|
 |   |
|
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Video Plus Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities 
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
Fine line Classic matchup makes every play important
Updated: Friday January 26, 2001 3:34 PM
In weeks past, it didn't matter if the defensive coaches preparing to play the Giants focused on three games to generate their computer breakdowns or if they used all 16 games -- the numbers came up the same each time. All season long when Ron Dayne came into a game, the Giants ran 75 percent of the time. He ran for more than 700 yards, even though every defensive player and coach knew what the play was going to be. At one point during the season, even Dayne noted that he couldn't show everyone what he was capable of because the whole defense was up waiting for him.
Not only did that set the tone for the whole game, but it also set the stage for the Super Bowl. If Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis calls run defenses, the Giants will throw the ball. If Baltimore decides to react to the passing and calls for pass defense, Dayne could come alive as a runner in this game. Keep your eyes open for a combination of Dayne and fullback Greg Comella. The Giants' second touchdown in the championship game was a pass to Comella from this personnel. It's also a very good power group to run the ball at the Ravens. This is one of those chess matches inside the game itself that will make watching this Super Bowl interesting. In a battle of such evenly matched teams, one slip-up and this game could be over. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout, and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
