DEFENSIVE LINE The biggest difference here is the formation. The Patriots use three down linemen, the Giants four. Both are effective. And both teams have exceptional depth. The Patriots rely on nose tackle Vince Wilfork and ends Ty Warren and Richard Seymour to muck up the run blocking. Wilfork, in particular, is hard to move, making the Patriots hard to run against. And with Jarvis Green in the mix, they can rush the passer. The Giants counter with the most ferocious pass rush in the league. Start with the ends, Michael Strahan (nine sacks) and Osi Umenyiora (13). Throw in inside linemen Fred Robbins (5.5) and Barry Cofield (1) and backup Justin Tuck (10), and you can see why the Giants can drop seven defenders into coverage.

ADVANTAGE: Even LINEBACKERS The Patriots may be old at this position, with no starter under 30, but they use that experience to perfection. Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau know how to play the inside game, with Seau the guy slicing between linemen to make tackles for losses. On the outside, Mike Vrabel had a team-high 12.5 sacks and Adalius Thomas is strong enough and quick enough to be stout against the run and cover receivers down field. The Giants counter with a trio that is equally effective: Antonio Pierce on the inside, Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor on the outside. They do a good job against the run, holding opponents under 100 yards, and can drop back into coverage.

ADVANTAGE: Even SECONDARY The biggest difference between the two is cornerback Asante Samuel, who can turn a game around with his ballhawking instincts and hands. He'll get beat because he takes chances, but you better be certain when you throw his way. Rodney Harrison and James Sanders give the Patriots two hard-hitting safeties, and Ellis Hobbs is an effective corner on the other side. For the Giants, injuries have shuffled their lineup all season. But safety Gibril Wilson is the team's leading tackler in the playoffs. Cornerback Corey Webster, sent to the bench earlier this season, has two interceptions, including the one that set up their overtime win in the NFC championship game. Sam Madison is still an effective corner, and rookie Aaron Ross instills a lot of life into the group.

ADVANTAGE: Patriots SPECIAL TEAMS Another area that's close. But the Giants' special teams have been exceptional in the playoffs. R.W. McQuarters is giving them a big lift with his punt returns, Domenik Hixon is a dangerous kick returner, punter Jeff Feagles is averaging 40.7 yards a punt and kicker Lawrence Tynes kicked the 47-yarder in overtime to send the Giants to the Super Bowl. David Tyree is one of the best special team players in the league. Wes Welker is the Patriots' most dangerous punt returner, but he's not used every time. And their kick returners have been nonfactors in the games. Chris Hanson is an adequate punter. Stephen Gostkowski is the X-factor. He's got a good leg, but he's never been tested with a winning kick in the playoffs.

ADVANTAGE: Giants COACHING Much has been written about, and much credit given to, Giants Coach Tom Coughlin for his transformation from a strict disciplinarian to someone who communicates well with his younger players. Granted, he's a good coach. But Bill Belichick is regarded as one of the best coaches in NFL history. His ability to dissect opponents' weaknesses and make game adjustments is legendary. Give him two weeks to prepare for a game and you can be sure the Patriots will have a huge edge.

ADVANTAGE: Patriots