Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders made it official with a press release and on their web site, announcing the hiring of Jason Tarver to be their defensive coordinator.

Here’s a look at his profile on Oakland’s web site:

Jason Tarver has been named defensive coordinator for The Oakland Raiders.

Tarver, 37, worked one year as the co-defensive coordinator under David Shaw at Stanford, after working for the 49ers from 2001 through 2010 as an offensive assistant.

He is a very bright mind, who has a master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. When asked why coach, especially with his vast knowledge in other areas, Tarver stated, “I really love the look on guys’ faces when you help them make a play. It’s almost better than doing it yourself. That’s what really made me want to do this.

“And then, I like to see 22 guys running around and see how it all fits together. That’s a puzzle that’s always fun. It’s a moving puzzle every single play, and you’ve got to figure it out between the plays.”

A quality control staffer in the NFL reviews a lot of film of upcoming opponents and formulates early plans of attack, dissects tendencies and reports it back to the coordinators and head coach.  Something Tarver was extremely good while learning the intricacies of coaching.

“As you are looking at things and seeing it, you learn how we attack guys. I learn that part of it by getting them data,” Tarver said. “We see everything.”

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If reports are true, that the Oakland Raiders are considering adding Jason Tarver to their coaching staff, the Silver & Black will surely have a very youthful and raw sideline in 2012.

Tarver, 37, worked one year as the co-defensive coordinator under David Shaw at Stanford, after working for the 49ers from 2001 through 2010 as an offensive assistant.

Greg Manusky was rumored to be a candidate for the job, but he became the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts. Oakland asked permission to interview Denver linebackers coach Richard Smith and New Orleans defensive assistant Bill Johnson, but were denied on both.

Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. is another name that has been bantered about, with no real indicators demonstrating he was looked at or given permission to speak to Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen.

Tarver served as quality control coach for San Francisco for three years before he was promoted to assistant running backs/offensive assistant coach for the 2004 season. He then became San Francisco’s outside linebacker’s coach for six seasons prior to his move to Stanford.

He is a very bright mind, who has a master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. When asked why coach, especially with his vast knowledge in other areas, Tarver stated, “I really love the look on guys’ faces when you help them make a play. It’s almost better than doing it yourself. That’s what really made me want to do this.

“And then, I like to see 22 guys running around and see how it all fits together. That’s a puzzle that’s always fun. It’s a moving puzzle every single play, and you’ve got to figure it out between the plays.”

A quality control staffer in the NFL reviews a lot of film of upcoming opponents and formulates early plans of attack, dissects tendencies and reports it back to the coordinators and head coach.  Something Tarver was extremely good while learning the intricacies of coaching.

“As you are looking at things and seeing it, you learn how we attack guys. I learn that part of it by getting them data,” Tarver said. “We see everything.”

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The New York Giants were crowned Super Bowl champions, again, beating the New England Patriots 21-17 at Indianapolis.

A few former Oakland Raiders were key on both sides. SBReport.net takes a look at their performances:

Sterling Moore – Patriots – CB

Moore had three tackles, ending his solid playoff run with the Patriots. The cornerback had two passes defended, one which halted a key Giants’ drive on a 3^rd and 10. That gave Tom Brady the ball back in the 4^th quarter with a shot at extending their lead prior to New York’s go-ahead possession. Moore had a forced fumble on a play in the 1^st quarter that was negated due to a penalty.

Gerard Warren – Patriots – DT

Had one tackle and assisted on another playing as a reserve.

Dave Tollefson – Giants – DL

Played well on special teams and in varying packages along the defensive front.

Kevin Boothe – Giants – OL

In the 2^nd quarter, he had a holding penalty that washed away a converted 3^rd and 1. On the next play, on 3^rd and 11, Eli Manning tossed an incomplete pass in the direction of Mario Manningham.
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For a third straight year, the Hall of Fame committee bypassed former Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown for induction. There’s no denying he’s a hall of famer and will eventually get in…

But, when?

None of the six men elected; Curtis Martin, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and senior selection Jack Butler, were wide receivers. Cris Carter and Andre Reed, both who were on the finalist list, played the same position and deserve induction as well. So it could take some time before we see probably the most deserving Raider not in Canton, with a bronze bust in the hall of immortals.

