Unless you live in a cave, you know all about the Patriots’ pursuit of perfection as they visit the Giants on Saturday night.
But did you know that, even if the Pats finish off a 16-0 regular season with a win, it wouldn’t be Bad Bill Belichick’s longest victory streak with New England?
Bill Cowher knows.
On Halloween 2004, the Cowher-coached Steelers ended a 21-game Patriot winning streak, one that straddled two seasons and included a victory in Super Bowl XXXVIII over the Panthers.
Pittsburgh ran off nine straight victories after that Halloween win before losing a rematch to New England in the AFC Championship Game.
That experience gives Cowher, now a studio analyst for CBS, particular insight into Saturday’s Pat-Giant matchup – particularly with the debate raging over whether Giant coach Tom Coughlin should go all-out or rest some nicked-up regulars with a playoff game against Tampa Bay pending next week.
Cowher checks in on the side of caution.
“I think if there is anybody who is nicked, it might be a time to rest, because this is about the playoffs,” Cowher said.
“I am sure Tom Coughlin will keep in mind this is about the bigger picture and make sure he has everybody ready to go following the week.”
Whichever way Coughlin decides to go, Cowher said, there’s a lot to be gained from tangling with the best.
“It is a chance to play the best and use it as a measuring stick,” he said. “I think there is no question when you beat a team like this, that is on an incredible winning streak, it gives you the feeling you can beat anybody on any given day.
“So any questions you may have inwardly about your team when you beat a top team go away. No matter who you are playing or what the situation is, you know what you are capable of. If the Giants beat the New England Patriots, they know they can beat anybody.”
The Patriot team that Cowher & Co. beat in 2004 hadn’t lost in over a year, sported two Super Bowl rings and was on its way to getting number three that season. But the 2007 version may be better.
Quarterback Tom Brady is still there, and the offseason signings of Randy Moss and Wes Welker added another element of danger to an already diabolical offense.
“When I compare this Patriots team to the ones in the past, they have much more explosiveness on offense,” Cowher said.
“Their ability to throw the football with Tom Brady, and the weapons he has around him – it can be scary.”
On the other hand, a defense that was exposed by the Ravens and Eagles this season is older and slower. It will be up to Giant QB Eli Manning to expose it again if the Giants have any hope of winning.
“I do not see them being as dominant on defense as they have been in years past,” Cowher said.
Manning has struggled in recent weeks, including a two-interception, five-fumble (two lost) performance in the sleet, rain and wind of Buffalo last week.
His task will be even harder if Coughlin rests wide receiver Plaxico Burress and running back Brandon Jacobs, who have been hampered by injuries this season.
“I think the bigger picture for the Giants is getting ready to go on the road and play their wild-card game,” said Cowher.
Patriots at Giants
Saturday – 8 p.m.
CBS, NBC
NFLN, WWOR-9