Giants vs Patriots: Comparing New York's 2007 Defense to Its' 2011 Defense

Since the stage was set for Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, comparisons to how Super Bowl XLII played out began right away.

Fortunately for the Giants, they pulled off the upset win four years ago and plan on having an encore performance this time around. That said, let's take a look at New York's 2007 and 2011 defenses and how each compare.

2007 Defense

Led by defensive end Michael Strahan, the Giants' front seven also pitted youngsters like Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck in the trenches to get constant quarterback pressure.

They finished the season with a league-leading 53 sacks and forced 16 fumbles. Ironically though, New York allowed 21.9 points per game, which ranked just No. 17 in the league. As for the postseason, the Giants only recorded eight sacks in four games, but they defended 22 passes and forced four fumbles.

In addition, the Giants never allowed more than 20 points in one game. They defeated Tampa Bay 24-14 in the Wild Card round; NFC East rival Dallas 21-17 in the Divisional; and finally the Packers 23-20 in overtime at Lambeau Field.

Other notable defenders were Mathias Kiwanuka (46 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and Corey Webster (12 postseason tackles, two picks), both of whom were significant contributors then and now.

In short, these Giants liked to rush the passer and were a healthier and younger bunch.

2011 Defense

Perhaps the biggest difference is that, although these Giants love to rush the passer, they are older and had health issues throughout the course of the season.

Still, New York collected 48 sacks in the regular season and have added nine more in three playoff games. Thanks to the addition of Chris Canty and Jason Pierre-Paul along the defensive line, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora can keep dominating.

On the year they forced 16 fumbles (recovering 11) and have forced five in the playoffs (recovering all five). A miniscule difference with this defense is that they allow 25 points per game and have a vulnerable pass defense.

Fortunately, everything has come together in the playoffs just like the '07 team, and Big Blue has only allowed 39 points in three games (improving on 2007's playoff points-allowed).

And if there's any irony about the Giants right now, it's that the organization's first two Super Bowls came within four years of one another (1986 and then 1990). Could 2011 be an omen from the Giants 2007 Super Bowl?

John Rozum on Twitter.