I’ll take a look at the five Raiders that deserve induction into the NFL Hall of Fame:

Tim Brown – Wide Receiver 

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders and currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown. Brown was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

Ron Wolf – GM/Personnel

Wolf was an architect of great Silver & Black clubs, as he had a vital role in drafting future hall of fame performers such as, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Howie Long and Marcus Allen. He also helped bring in Ken Stabler, Jack Tatum and Matt Millen. Wolf had two tenures with the Raiders, from 1963-to-1975 and again in 1978-1990.

With the Packers, his first major move was to hire Mike Holmgren, who eventually won Super Bowl XXXI, made a second big game appearance a year later against the Broncos while making the playoffs six-times as the general manager. Wolf inked Reggie White, the first marquee player in the league’s free-agent era.

Wolf remained a good friend of Al Davis throughout the years and Oakland consulted with the former executive on many occasions, just recently during their search for a new general manager.

Ray Guy – Punter

He was a major contributor on all three Raider championship teams, was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a six-time All-Pro, the punter on the league’s storied 75^th Anniversary team and the first punter ever taken in the first-round of the draft. Guy never had a punt returned for a score, with his prowess being stuff of legends league wide.

The NFL has to recognize specialist and their contributions – it’s a travesty they don’t respect kickers and punters, especially since from year-to-year, the emphasis on special teams and how it can affect the outcome of games and ultimately, championship runs, is scrutinized by executives, coaches, players, media and fans.

If any special teamer deserves to get in first, it should be the greatest punter of all-time.

Cliff Branch – Wide Receiver 

Branch’s snubbing is mind-boggling. Especially when you consider that ‘Bullet’ Bob Hayes was inducted in 2009. Branch has been to one more Pro Bowl than Hayes, has two more First-Team All Pro selections, has two more Super Bowl rings and was a greater contributor to Oakland’s lore, than Hayes was to the Cowboys history.

Not only does Branch trump Hayes in awards, championships and highlights, but his stats are comparable. The Raider target played three-more seasons, but his 501-receptions for 8,685-yards and 67 touchdowns are just as impressive as Hayes’ 371-catches for 7,414-yards and 71 touchdowns.

Hayes was legendary due to his world class speed, but ask any cornerbacks who played against Branch in the 70s and ask them who much of a threat he was and they’ll tell you.

Steve Wisniewski – Guard

Yes, one of my all-time favorite players, but a guard who is truly deserving of Hall of Fame honors.

‘The Wiz’ was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection in 13-seasons. More impressive were the eight-times he was chosen as an All-Pro at his spot, including six straight recognitions from 1991-1996. Very few linemen in Raider history embodied what the team was about. He was tough, fiery and many accused him of being the dirtiest player in the league. Opponents hated lining up against him, but they all admired his grit in the trenches, as he was equally adept as a pass and run blocker.

THOUGHTS ON OTHERS…

I’m not a big proponent for Tom Flores or Jim Plunkett’s inductions. Sorry Raider fans, but when I think of Hall of Fame, neither of those players come to mind.

Plunkett floundered for eight-years before his 1980 run with the Silver & Black. Undoubtedly, he did great things for the organization after that, winning two Super Bowls, but his credentials are not Canton worthy. Plunkett ended with 164 touchdowns and 198 interceptions. What’s your argument; that his career started slow? Well, with Oakland/Los Angeles, he had 80 touchdowns and 81 interceptions. He did have a 38-19 record with the Silver & Black, but his 72-72-career mark is not inspiring.

As for Flores, yes… he was the man on the sideline of two Super Bowl victories and his contributions run deep, going back to his playing days with the Raiders. His 83-53 record with the Silver & Black as coach in nine-seasons were impressive, but he was never considered a mastermind, rarely do you ever remember him being a difference maker for his coaching analytics and was known more for being a caretaker to great Raider teams.

His three-years in Seattle in which he posted a 14-34 record really smudged his résumé. A 97-87 record is mediocre, but those two Super Bowl victories are headlights that should catch the attention of some voters. Unfortunately, and rightfully I think, shouldn’t blind people into voting for him.

