(
)
Hakeem Nicks has already studied the Patriots defensive backfield. So has Mario Manningham.
The verdict: It can be beat.
“There’s some things we can take advantage of within the schemes of their defense,” Nicks said. “It’s all about doing it when the time presents itself.”
Manningham said, “Outside, out-breaking routes, some in-breaking routes. There’s gonna be plays out there for us to be made.’’
Any and every play the Giants make will be on the fast, indoor artificial turf inside Lucas Oil Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLVI, which the Giants have no problem turning into a track meet. If speed kills, the Giants are lethal, and this time around, unlike this battle four years ago, it’s the Giants who possess the receivers that present the greatest threat.
Nicks said he firmly believes the Giants, with himself, Manningham and Victor Cruz, have the best receiver trio in the NFL.
“In my opinion, I feel like we are,’’ Nicks said. “We can be as good as we want to be.’’
That trio was pretty darn good in brutal conditions in the NFC Championship Game played on a slick, wet Candlestick Park field that turned soggier and muddier as the long game forged into overtime. It’s not easy to be fast when dragging your feet out of the mire is a challenge.
“That mud slows you down, sticks to your cleats, gets your shoes wet, feel like you’re carrying around bricks,’’ running back D.J. Ware said. “If you’re dry, you feel faster and better. If you’re wet and sluggish, it’s one of those long, grind-it-out games.’’
They don’t get much longer or more grind-it-out than the 20-17 victory over the 49ers. That’s all behind the Giants as they look ahead to facing the Patriots and their 31st-ranked pass defense on an indoor surface that is always conducive to Eli Manning’s passing acumen, especially when his targets are able to cut and run without fear of slip-sliding away.
“Anytime you get a chance to play on turf and play on a fast track and be able to run your routes and not worry about weather or slippery conditions or anything like that, it’s always a plus, especially for receivers,’’ said Cruz, who caught 10 passes in much less-hospitable conditions in San Francisco.
Everything about the look and feel of this Super Bowl figures to be different than the game the Giants needed to win to get them there. That is a relief to those who make their living on offense, as not a single yard came easily against a 49ers defense the Giants are glad to leave behind.
“It’s gonna help we’re not playing in a backyard brawl in San Francisco where the field is [bad] and raining the whole time,’’ tight end Jake Ballard said. “It levels the playing field for both teams. That’s the way the Super Bowl should be. You shouldn’t have to worry about inclement weather or the field being soaked. You want the best two teams in the best conditions so there’s no excuses.’’
Manning and the offense excelled when there were no excuses this season. In three indoor games, Manning averaged 375.7 yards.
“We’ve been good indoors,’’ Manning said. “The fact that the game is in a cold weather city it makes you happy that it is indoors. You don’t have to worry about the weather being a factor. It’s always a good day to throw the ball inside.’’
Nicks said he’s not concerned about his sore shoulder, and the gang will all be there in Indianapolis, unlike the Nov. 6 game at Gillette Stadium. Nicks sat out that game with a pulled hamstring — as did three other offensive starters, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Baas and Henry Hynoski. So the Patriots haven’t had the pleasure of dealing with Nicks coming at them. Nicks has been on a tear in the postseason — 18 receptions for 335 yards and four touchdowns in three games — and, other than the preseason, has never before played against the Pats.
“It could be to our advantage,’’ Nicks said. “It all depends how I’m getting used on offense and how things are taken advantage of. We’ll see how they play it.”
Reminded where this game will be played, Nicks said, “Wind not playing a factor, you’re playing on fast turf. Should be exciting.’’