Giants vs. Patriots: Why New York's Pass Rush Is Key to Game

Back in 2008, the New York Giants were able to pull an upset in Super Bowl XLII by using a ferocious pass rush to harass New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. If New York wants to earn another upset in Super Bowl XLVI, it will need to use a similar formula. 

The Giants finished the regular season with 48 sacks, which ranked third in the NFL. Through three postseason games, New York has added nine more sacks. When you consider that the team's pass defense ranked 29th in the league during the regular season (allowed 255.1 yards per game), that pass rush will be very important against the Patriots on Sunday.

New York's defensive ends have been outstanding this season. Jason Pierre-Paul led the team with 16.5 sacks, Osi Umenyiora added nine, while Dave Tollefson and Justin Tuck both had five. So far in the postseason, Umenyiora has been a dominant force, racking up 3.5 so far.

The Giants' defensive ends combined for 35.5 sacks during the regular season, which is a huge number. For New York to get a win on Sunday, the team will need that kind of production to continue.

The problem for the Giants is that the Patriots only allowed 32 sacks all season. When you consider that New England had 612 passing attempts this season, that is a remarkably low number. 

The Giants need to figure out a way to get pressure from the outside against the Patriots. New England's offensive tackles—Matt Light and Nate Solder—have to continue their steady play from the regular season, while guards Logan Mankins and Brian Waters will have to help both guys out, along with whichever running backs are in the game.

If New York can get pressure, it could manage to slow down New England's potent offense. That would allow the Giants to keep the game close. If it is a tight contest in the second half, quarterback Eli Manning could have a chance to work some of the late-game magic he has shown all season long.