Lester Hayes was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the 1980 Defensive Player of the Year. Of the others mentioned in this section, he may be the one most deserving. I could’ve easily snuck him into my top-five, as his coverage ability and great nicknames; “the Judge” and “Lester the Molester” were indicative of his style pf play in bump and run coverage.

Ken Stabler was clutch, a coach on the field and led the Raiders to victory in Superbowl XI. Two of his targets are in the Hall of Fame, but not the guy who got ‘em the ball?

‘The Snake’ had a career record of 96-49-1 and a masterful 69-26-1 run with the Raiders. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 1990, 1991 and 2003. You have to think that as time passes, Stabler will be buried under an avalanche of great passers that will be inducted before him.

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Tim Brown, who was among 17 finalists to be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012, will have to wait another year to get into Canton.

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders. He was a prolific wide receiver and a threat on special teams as a returner early in his career, coming out of Notre Dame where he won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.

He currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), many other receiving marks along with marks for all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown.

Among other accolades, he was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

In February of 2010, his former coach campaigned for his enshrinement. “He dominated the game. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, without a doubt,” said Jon Gruden.

On his official twitter account, Brown stated: “Raider nation!! Don’t bother to watch tonight they passed on me again!! In fact, no wrs made it again. Gotta get some of y’all in there!!”
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In this two part series, SBReport.net takes a look at the nineteen Raiders that have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Howie Long – Defensive Lineman – Inducted: 2000

In 13-seasons, Long was one of the league’s most versatile linemen, equally adept at end or tackle. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XVIII), Long was fierce as a Raider and could’ve played in any era of football.

Ronnie Lott – Safety – Inducted: 2000

Arguably the greatest safety to ever play, Lott made a pit stop in Los Angeles for two seasons (1991-1992). He led the league in interceptions (8) in 1991 and made the last of his ten Pro Bowls as a member of the Raiders.

Dave Casper – Tight End – Inducted: 2002

The tight end was selected five times to Pro Bowl squads, was a five-time All Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion (XI and XV). He was also involved in two of the Raiders most historic plays; the “Ghost to the Post” versus the Colts during a 1977 divisional playoff game and “the Holy Roller” in 1978 against the Chargers.

Marcus Allen – Running Back – Inducted: 1993

One of the greatest weapons the Raiders ever had. His 74-yard run for a score in Super Bowl XVIII and 191-yard performance remains one of the greatest memories in club history. In 1982, he was the league’s offensive rookie of the year and in 1985, the NFL’s most valuable player.

James Lofton – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 2003

He played two years for the Silver & Black and was a coach with the Raiders in 2008. Lofton was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time first team All Pro and ended with 764 passes for 14,004 yards and 75 touchdowns in his 16-campaigns.

Bob Brown – Tackle – Inducted: 2004

Brown played in Oakland the last three-years of his career. In 1971, his first season with the Silver & Black, Brown played in his last of six Pro Bowls.

John Madden – Head Coach – Inducted: 2006

The legendary figure began his career as a linebackers coach with the Raiders in 1967. He then became their head coach in 1969 and won a Super Bowl in 1976. Madden ended with a 103-32-7 regular season record and later became the voice of the league as an analyst for varying networks.

Rod Woodson – Cornerback/Safety – Inducted: 2009

The league never saw a player so adept at cornerback and have a equally impressive end to his career at free-safety. Woodson tallied 71-career interceptions and was a Super Bowl champion with the Ravens in 2000, as part of the best defenses the league has ever seen. His arrival in Oakland was vital in 2002. The then 37-year old Woodson led the NFL in interceptions (8), making the Pro Bowl and helping the team to the Super Bowl.

Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 2010

The “GOAT” was with the Raiders from 2001-through-2004. The 13-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Super Bowl champion had 243-receptions, 3,286-yards and 18 touchdowns with Oakland.

Part one of SBReport’s look at Raider hall of famers:

A look back at all the Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame (pt. 1)

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In this two part series, SBReport.net takes a look at the nineteen Raiders that have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Jim Otto – Center – Inducted: 1980

You can call him Mr. Raider. Otto joined the newfound Raiders in 1960 and the team never saw another center along the offensive line for 15-campaigns. He was a nine-time AFL All-Star, three-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro. Till this date, Otto still remains a presence at Raider games and works for the organization.

