New England - Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington, Julian Edelman, Patrick Chung, James Ihedigbo
NY Giants - Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Prince Amukamara, Antral Rolle, Kenny Phillips
2011 Leaders
Kyle Arrington 88 tackles, 7 INT
Corey Webster 51 tackles, 6 INT
These secondaries have definitely taken odd paths to the Super Bowl. New England's bunch consists of an undrafted player, a guy that nobody wanted, and a player whose actual position is on the offensive side of the ball. New York's secondary was thought to be a weak spot when their best DB, Terrell Thomas, went down with a season-ending injury in training camp. Some of this would explain why the Giants ranked 29th against the pass, and the Patriots 31st. Mix that with Tom Brady and Eli Manning throwing the ball, and there is potential for these units to get eaten up on Sunday.
New England's secondary has given up big chunks of yardage in the passing game this season. The holes in the secondary have been so large, that Bill Belechick has converted WR/KR Julian Edelman into his nickle back. Kyle Arrington has the best numbers of the group, finishing 2nd on the team in tackles and leading it in interceptions. Safeties, James Ihedigbo and Patrick Chung are solid against the run but are not very good in pass coverage. This has Eli Manning salivating. The Giants like their matchups. They feel like they will be able to get big plays downfield against the Pats. New England's DBs must step their game up if they want to win their 4th Super Bowl in the last 11 seasons.
Terrell Thomas was the top playmaker in the Giants secondary a year ago. Many in New York were rightfully concerned when he was lost for the year. The rest of the secondary was picked apart throughout the regular season, but they have stepped it up in the playoffs. The players in this group have been solid during their careers, and feel disrespected by the way they have been talked about this year. 3 of the 4 starters in New York's defensive backfield have Super Bowl experience (Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Antrell Rolle). These men should certainly be able earn respect back in the Super Bowl. Tom Brady will be gunning for them and someone will need to make a play.
It is very difficult to say the secondary that ranked 29th against the pass this season has an advantage, but remember the Patriots ranked 31st. I think that the experience of the Giants secondary gives them an edge. Webster, Ross, and Rolle have all been here before. Receivers will get open in this game, and yards will be had. But with all things considered, I think the G-Men are more capable of getting a big play out of their secondary than the Patriots are.
Advantage - NY Giants
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