Jeff Jacobs Column: Mangini’s Take On The Super Bowl Matchup – Courant.com

I know Mangini is a dicey topic for Patriots fans, but I have to admit I agree with Jacobs’ glowing review of what he’s brought to ESPN. Despite what happened with Mangini when he was with the the Jets (from his leaving to Spygate) what is undeniable is that he knows the Patriots from the inside better than anyone else in the media. So when he talks about the Pats, I listen. Doesn’t mean you have to.

“That’s why I think where New England is going to have to win is outside with Deion Branch. If the Patriots are going to be successful, Branch could and should have a big game. If Chad Ochocinco plays and does anything, he could help out there. You saw Branch hit the 61-yard home run against Denver, because everyone was worrying about inside. There is going to be some single coverage, whether man-to-man or zone, it’s still going to be a corner vs. wide receiver matchup. "A lot of teams will play with two deep safeties for an extra layer of defense.

The Giants will go more with an extra man down in the box, will hit Gronkowski, will keep it all cloudy between the hashes, where New England’s tight ends and [slot man] Wes Welker typically make plays. They’ll say, ‘OK, can you beat us outside? And can you do it before our defensive line can get to you?’”