Giants kickoff coverage vs. KR Danny Woodhead
A former Jet, the speedy Woodhead had returned just one kickoff in his three-year NFL career when the Patriots handed him the job out of desperation seven games into this season. He took to it right away, instantly transforming himself into one of the more dangerous returners in the league and someone who will be a handful for the Giants in the Super Bowl.
COMPLETE GIANTS SUPER BOWL COVERAGE
Woodhead also is coming off his best return game as a pro — he ran back three kicks for 101 total yards in the Patriots’ AFC Championship win. However, Woodhead lost a fumble on a kickoff late in the third quarter that led to a Ravens field goal.
Coach Tom Coughlin’s team ranked 16th in the league during the regular season by giving up almost 23 yards per return, though it didn’t allow a return longer than 42 yards. Lawrence Tynes does not have the strongest leg on kickoffs, allowing 46 returns despite a rules change intended to increase touchbacks, so Woodhead will get his chances.
EDGE: Woodhead