New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick got exactly what he asked for before the New York Giants game-winning drive during Super Bowl XLVI.
Belichick pretty much told his defense to not allow wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz to get the ball and that he’d rather force the Giants to throw to receiver Mario Manningham and tight end bear Pascoe.
“This is still a Cruz-and-Nicks game,” said Belichick during the NFL Films Sound FX show on NFL Network. “I know we’re right on them. It’s tight, but those are still the guys. Make them go to Manningham, make them go to [Bear] Pascoe. Let’s make sure we get Cruz and Nicks.”
The Giants first play from scrimmage ended up being a pass from quarterback Eli Manning to Manningham down the sideline for a gain of 38 yards and the rest was history.
Manning would end up leading the Giants offense down the field for the game winning touchdown.
I wonder if Belichick regrets his decision, but then again he really didn’t have a choice since there was really no way for his defense to contain all of the Giants offensive weapons.
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