bill belichick

Bill Belichick, New England Patriots head coach and master of preparation is guarding the tapes from his team's win over the New York Giants like they are made of gold. Belichick is looking for fresh, relevant material as he plans for Super Bowl XLII.

Here are some things the Patriots have learned:

  • Belichick will try to keep the Giants from roughing up Tom Brady as they did in their first meeting, especially with his ankle injury.
  • Tom Brady will have his starting right guard and tackle back in play, who were not in the first game. Belichick will also probably have players running in spots where they usually pass.
  • Giant's defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo tricked the Packers on their blitzs last Sunday. One blitz was early
  • forcing the Packers to leave in a tight end to block. Later came a faked blitz and Packers tight end stayed in, the Giants dropped defenders into coverage, flooding zones and limiting Brett Favre's options.
  • Time may not be wasted leaving TE Ben Watson in the backfield.  Belichick could put him in motion and let him go into a pattern as Tom Brady gets the football off quickly to work the short areas.
  • The Giants strong safety James Butler may be tempted by the Patriots to bite on play action and pump fakes.
  • The Patriots were deeply impressed how well Eli Manning, Giants QB played against them.  Belichick will probably put more pressure on Manning and not disguise coverages so much, using SS Rodney Harrison in blitzs up the middle. Patriots Asante Samuel will probably jump some of those routes that have become standard in Giants' attacks.
  • Giants' Plaxico Burress totally messed up Packers Al Harris last Sunday and was very effective against Ellis Hobbs in the first game with the Patriots. Belichick will use SS Rodney Harrison for pass coverage, even if it means giving up something against the run.

Tune in Super Bowl Sunday NFLFootball 360 will have a reporter on location in Glendale at the University of Phoenix Stadium with live reports and interviews. Not to be missed for the latest Super Bowl XLII action.  Stayed Tuned.