I think a great pass rush that gets after any quarterback early in a game can shut down any offense. Obviously the easiest examples are the 2007 Pats and the 2013 Broncos, but the way those very specific Super Bowls unfolded were very similar. Even the 2011 Patriots had a safety on their opening possession just like the 2013 Broncos did.
But you look at the 2007 Giants and 2013 Seahawks and you find consistent disruption, especially up the middle. That’s the secret to beating Brady and Manning. It’s not about edge rushers, those guys never get there unless the coverage surprises Tom/Peyton. It’s about someone immediately walking the guards/center into the quarterbacks lap, especially early in the game. (This is also why I love the Pats’ selection of Dominique Easley).
If Brady/Manning don’t establish an early rhythm they struggle. Of course, it’s like this with all quarterbacks, but everyone finds it more surprising when it happens even to two of the best to ever play the game.
Look at almost any Patriots playoff loss in recent years and you’ll find Brady having problems early. 2009 Ravens – strip sack, 2010 Jets – picked off screen pass… even last year in Denver, they just never allowed Brady to get comfortable from the get-go.
You’re not going beat Brady/Manning if you try to go touchdown for touchdown with them. Your defense needs to come out of the gate ready to destroy, and even then the outcome might be in doubt.
Then it comes down to finishing. Making that one final play, whether it’s on offense or defense.
All that said, I still think there’s plenty of chance that if the Giants/Seahawks defenses got off to a slow start in ‘07 or ’13, they might’ve gotten blown off the field.
They just both had determined defenses that were better on those two specific days.