The Giants did not upset the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII at Gillette Stadium, they did it in Glendale, Ariz. Justin Tuck understands knocking off the Patriots anywhere is tough, but one place is tougher than any other.
“When you add in the home field advantage, they are almost unbeatable,’’ the defensive end said yesterday. “Obviously, they have won 20 games in a row up there. They are tough to play regardless of where they play and I think every team is a little better at home. For them, it has been a tremendous advantage.’’
The Giants all week have downplayed any significance that triumph four years ago will have on the game Sunday, but Tuck said he anticipates one carryover. He doesn’t think Tom Brady will allow the Giants’ pass rush to hit him as forcefully or as frequently as it did in the Super Bowl.
“I don’t expect them to give us the opportunities,’’ Tuck said. “I think he will try his best to confuse us a little bit more as far as the snap count and formation stuff. He will get the ball out of his hands quicker and be more decisive. That is where we come into play and hoping that we can confuse him on some plays. With a guy like him, it is always a chess match and you have to try to be one step ahead of him.’’
Tuck no longer has a problem with his neck. Now, after his name on the injury report, it only says “groin.’’ For the first time in a long time, Tuck was listed as a full participant in practice.
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DE Jason Pierre-Paul was added to the injury report after he was forced out of practice with a neck issue after a collision with a teammate.
“It is just something that happened in practice and it was just a precautionary measure,’’ defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said.
Rookie CB Prince Amukamara is getting increased work in practice and appears set to make his NFL debut.
“We don’t have the green light, so to speak,’’ Fewell said. “If he practices on Friday and can come through on Friday we will evaluate again and [coach] Tom [Coughlin] will make a decision.”
C David Baas (knee) rode the stationary bicycle and did not practice, making it more likely that he will again be replaced at center by Kevin Boothe. Baas missed the game against the Seahawks with a neck burner and Boothe made his first NFL start at center. FB Henry Hynoski (neck) practiced again on a limited basis and said he has not yet been cleared to play after missing the past two games. … WR Mario Manningham (illness) was back on the field, but OT Stacy Andrews (back) remains out.