Pats bracing for Giants’ speed rush

INDIANAPOLIS — Former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi set the club’s pressure- the- passer defensive identity during his 10- year tenure before handing the reins to Jerry Reese in January 2007.

“Jerry and I are on the same page as far as finding pass rushers,” Accorsi said. “They’re your home run hitters. And you can never have enough.”

It seems as if the new england Patriots offensive line is preparing to face the pass- rushing equivalent of the 1927 New York Yankees lineup anchored by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and famously nicknamed “Murderers’ Row.”

How is Patriots coach Bill Belichick simulating that speed rush for his offensive line in practice?

“Great question,” Belichick said. “I don’t know if anybody can play like the Giants play, there’s so many talented guys. But we do our best”

In his virtual reality replication, Patriots offensive line- assistant head coach Dante Scarnecchia is having linebackers, cornerback Antwaun Molden and safety Ross Ventrone mix in with defensive linemen in mimicking the Giants’ front four of Justin Tuck, Linval Joseph, Chris Canty and Osi Umenyiora.

“What we’ve done is try to get our fastest guys out there,” Scarnecchia said. “Some might not be true defensive linemen, some linebackers just to give us the best look, hit the edges, try to get them compromised. “They’ve done a great job.” Quarterback Tom Brady’s five protectors will need to do a cohesive job Sunday against a pass rush that has produced 20 sacks in five consecutive wins.

“We’ve just got to keep Tom clean,” guard Brian Waters said.

“Our defensive linemen, like Ron Brace, our defensive backs, our fast guys have been giving us a great scout- team look.

“The Giants pass rushers are as good as there is as far as their depth and their unique individual talents.”

Canty said the Giants would look to stop the run and screen passing game, then try to knock Brady off his precision rhythm and bat down passes.

“Brady is a great quarterback, but he’s just a quarterback,” Giants defensive end Jason PierrePaul said. “It’s not like he’s God. He can’t go untouched.

“We have to get to him.”