that can put up points fast.

Keys: The Giants will obviously need to protect Manning, not turn the ball over, and have some sort of running game to be an effective offensive unit and win the game.

Patriots: The Patriots offense is obviously driven by the future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who is looking for his fourth title and revenge of the Pats’ loss in the title game four years ago.  The Pats offense is very explosive, but in a rare way, a way that we’ve never seen in the NFL before to my recollection.  The Patriots best offensive weapons are their super duo at tight end, Rob Gronkowski (90 rec, 1327 yards, 17 TD) and Aaron Hernandez (79 rec, 910 yards, 7 TD), but you can’t forget about Wes Welker (122 rec, 1569 yards, 9 TD) as well.  Welker has kind of been forgotten because of the excellent play of the tight ends but he will be lined up in the slot against the 3rd corner or Antrel Rolle, who often plays corner in the slot as well.  Gronkowski is nursing a high ankle sprain and practiced for the first time on Thursday, so we will see how effective he is during the game.  He is Brady’s favorite red zone threat.

Four years ago, the Giants were able to get constant pressure on Brady with their front four defensively.  The Pats’ offensive line must do a better job protecting Brady in this game.  We all know when he is knocked around and has to move off of his spot and rush, he isn’t as effective.  The Patriots don’t have much of a rushing game, but when given the chance, BenJarvus Green-Ellis can be effective.  He is a big battering ram, who does well between the tackles, in short yardage situations and at the goal line, as he scored 11 TD’s during the regular season.  Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley get their fair share of carries as well, and are used in the short passing game.

Keys: Offensive line must protect Brady well; allow him to get comfortable in the pocket, Gronkowski’s ankle: How effective will he be?  How long will he be able to play?  They will need some sort of deep threat (via Ochocinco or Slater) in the passing game.  Also, be on the watch for the Patriots running screens to Woodhead and even Hernandez to slow down the Giants pass rush.

Defense

Giants: The Giants’ defense has gotten hot at the right time of the year, and is a big part of the reason why the Giants are playing in this game.  The defensive line is putting supreme pressure on the opposing teams’ quarterbacks, and playing well against the run.  The linebacker play was brutal the first 13 weeks of the season, but during the last 4 weeks and the playoffs, the linebackers have been great.  Led by Micheal Boley and Chase Blackburn, who was on his way to retiring, the linebacker core has been solid against the run and pass.  They will have their hands full dealing with the likes of Gronkowski, Hernandez, Welker, and Woodhead in the passing game though.

They might not get a lot of press, but cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are solid pros who don’t make many mistakes in coverage.  They are also willing tacklers in the run game and against tight ends and backs out of the backfield.  The Giants play three safeties on passing downs plenty, and Rolle, Dion Grant and Kenny Phillips are all good in coverage and devastating hitters as well.  They look to separate the ball from receivers frequently.

Keys: They must get to Tom Brady early and often. Get him frustrated, make him rush and he might turn it over. Try to contain the tight ends, when they make catches, they must be tackled immediately.

Patriots: The Patriots defense coming into the playoffs was ranked 31st of 32 teams in yards given up per game.  They were in the top half of the league as far as giving up points, ranked 15th as they have given up 21.4 points per game.  But in two playoff games they are giving up 325 yards per game and only 15 points.  They are doing a decent job right now getting a pass rush and it’s generated not only from the outside, but with a great push up the middle.

Early in the season the Pats were going with a 4-3 base defense and was unable to get any sort of pass rush, and it left the defensive backfield out to dry.  Belichick has since gone back to the traditional 3-4, but he often mixes his fronts and personnel as well during games.  Nose tackle Vincent Wilfork played out of his mind two weeks ago against the Baltimore Ravens.  He was a force in the middle of the line and he dominated the line of scrimmage against the pass and the run. Outside linebackers Mark Anderson and Rob Ninkovich must get pressure on Eli Manning, knock him around, force a fumble, an interception, something.  If they allow him to stand back there, he and the trio of receivers will tear this defense apart.  The Patriots are solid versus the run and should have no problem stopping the Giants running attack.

The defensive backfield for the Pats will be tested on Sunday for sure.  They will have to be at their best going up against the Giants passing game.  Whether it’s Nicks down field, Cruz in the slot, or Manningham on the outside, they cannot afford to have any blown coverage, missed assignments, or missed tackles.  Expect plenty of Cover 3 and man coverage with two safeties over the top to keep the Giants from making too many big plays down the field.

Keys: Get a pass rush and force Eli into mistakes. No blown coverage, eliminate the giants big plays downfield. Tackle the Giants WR’s after the catch.

 

Special Teams

Giants: Giants special teams play has been pretty solid all season.  Devin Thomas is not only their kick returner, but also one of their best kick and punt coverage guys as well.  Lawrence Tynes kicked the game winner two weeks ago, sending the Giants to the Super Bowl and Weatherford did a great job getting the snap down.  Their return game is special, Thomas runs kicks and Ross fields the punts.

Patriots: The Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski made 28-33 FG’s during the regular season.  He only attempted 2 outside of 50 yards and made one.  Punter Zoltan Mesko is one of the NFL’s best and he does a good job putting punts down between the goal line and 20 yard line.  Julian Edelman and Danny Woodhead split the kick return duties, while Edelman returns punts.  Edelman has taken a punt back 72 yards for a TD this season.

My Prediction: This is going to be a great game to watch.  The Patriots are a three point favorite in Vegas and if the line was a bit bigger I would be certain that they would win.  But I don’t know how healthy Gronkowski is and I love the way the Giants are playing as a team right now.  Eli Manning could win his 2nd title with a win on Sunday, putting him in the elite of the elite.

Giants 29 Patriots 27

Super Bowl MVP: Hakeem Nicks

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports and Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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