Super Bowl Predictions 2012: 3 Keys for Giants to Stop Tom Brady

Tom Brady is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play in the National Football League.

He has singlehandedly led the New England Patriots to the 2012 Super Bowl despite a terrible defense and an inconsistent running game.

But, the team he’ll be facing in the Super Bowl is the only team that’s ever beaten him on the big stage.

We all remember the New York Giants pulling off a magical upset in Super Bowl XLII and ending New England’s quest for perfection.

How can they stop Brady and the Patriots again?

Let’s take a look at three keys for the Giants if they want to slow down the Patriots’ dynamic quarterback.

Don’t Let Him Set His Feet 

The Giants beat the 18-0 Patriots in the Super Bowl in 2008 because they didn’t let Brady get comfortable in the pocket.

That’s still the blueprint for beating the Patriots four years later, and there’s no team better equipped to follow that plan than the Giants.

With Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul rushing the quarterback, the Giants are one of a very few teams that can get pressure on the quarterback with only a four-man rush.

They’ll need to rattle Brady with pressure and hits early and often if they are going to pull off another magical Super Bowl upset.

Chase Blackburn

Blackburn had a few really nice plays from the middle linebacker position against the 49ers.

He made a nice play by diving and breaking up a pass to Vernon Davis.

He did a great job playing the crossing routes, and he’s going to need to do even better against Brady.

He has to stop Wes Welker and the dynamic tight end duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez from getting open in the middle of the field. That’s not an easy task.

Over-the-Top Safety Help 

Vernon Davis got behind the Giants defense for two long touchdowns in the NFC Championship.

If Davis dominated like that, imagine what Gronkowski and Hernandez can potentially do.

Perry Fewell needs to make absolutely sure he gives constant safety help to whoever is covering the tight ends. If they don’t, they’ll get burned once again.

Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips have to have big games, or the Giants are going to get picked apart by the pinpoint accuracy of Brady.

Prediction: New York 20, New England 17