Superbowl XLII: Special Teams

Special teams is more important in games than everyone thinks. The field position, punting aspect, and kicking game are extremely important to the vitality of each teams success. I think that this will play a huge aspect in Super bowl XLII in deciding who the winner will be.
First, let us take a looker at the New York Giants. When playing a team such as the New England Patriots, it is absolutely vital to get good field position and put points up on the board.

NYG punting: Jeff Feagles

He has had a great NFL career. Consistent, Reliable, and a Great Punter. Keeping New England deep in their own territory will be a crucial factor for the Giants. His average per punt is just over 40 yards per punt, but he has put the ball inside the 20 over 35 percent of the time, increasing his career average. Look for the Patriots to have incredible long drives.

NE punting: Chris Hanson

He is having a pretty good season with over 40 yards per punt. What is impressive is his 38.5 net yards which is important because that means that there hasn't been a big return on his punts. The Giants will need as best field position as possible if they want to have a shot against one of the best offenses in NFL history.

EDGE: Giants

NYG return: Ahmad Bradshaw, R.W. McQuarters

On kickoff return, watch out. Ahmad Bradshaw has racked up nearly a thousand yards on the ground. He had a very respectable 24.2 average during the regular season. Look for him to be making BIG plays whenever he gets the ball in his hands. Now, however, punt returns are of another concern. R.W. McQuarters isn't going to cut it. He is old, slow and doesn't have any moves up his sleeves. He will give you a sub par return but with Chris Hanson's ability to sky punts, R.W. is going to have to fair catch A LOT of balls, that is if NE doesn't score each drive.

NE return: Ellis Hobbs, Wes Welker

With all of the offense in NE, the special teams has taken a back burner in the Pats big success. Ellis Hobbs is emerging as a special teams god with 26 return yards per carry on kickoff and a touchdown to boot. Couple that with Wes Welker returning punts, this tandem gives NE a huge edge on the special team returns.

EDGE: Patriots

NYG Kicking: Lawrence Tynes

Wow! Did you watch the Giants and the Packers last week? Lawrence Tyne's job is in jeopardy, and he made the game winning field goal! During the regular season, he has been actually pretty good going 23 for 27 on field goals. Too bad he is 40 of 42 on extra points. If New York has any shot at beating the Patriots, their kicking game needs to be 100 percent perfect.

NE Kicking: Stephen Gostkowski

Stephen Gostkowski has been pretty good during the regular season going a consistent 21 of 24 on field goal attempts and no extra points missed. However, he is relatively new to the league and has a season long 45 yard field goal. Unlike Tynes, his kicking shouldn't be as crucial come down the stretch.

EDGE: Patriots

So, when comparing the special teams, we can see that New England has a very competitive edge over the Giants. However, the game will be decided on whether or not the Giants defense can stop the Patriots offense.