DISQUS

Ron Jaworski · 1 year ago

Bill -- it's me, Ron. I'll call you in a few, but Merril Hoge wanted me to ask you: If I'm the Pats, what could I learn from breaking down the film of the Week 16 Giants game against New England? I mean, was that game typical of the Giants? Or were they just letting it hang out? Does the Giants offense have the Pats' D solved?

Bill Burt · 1 year ago

Ron
I didn't know you were such a wise guy ...
Anyway, the fact that Giants moved the ball successfully against the Patriots on Week 16 means something. Remember, the Patroits played a lot better in the second half though when, not coincidentally, they sent more rushers at Eli Manning.
The Giants are good, bordering on very good. My guess is the Patriots come out with a completely different plan than they had in Week 16. Maybe more pressure early, which is out of character with this team the last two months, when they've blitzed very little.
The key for the Pats is their running game is a weapon, not an afterthought any more. I wouldn't be surprised if Laurence Maroney had a career best game. The Giants are not going to let the Patriots throw the ball up and down the field like they did in the second half of their Sweet 16 finale.
I'm still waiting for the call, Ron.

Tim · 1 year ago

Bill...most people choose to live blog around an event of some sorts. Does waiting for Ron Jaworski really count as an event? If you want something fun to pass the time while you are waiting, check out the Beyond the Glory history of our new boy KG:

http://scatteredbrilliance.wordpress.com/2008/0...

I would recommend clicking through to the actual You Tube video (it runs a little small on my blog). Enjoy!

Tim · 1 year ago

Also interesting to note the references to lynching in Kevin's past...especially with the recent to do about the use of the word by Kelly Tighlman.

Bill Burt · 1 year ago

Tim
We figured it would be a quiet week. I will be blogging every day from Phoenix. I believe we will do a live blog from there on Thursday at 8 p.m. (EST).
I checked out the thing on Garnett. It was very good.

Bill Burt · 1 year ago

Tim
I believe Kevin G is the most important acquisition in recent Boston sports history. Maybe ever.
He has brought blacks to Celtics Nation, if there is one. This is a long time coming. He fits in here because he loves the game even more than the fans do. You can't say that for 80 percent of the NBA players, who look bored pulling in $80 million over five years.

Bill · 1 year ago

Bill; What are your thoughts on Coughlin as a coach. He seems like he is on the verge of losing it on the sideline. If the Coach is not evenkeeled, how can he expect his team to be calm under pressure?

Bill Burt · 1 year ago

Bill
Coach Coughlin deserves a lot of credit. The guy knows his X's and O's. The problem is communication with players. In college, the head coach is the CEO and every player fears him. In the pros, it is a different game. Coach Belichick probably rules with an iron fist as much as anyone and gets away with it because players respect him (and his brain) so much.
Coughlin isn't there yet. But he's gotten this team to peak at the right time. But remember, if the Giants lose, history shows the Super Bowl loser fades into oblivion.
For a while it appeared he would get fired. Now he has them in the Super Bowl.
He is going to have to have the game of his coaching career to beat the Pats. He must come up with something special or different, that creates touchdowns or stops them.
Good question.

Michael Daly · 1 year ago

Tom Coughlin record against the Patriots -

1-4.

1996 with Jacksonville - lost regular season 28-25 (OT); lost playoffs 20-6.

1997 with Jacksonville - lost 26-20.

1998 with Jacksonville - won playoffs 25-10.

2007 with Giants - lost regular season 38-35.