George Blanda – Quarterback/Kicker – Inducted: 1981

From 1967-to-1975, Blanda provided Raider fans with memorable moments. At 43, he had a remarkable streak of games that featured him tossing three touchdowns in relief of an injured Daryle Lamonica versus the Steelers, kicking a 48-yard field goal with three seconds remaining to salvage a tie against the Chiefs and against the Browns, Blanda came off the bench to toss a tying score and then kick a game winning field goal as time wound down. He had two more amazing feats; again tossing a game winning touchdown versus the Broncos in relief and booting another field goal to seal the contest versus the Chargers.

Willie Brown – Cornerback – Inducted: 1984

The defensive back has one of the most vivid moments in Super Bowl history when he intercepted Fran Tarkenton and dashed 75-yards for a score. He played for Oakland from 1967-to-1978. Brown has remained a coach for the Silver & Black and one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.

Gene Upshaw – Guard – Inducted: 1987

He played his entire 307 preseason, regular season, and post-season game career with the Raiders. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, three time All Pro and two time Super Bowl champion was a dominant guard, who later became a historic figure as executive director of the NFLPA.

Fred Biletnikoff – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 1988

“Freddy B” compiled 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns during his 14-year career with Oakland Raiders from1965 through 1978. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time All Pro and MVP of Super Bowl XI.

Art Shell – Tackle – Inducted: 1989

Not many players in league history were as complete as Shell. Equally great as a run and pass blocker, Shell was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was an All Pro first team tackle three-times. His post-player career included a AFC coach of the year award in 1990, when his club tallied 12-wins and made an appearance in the championship game that season.

Ted Hendricks – Linebacker – Inducted: 1990

“The Mad Stork” donned the Silver & Black from 1975-to-1983. In 1976, he was a full-time player for the Raiders in a 3-4 defense that ranked 6th that season in sacks tallied. A four-time Super Bowl champion, Hendricks attained the nickname “Kick ‘em in the Head Ted” as a Raider.

Al Davis – Owner – Inducted: 1992

Davis was one of the most legendary figures in league history. As an owner, head coach, general manager and commissioner, Davis’ impact in football is widespread, on the field and off of it. No other person embodied what the Raiders were all about.

Mike Haynes – Cornerback – Inducted: 1997

Speed, range and cover abilities – Haynes was the epitome of bump and run coverage. A nine-time Pro Bow selection and a member of the leagues’ 75th anniversary team, Haynes was a Raider from 1983-1989. He tallied 18 interceptions wearing the Silver & Black.

Eric Dickerson – Running Back – Inducted: 1999

He was a Raider for one season, acquired from the Rams for fourth and eighth round picks in the 1992 draft. He rushed for 729-yards – with his lone shinning moment on the Monday Night Football stage versus the Chiefs, darting 40 yards for a score.

Part two of SBReport’s look at Raider hall of famers:

A look back at all the Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame (pt. 2)

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Former Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown is among 17 finalist to be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. The 44-member selection committee will meet on Feb. 4 in Indianapolis, the day before Super Bowl XLVI, to pick who will in inducted with other immortals in Canton.

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders. He was a prolific wide receiver and a threat on special teams as a returner early in his career, coming out of Notre Dame where he won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.

He currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), many other receiving marks along with marks for all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown.

Among other accolades, he was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

In February of 2010, his former coach campaigned for his enshrinement. “He dominated the game. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, without a doubt,” said Jon Gruden.

“What Tim Brown did with the quarterback position the way it was is quite amazing. The number of quarterbacks who threw him touchdown passes…

“He did not have a Joe Montana for eight years, a Peyton Manning, a Brett Favre. Not to be discriminatory against the quarterbacks he did have, but he played in different offenses and was great in any system.”

During his time as a Raider, his teams compiled a 134-122 record with 6 playoff appearances.

