Super Bowl Kickoff Time 2012: How Giants Will Exploit Patriots Weak Defense

The New York Giants are well equipped to attack the New England Patriots' defensive weaknesses in the 2012 Super Bowl. 

The Patriots have struggled all year to stop opposing passing attacks. This is due to a thin and not very talented secondary. 

New York will be able to force New England into their weakest formations. We'll get into how, but first check out the down to the minute scheduled kickoff time for this epic game. 

Kickoff Time: 6:29 p.m. EST on NBC

Forcing the Nickel Package

The Giants have three excellent receivers in Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham. These guys are going to spend a ton of time on the field at the same time in this game. 

This will force the Patriots into the nickel, and that pushes rookie Julian Edleman onto the field to cover the slot. Edelman has done an admirable job at corner, but this college QB, who was drafted to play receiver is going to be vastly overmatched against Victor Cruz who dominates from the slot. 

Adjustments for New England

Bill Belichick knows this is going to be a weakness, and with two weeks to prepare for the game this mastermind is not just going to run vanilla looks out there and let the Giants continually exploit this weakness. 

They could slide Devin McCourty into the slot here. McCourty has struggled mightily at corner in his second year, and he has recently been playing free safety in nickel. 

While McCourty on Cruz is not ideal either, it will give him a different look and a more physical player to deal with. 

Attacking the Safeties

If McCourty does slide up to corner, it is going to leave the Patriots with a lack of speed at the safety position. 

The Giants have a fabulous deep passing attack. They will attack these slower safeties deep every chance they can get. 

When McCourty is in at safety, New York will try to exploit his inexperience. Look for the Giants to send multiple receivers deep on his side and try and fake him into covering the wrong man.