ATTACK THE PATRIOTS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD.

The Giants proved in Week 17 they could move the ball against New England. Plaxico Burress is one of the game’s best receivers, and his 6-5 size gives him a huge advantage in jump-ball situations. Amani Toomer runs precise routes and has good chemistry with Manning. Steve Smith has become a valuable third receiver, allowing the Giants to go with more spread formations.

The Giants should go to three-wide sets in passing situations and attack one of the Patriots’ few vulnerabilities: covering receivers over the middle. New York should use slants often – quick slants, midrange slants, and deep post patterns. The Eagles took this tack against the Patriots in November, and A.J. Feeley threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns. If he can do it, Manning can.

If the Giants have to throw the ball more than 42 times to win Super Bowl 42, so what? I’m not suggesting they ignore the running game, especially if Brandon Jacobs gets it going. Brady won’t win with a run-first game plan.

Covering receivers in space gets the Patriots out of their defensive comfort zone. Some of their veterans, linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau and safety Rodney Harrison, are not as fleet afoot as they used to be. The Giants have a hot quarterback and capable receivers. If they can exploit some mismatches, the potential to pop some big runs after catches is there.

PLAY THE MANNING CARD.

Eli needs to talk with his brother. Peyton Manning won the last Super Bowl. He knows the Patriots’ defense inside and out. He knows what coverages they prefer in various situations, what the Super Bowl media hype will be like, how best to prepare.

Eli has grown by leaps and bounds this season and has the unique advantage of having a brother who plays the same position and has been in this same situation. He must listen to all valuable nuggets Peyton dishes out.