Here is fan reaction on twitter regarding his nomination:

“he’s one of the best wrs and punt returners of all time..over 1000 rec with some of the worst qbs ..should have been in last year” - brian fried

“Tim Brown was a Great WR, Returner, and stabilizing force in the locker room perrenially. Carter was a great DIVA WR, Brown Wins!” – Ray Shirey

“Brown deserves to be Saturday. 105 totally TDs, 19,000+ combined net yards (5th nfl), 14,934 receiving yards (second to only GOAT)”  “(cont’d) 1,094 career receptions (3rd nfl history) and not to mention everything he did as a punt and kickoff return man” - Chris McClain

“Brown. You consider he played a lot of special teams early on. To stay healthy enough to evolve into an elite WR is impressive” - Trent Hawkes

“Carter took a backseat when Randy Moss came in, Tim Brown still was a beast when Jerry Rice came in” - Ismael Cosio

“Timmy Brown you have to include his return TD’s and YDs” - The Raider Guy

“Carter and Brown’s stats aren’t all that different, and Carter had better quarterbacks and was on better teams. #JustSaying” “Tim Brown did it consistently with no real talent at QB. If he and Jerry Rice switched teams, he’d be looked at as the GOAT.” – Ronaldo Spettacolare

“Can’t see him getting in on Sat. Chris Carter is his competition, Tim likely gets in next year. Cant believe Tim almost was Bronco” – TheReverendJimNorton

“Look at Tim’s production. Then look at the QBs he played with over his career. The answer will be self-evident.” -Brad Bordyn

“Tim Brown deserves to be in the HOF because of the numbers he produced with a carousel of subpar QB’s. Numbers don’t lie.” - Jerry

“Brown was an all-time great Raider, but compared to his peers he was merely very good. Sorry, no HOF for #81.” - Chris Holmes

“Jim Plumkett should be going in, he got two superbowls. Tim brown got the big EGG, ZERO, NADA! Nuff Said” - Andrew Bill Ena

“any WR with 1000 catches DESERVES to make it into HOF, should be rule like baseballs 3000 hits” - doug

“the only reason I see why he doesn’t get a nod is lack of a SB title.” – JB

Click on the Twitter capsule below to follow me and give your thoughts on anything Raider related, for 24/7 coverage of the Silver & Black and up to date postings.

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The Oakland Raiders were denied permission by the New Orleans Saints to talk to defensive line coach Bill Johnson for an opening on Dennis Allen’s staff.

Johnson has more than 30-years of football experience and just recently, he’s helped the Saints defense improved from 25th in the NFL to 4th in yardage and from 20th to 7th in scoring defense in 2010.

In his two seasons with the Denver Broncos, Johnson was crucial in developing defensive end Elvis Dumervil. From 2001-to-2006, he spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, who consistently were a solid pass rushing club and twice ranked in the top ten of the NFL in fewest yards allowed.

One return for the Raiders that will be a welcomed by many is Justin Griffith.

The former fullback was very good friends with Michael Bush early in his career, which could help influence the return of the unrestricted free agent. Griffith was always great with the media and a strong veteran presence in the locker room.

Unfortunately in 2008, his career with the Raiders ended during a contest with the Baltimore Ravens. Griffith tore his ACL in the third quarter of the game, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown toss. “You lose a terrific person, a lot of leadership,” then coach Tom Cable said. “He’s solid as a rock. He comes to work every day. He does things to the best of his ability every opportunity he gets. Someone who’s familiar with the system. You’re losing quite a bit there.”

Griffith was not known as a punishing blocker, but his knowledge then and now of the zone-blocking system was fundamental. In Atlanta, the fullback worked in that system with Cable. Then, Oakland tabbed his services for two seasons as the Raiders transitioned more to a zone-blocking scheme.

With Bob Wylie out, and Frank Pollack in, the move to a new system was inevitable, especially with the success the new offensive line coach has had in Houston with that method of blocking.

Griffith being a quality control coach on offense will help the current crop of Raiders with the nuisances of blocking and running behind the new scheme.

Sterling Moore will be in the spotlight in the Super Bowl this weekend. It goes to show you how far good coaching and scouting could go in this league.

The ex-Raider was pivotal in the Patriots arrival to the big game and will be vital in holding versus a dynamic Giants passing attack.

