Super Bowl 2012: Biggest Key to Victory for Giants and Patriots

The winner of the 2012 Super Bowl is going to be the team that does a better job of executing the following key portion of their game plan. 

This is going to be a close game—just like the last time they met in the Super Bowl, and just like the Giants' 24-20 victory earlier this season. 

That means execution in one critical area is enough to propel them to victory. We'll start with the Giants' key. 

Protecting Eli

New York has the weapons to dismantle a Patriots passing defense that finished the year ranked 31st in pass defense. If Eli Manning has time, he will shred that defense. 

This leaves New England's only hope at slowing down this passing attack as getting to Manning early and often. 

The Patriots have been doing an excellent job of applying pressure on QBs this postseason. In two games they have eight sacks. 

Meanwhile, the Giants have not been able to protect Manning. In three postseason games, New York has allowed eight sacks, and a whopping 24 QB hits. 

They need to step up that protection even if it means leaving their running back and tight end in to block. 

Get the New England Ground Game Going

New England's rushing attack is an afterthought, and for good reason. This offense is propelled by a dominant passing game. 

However, the Patriots will be well-served to establish their ground game. This will pay off big as the game progresses. 

It will help them keep their defense off of the field, it will attack a Giants defensive line that was built to rush the passer and it will slow down their pass rush. 

This will not only gain them valuable yards on the ground, but it will open things up for their passing game. 

New England's passing game will still be what would win this game for them. That will just be far easier if they show the Giants they can run the rock.