// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08 = new Array(); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.ID = "spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08"; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.ID_WB = 22809424; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.sPubDate = "1/26/2008 1:51:53 AM GMT"; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.navsectionID = "123" spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.appFmt = 0; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.itemsPerPage = 1; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.appWidth = 200; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.appNavStyle = 0; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.bPrintable = 0; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.appLayout = 1; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.copyHeight = 303; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08.copyMargin = 4; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "For the nitty gritty on the Super Bowl, msnbc.com contributor Bill Williamson breaks down the starters for the New York Giants and New England Patriots. Click on a player for analysis of how each will impact the game."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Giants offense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Brandon Jacobs","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "27 , RB
Jacobs isn’t a household name, but he is a big bruiser who can help the Giants’ offense take over games. For the Giants to beat New England, Jacobs needs to run forcefully."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Madison Hedgecock","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "39 , FB
Like most fullbacks, Hedgecock is an afterthought, but he is a big man who can block well. And at 266 pounds, he’s capable of opening holes or picking up oncoming linebackers."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Eli Manning","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "10 , QB
As silly as it sounds, Manning enters this game as the hottest quarterback. In three road playoff wins, Manning has not been intercepted. Teammates say he has grown up immensely in the past month."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Amani Toomer","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "81 , WR
Toomer’s very steady. He is the veteran leader on the offense and although he rarely takes over games, Toomer always has to be watched. He constantly comes up with big catches."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Plaxico Burress","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "17 , WR
Burress can take over games, just as he did against Green Bay in the NFC title game. Burress schooled Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris for 11 receptions, 154 yards and looked like the best player on the field."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Kevin Boss","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "89 , TE
He has taken over for Jeremy Shockey, who is out with a broken leg. Some people think the Giants are better off with Boss than the Pro Bowler Shockey because of Boss’ blocking ability. Not quite, but the team is still rolling with Boss."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Kareem McKenzie","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "67 , RT
At 6-6, 327 pounds, McKenzie is a big, tough guy who helps in the running game."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Chris Snee","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "9 , RG
One of the better guards in the NFL. He is the son-in-law of New York coach Tom Coughlin."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Shaun O'Hara","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "60 , C
A fine anchor to an underrated line. Some say O’Hara is a dirty player, but he is simply rough and tumble. He’s a hard day’s work for any defensive tackle."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Rich Seubert","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "69 , LG
A solid, hardworking player who works well with the rest of the unit. "; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","David Diehl","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "66 , LT
Diehl is an under-appreciated left tackle who can handle most pass rushers. He is a big, strong player who protects’ Eli Manning’s blind side."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Giants defense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Michael Strahan","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "92 , DE
Strahan is not as dominant as he used to be, but in his 15th season the NFL’s active sack leader can still be a factor. In what could be his final chance for a Super Bowl ring, watch for Strahan to come up big."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Barry Cofield","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "96 , DT
In his second season, Cofield is 23 and just learning the NFL. But he has become a solid part of a strong front four."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Fred Robbins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "98 , DT
A quiet player who is very steady for New York. Third-year player Justin Tuck can also spell Robbins and Cofield when he’s not trading off plays with Strahan and Umenyiora."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Osi Umenyiora","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "72 , DE
He is one of the Giants’ best chances to turn the tide. He must put constant pressure on Tom Brady. Umenyiora has 13 sacks in the regular season, with six coming in the one game against Philadelphia.
"; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Kawika Mitchell","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "55 , LB
He is growing into a fine player. In his fifth season, Mitchell is becoming a playmaker and he is part of what makes this defense a strong unit.

"; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Antonio Pierce","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "58 , LB
The man in the middle is a defensive leader. He is both a good player and a good talker. Pierce will be a key cog if Giants’ defense can trip up Brady and crew."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Reggie Torbor","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "52 , LB
A decent player who seems to fit in with what the Giants do on defense. Not a star, but not a detriment."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Sam Madison","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "29 , CB
In his 11th season, Madison is the veteran influence on a secondary that is still feeling its way. He is no longer an elite player, but he is savvy and will make Randy Moss work."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Aaron Ross","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "31 , CB
Ross is one of the few rookies who is expected to make an impact. The first-round pick from Texas is good but can he deal with the Patriots’ passing game? Brady probably will pick on Ross all game."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","James Butler","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "37 , S
In his third season, Butler is a big player from Georgia Tech. He is still learning his way. "; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Gibril Wilson","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "28 , S
Wilson is a solid pro who will not be overwhelmed by the Patriots’ aerial attack."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Patriots offense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Laurence Maroney","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "39 , RB
In his second season, the big, bruising Maroney is putting it together. The run game isn’t New England’s thing, but Maroney has shown he can carry the offense when needed."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Heath Evans","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "44 , FB
Very good player. Evans is smart and strong and is a perfect complement to this offense."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Tom Brady","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "12 , QB
The centerpiece of this game, and of the sport. Perhaps the best player ever to play and certainly he just finished the best season enjoyed by any NFL player."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Wes Welker","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "83 , WR
A shifty, deceptively fast player who is a reception machine. There are plenty of great aspects of the New England offense, and Welker is part of the greatness as a matchup nightmare."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Randy Moss","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "81 , WR
One of the best receivers ever. In his Super Bowl debut, keep an eye on Moss. He just might take this thing over."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Benjamin Watson","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "84 , TE
His value gets lost in the shuffle of all the weapons, but Watson is a smart, complete player who does make a difference for the Patriots, though the stats may not always show it."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Nick Kaczur","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "77 , RT
Another of New England’s no-name offensive linemen who has developed into a bruising standout."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Stephen Neal","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "61 , RG
A former wrestling star, Neal is a fighter who plays to the whistle every play."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Dan Koppen","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "67 , C
One of three Pro Bowl selections on this line. Koppen is a feisty, gritty player."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Logan Mankins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "70 , LG
He is one of the best players at his position. Mankins dominates defensive linemen and linebackers alike."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Matt Light","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "72 , LT
The anchor and leader of this talented line. A Pro Bowl player, Light rarely makes mistakes."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Patriots defense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Ty Warren","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "94 , DE
An ideal New England defensive player. Warren is tough and plays well in the system, even if he doesn’t rack up the numbers."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Vince Wilfork","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "75 , DT
He is a star. Wilfork plays hard and fast every play. He’s a difference maker."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Richard Seymour","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "93 , DE
The star of the three-man front. He was injured to start the season and the Patriots survived. But he helps make this defense special. He has a high motor and he is a big-time playmaker."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Adalius Thomas","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "96 , LB
This sack master is the symbol of New England’s new philosophy of spending money to get good players. It seems like it was a worthwhile decision. He is a standout."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Mike Vrabel","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "50 , LB
One of the franchise’s heartbeats, Vrabel will get serious Hall of Fame consideration. He is a smart, tough, playmaking machine "; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Tedy Bruschi","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "54 , LB
Bruschi remains one of the NFL’s most inspirational players and the anchor of perhaps the best, most intense linebacking crew in league history."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Junior Seau","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "55 , LB
A sure-fire Hall of Famer, Seau’s career was once over and now he is fighting for his first Super Bowl ring. It’s a special story."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Asante Samuel","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "22 , CB
One of the NFL’s top playmakers. Samuel is a free agent who probably will cash in big-time on the open market."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Ellis Hobbs","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "21 , CB, Sr.
Overshadowed by Samuel, Hobbs has great speed. He is a big-play threat."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","James Sanders","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "36 , S
Not a star, but he works well with the rest of the defense and ensures New England doesn’t allow many big plays."; spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i++] = new Array("","Rodney Harrison","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_SuperBowl_matchups_08[i-1].body = "37 , S
He is a lot like Seau and Bruschi. Harrison is an older player who saved the best for last and who is an indispensable part of the defense."; // END editorial data