But who knew?

“Athletic guy, good ball skills. Had some versatility. Had some size, had some quickness,” said Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, who attended a workout with Moore after Oakland waived him. “So, you know, there were some things there to like. We brought him in, and with any player you bring in, you hope it works out. But a lot of it is how he prepares and how he improves.”

Even though he spent very little time in Oakland last summer, he quickly noticed difference between the Raiders and Patriots stating that Belichick’s club was a far more “professional” organization.

“I think there’s a lot of plays that helped us get here. [Brandon] Spikes’ interception and the way Vince [Wilfork] played that game; I’m just glad I had an opportunity to make a play,” said Moore.

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Super Bowl XLVI will feature two very deserving teams, with two passers looking to cement their legacies and one club in particular, searching for revenge after having their perfect season wiped away in this final game a few years back.

SBReport.net will take a look at what both the New York Giants and the New England Patriots have to accomplish to win this game and what would occur if either team gets to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy on Sunday evening.

THE CASE FOR THE NEW YORK GIANTS (NFC CHAMPIONS)

Unlike the Patriots, the Giants can wing it with Eli Manning, not worry about a ground game and still come away victorious. That talented unit of wide receivers, which features Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, could provide enough troubles for a highly questionable Pats’ secondary and enable Manning to put up better stats than his counterpart at the end of this final game of the 2011 season.

The Giants moved the ball very well against a tough, solid tackling and fiery defense on the road to get to the Super Bowl. Their efforts in San Francisco were impressive. And this Bill Belichick defense is nowhere near the talent level of the 49ers’ unit.

Brandon Jacobs nor Ahmad Bradshaw, do not need big games. But a few draws, some Bradshaw pitches to the edge and Jacobs’ downhill style could help set a tone and keep New England off-balance.

Manning will need a 40-plus pass attempt effort to win this game.

On defense, it’s quite simple, keep the Patriots one-dimensional. Yes, that may lead to big numbers for Tom Brady, but the Giants have to shutdown Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis and hope that fierce pass rush can get to the quarterback enough to make life miserable for him.

That formula was used to win in 2007 – so if Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora cannot get heat on Brady, the Giants will be in a shoot-out all afternoon and hoping that Brady doesn’t have the ball in his hands late in the contest either up with a chance to seal the deal, or with the team’s fate in his hands.

The Giants secondary isn’t very good either, but they have playmakers in Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips. And if their pass rush is wreaking havoc, they have enough talent on the linebacker unit and back end of the defensive backfield to contain New England’s deadly  tight ends.

A WIN FOR MANNING WILL…

Wouldn’t it be sweet for Eli to raise the trophy in the ‘House that Peyton built”?

A second victory against Brady in a Super Bowl will put the younger Manning among the elite in New York sports history. He’ll easily surpass Phil Simms as the greatest signal caller in Giants’ history and place himself in the pantheon of the Big Apple’s greats.

I would put him ahead of Mark Messier, who delivered the Rangers their first Stanley Cup in 54-years back in the 1993-94 campaign. Manning will surpass Walt Frazier (Knicks), will cast a shadow over Joe Namath (Jets) and by career’s end, which could sound crazy, may even have a chance to take the crown as the greatest Giant ever, taking the mantle away from Lawrence Taylor, who revolutionized the linebacker position in the NFL.

Manning could easily place himself in the Mt. Rushmore of NY sports; along with Derek Jeter, Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth – all who played for the Yankees.

THE CASE FOR THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (AFC CHAMPIONS)

On defense, Vince Wilfork will have to play the game of his life. Brandon Spikes will have to be a tackling machine and someone from that secondary – anyone – will need a key interception to slow Manning and that potent aerial attack.

A vital aspect of this contest is the week off. Belichick is a mastermind when given time to game plan, and with the Giants in such a roll, the bye actually is a major advantage for the Patriots – especially with Rob Gronkowski’s injured left ankle.

That two tight end set that New England deploys could give the Giants massive headaches. New York had breakdowns in coverage versus Vernon Davis and a 49er team that offered very little in terms of other targets in the NFC Championship game.

