Giants vs. Patriots Predictions: Statistical Predictions for the Giants Defense

Eli Manning and Tom Brady have gotten most of the media attention leading up to the Super Bowl. However, their play only makes up a portion of what is needed to pull off a victory. This game very well could come down to which team can find consistency on defense.

The play of the New York Giants defense will be the most entertaining part of the game to watch. They love the get after the quarterback, but also need to game plan against the New England Patriots offensive weapons. It'll be interesting to see how they deal with Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker.

Jacquian Williams, Linebacker

Stat Line: 10 tackles and two tackles for loss.

The New York Giants rookie linebacker Jacquian Williams isn't a starter, but what a major impact he will have on this game. He sees plenty of time in the linebacker rotation and on special teams. Williams is arguably the Giants' top coverage linebacker, thanks to his speed and fluid movements.

New York needs to stop both Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez if they hope to pull out a victory. The job of neutralizing these tight ends will fall on several players like Williams and Antrel Rolle.

There's also the belief that the New England Patriots will feature more of a running game. They need to find a way to slow down the Giants pass rush, and establishing a running attack will help.

New England's possible commitment to the run means that the Giants cannot continuously feature a nickel package. This makes Williams a prime candidate to get a lot of playing time as he can both hold up in coverage and play the run.

Antrel Rolle, Safety

Stat Line: 10 tackles and one pass breakup.

As mentioned in the previous slide, the New York Giants will focus a lot of resources towards stopping Gronkowski and Hernandez. Antrel Rolle will be tested during the Super Bowl, as he figures to be the prime defender asked to shut down these talented tight ends.

I anticipate him starting the game matched up with the more athletic Hernandez, but also rotating in with the coverage of Gronkowski. Rolle not only needs to try to limit their catches, but also make sound tackles. Both players excel at picking up yards after the catch, and can turn a four-yard gain into a 20-yard touchdown.

Everybody has been talking about the impact Jason Pierre-Paul will have on the game, but one could argue that Rolle's play will have a bigger say in the outcome.

Osi Umenyiora, Defensive End

Stat Line: Two tackles and one sack.

Osi Umeyiora's season was filled with with ups and downs, injuries and controversy. Despite these problems, he finished the season with nine total sacks and contributed 3.5 more in the playoffs. When healthy, Umenyiora is still one of the most feared pass rushers in the entire NFL.

The entire New York Giants defensive line knows that they are one of the major keys to the outcome of this game. Their ability to generate pressure on Tom Brady might be the only chance this defense has of stopping the New England Patriots offense.

Umenyiora made no longer show up on the starting lineup, but he will to get a ton of snaps and opportunities to get after the quarterback.

Justin Tuck, Defensive End

Stat Line: Three tackles and no sacks.

The New York Giants will look to feature their "NASCAR" lineup as much as possible. When they go to this alignment, Justin Tuck is asked to bump inside the defensive tackle.

Typically, he generates a mismatch as the interior offensive lineman can't handle his quickness. However, the New England Patriots strength might be the interior of their offensive line.

Tuck will be matched up against the likes of Logan Mankins and Brian Waters, two players with a lot of experience and Pro Bowl appearances. Combining the play of New England offensive line and Tuck's performance this season makes it a long shot for him to have a major impact.

Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End

Stat Line: Five tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

Jason Pierre-Paul's speed and quickness around the edge makes him and nightmare to keep out of the offensive backfield. His ability to generate pressure on Tom Brady will be one of the major keys to the outcome of this game.

The New York Giants' best chance to slow down the New England Patriots offensive attack is by making Brady uncomfortable.

Matt Light and Nate Solder will have a tough time beating Pierre-Paul to the edge. However, his ability to pressure the quarterback only makes up part of his responsibility. He also needs to play the run with integrity, which means he has to avoid getting of the field to quickly.

The Giants need a great all-around performance from Pierre-Paul in order to win the Super Bowl.