When the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI, they used a specific formula to pull off each upset.
It's the same formula the 2025 team hopes to use this season.
In 2007 and 2011, the Giants were not considered a true Super Bowl contender during the regular season. Quarterback Eli Manning was a solid starter but was very inconsistent, and their pass defense left much to be desired as well.
Despite all the mediocre numbers surrounding those teams, New York relied on an overwhelming pass rush to suffocate opponents. From Michael Strahan to Justin Tuck to Jason Pierre-Paul, the Giants attacked opponents in waves along their defensive line.
In both Super Bowl wins over the Patriots, New York sacked Tom Brady a combined seven times while harassing him throughout the contests with multiple hits and pressures.
It has been a long time since the Giants have had that kind of relentless pass rush, but they are hoping the current group can match some of that success this season.
With the addition of third-overall pick Abdul Carter, the G-Men have a trio of edge rushers (Kayvon Thibodeau and Brian Burns included) that can make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Add an All-Pro defensive tackle in Dexter Lawrence to the equation, and New York's front four can make an argument as the best in football.
All these edge rushers may not be good enough to get the Giants to the Super Bowl. But the team is finally starting to learn an important lesson that their past Super Bowl rosters have taught.
It could inevitably send them back on that title path once again.