NFL Playoffs 2012: Why New York Giants' Trench Play Is Key for a Super Bowl Run

To many, the New York Giants defense that wrapped up the 2011 regular season is extremely reminiscent of the 2007 Super Bowl champion Giants defense.

During their 2007 attack, the Giants D recorded a total of eight sacks, highlighted by the play of Justin Tuck and Michael Strahan in the Super Bowl against the undefeated New England Patriots.

New York's defense also collected five interceptions in those four games, thanks in large part to R.W. McQuarters and Corey Webster, who is of course still a member of the G-Men.

In the final four games of the Giants' 2011 season, they accumulated 15 sacks and five interceptions, two of them coming via Webster.

With that being said, the play of the Giants defensive line will dictate how deep New York travels in the playoffs.

Jason Pierre-Paul elevated his play in 2011, collecting 16.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 86 total tackles, which makes him the leading tackler for all defensive lineman in the NFL.

With the return of Osi Umenyiora to the lineup, the Giants will boast a three-headed pass- rushing attack with the likes of Tuck and Pierre-Paul.

The Giants are 4-2 this season when they record four or more sacks in a game, which is what they'll be looking to do on Sunday afternoon.

As far as the trenches go, the offensive line will also be a main key for a Giants victory.  Not in reference to protecting Eli Manning, as Atlanta ranks No. 19 in sacks, but meaning that they'll need to open up holes for New York's rushers.

As of late, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have come alive, scoring a combined seven touchdowns between the two, and averaging 105.5 rushing yards as a team during the last four games of the season.

The Giants are 7-0 this season when they rush for 100+ yards and will have a tough matchup against the No. 6 rushing defense in the league.

Although Atlanta's Michael Turner has more rushing yards than the Giants' top two rushers combined, he hasn't performed well in the playoffs.

Turner rushed for just 39 yards and a touchdown against the Packers in the 2010 divisional round, and he averages a mere 44.8 yards per game and has a total of just three touchdowns in six career playoff games.

If the Giants' defensive line can contain Turner and get to Matt Ryan, and their offensive line can create running room for their backs, New York will find themselves in the divisional round of the playoffs.