If Gronkowski can play and perform effectively, it will give the Patriots a chance to match him either against a slower linebacker or smaller safety, and others such as Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker and Deion Branch could have huge games working the middle of the field.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Brady started the game in a no-huddle and uses it plenty throughout the evening in hopes of tiring the Giants pass rush, causing confusion in the secondary and prevent New York to make substitutions to their active front-seven.

Green-Ellis must be productive. They may not need well over 100-yards out of him, but it’s essential they can move the chains on short yardage with the run and offer more than what San Francisco did in terms of balance and versatility against an aggressive Giants defense.

Running right at the pass rushers and draw plays off of shotgun formations, quick snaps and other creative ways to get chunks of yards on the ground will be needed to keep Manning on the sideline as well. The one unit that took a beating when the Giants beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, in the game and via the media afterwards, was the offensive line of New England. This time around, they’ll have a chip on their shoulder and major incentive to play well against a New York team that has been chatty and boisterous along the defense the last few days.

ANOTHER RING FOR BRADY…

Brady has done it all. He’s a hall of famer to be and recognized as one of the elite sporting figures of this generation.

But a fourth Super Bowl title would be epic.

Brady could situate himself among the league’s immortals with a win. Not only will the Patriots need a big game from their star passer, but a larger-than-life stat line with a win could be the single greatest feat of his already stellar career.

New England enters this game with their most vital offensive component nowhere near 100% percent, per many reports. The defense they are heading into the game with may be the worst defensive unit ever in Super Bowl lore. Add  that he doesn’t posses a great rusher, nor an offensive line you could recognize immediately, and you’re talking about all the makings of a historic evening for Brady – especially since he’s still disturbed by his performance two weeks ago versus the Ravens and a few years back when his perfect season evaporated and a title slipped through his fingers, in a game which he played valiantly in and was in line to win another MVP.

Brady with a win, will stand-alone with Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas. From there, you can argue all you want about who’s the greatest. Then, you can add him to the list of greatest players to don shoulder pads, not just that played under center.

PREDICTION

Will Brady have a great game? Yes. Will Welker and the rest of the offense find a way to keep it tight through three quarters with the G-men? Absolutely. But I find it hard to believe, as much as I trust Belichick and his game-planning genius, that Raider cast-off Sterling Moore and that questionable secondary can stand toe-to-toe versus Manning and that passing game.

The New York pass rush will be relentless. And even if they face a no-huddle attack, they’ll find a way to make plays, get Brady moving in the pocket and force some throws down the field. With Gronkowski on a tender ankle, it really hinders what New England can do in their passing game.

What I find surprising is the line before the game? The Patriots have remained a 2 ½ to 3 point favorite all week. I know their regular season record and playoff seeding was taken into consideration, but the Giants are the hottest team coming into the game. The Pats are on a current 10-game winning streak, but they’ve faced Mark Sanchez, Tyler Palko, Vince Young, Dan Orlovsky, Rex Grossman, Tim Tebow (twice), Matt Moore, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Joe Flacco since their last defeat on November 6.

Oh, by the way, their last loss was against? Yes, Manning and the Giants.

COTTO’S FINAL SCORE: Giants 33 – Patriots 27    MVP: Eli Manning

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Chris McClain – click here to reach him on twitter.

This year’s Giants remind me of last season’s Green Bay Packers. Like the Packers last year, New York had to win their final two games of the season to win the NFC East and make the playoffs. The Giants run will end with the Lombard Trophy, just like last year’s Packers.

Both teams will make adjustments at the halftime, causing the bulk of the scoring to occur in the second half. The Giants will get their running game going to assist Manning and the receivers, along with keeping Brady off of the field as much as possible. Brady and the Patriots will have a chance to win the game late, but much like in 2007, the Giants defense will hold strong and secure the New York’s fourth Super Bowl victory.

MCCLAIN’S FINAL SCORE: Giants 28 – Patriots 24    MVP: Eli Manning

BOB CARR’S PREDICTION: Giants 38 – Patriots 24    MVP:  Eli Manning

ERIC STRAUSS’ PREDICTION: Giants 27 – Patriots 17   MVP: Eli Manning

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