Giants vs. Patriots: 3rd Quarter of Super Bowl XLVI Favors New England

For as much as we can breakdown Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and New York Giants, each team is virtually an exact replica of the other.

Both have explosive passing offenses, solid pass rushers, capable running games and are vulnerable at defending the pass.

That being said, there's always that one moment in a game that is looked back on as the ultimate decider. 

Sometimes it can happen in the first quarter, or as the clock winds down before regulation ends.

Perhaps the best example is James Harrison's interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. 

Even if the Arizona Cardinals don't score or at least get a field goal on that possession, as opposed to a 14-point swing, the complexion of that game changes.

As for the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, that one moment will be the third quarter.

New England Patriots

Although it's not their best quarter, the Patriots have averaged 8.4 points per game during the third quarter this season. 

And in their previous three games, they've averaged eight points in that quarter as well.

They only scored three third quarter points against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC title game, however, it was their ball control and red-zone defense that stepped up big time.

Baltimore may have scored 10 points during those 15 minutes, but only by virtue of a recovered fumble were the Ravens able to add a field goal.

The Patriots red-zone defense has been great all season long, but they've allowed an average of just 3.5 points per game in the third quarter all season (ranked No. 7).

In Super Bowl XLVI, the Pats must own this quarter as they've done all season long.  They'll need ball control, a balanced offensive approach and stout defense. 

The third is also the best quarter that Bill Belichick's defense has played in all season.

Opposing offenses have moved the ball and put up more points per game in any other quarter, so forcing turnovers and accumulating sacks to setup the fourth quarter will be important, especially since that's when New York is at their best.

New York Giants

Regarding time of possession alone, the Giants are weak in the third quarter.  On the year, New York's average possession lasted less than seven minutes. 

In relation to a normal scoring possession in pro football, that is, at best, two possessions provided that each one starts close to midfield.

However, for as good as the Patriots are in the third quarter, New York will be lucky to score and move the ball with their one expected possession. 

As mentioned, the only reason why the Ravens were able to score again in the AFC title game was because of a Danny Woodhead fumble.

So, barring a turnover, the Giants have their work cut out for them. 

Offensively, New York has averaged just 3.6 points per game during these 15 minutes, and just 3.3 in the past three games (zero in the NFC title).

In the third quarter, the Giants must simply minimize the damage caused by New England. 

It's the weakest point in the game for New York and the strongest for the Pats; the fourth quarter is much more favorable to Big Blue.

No turnovers, great punts and punt coverage, consistent pass rush and physical play will win the third.

The field position battle is more important to the Giants here because forcing New England to make longer drives only makes the fourth quarter come faster.

The third quarter and/or overtime is when the Giants are most dangerous.

John Rozum on Twitter.