Photo: Getty Images
- Troy Ballard
Super Bowl XLVI came within a tipped pass of being decided, but in the end, the New York Giants prevailed, beating the New England Patriots 21-17 with a strong second half performance.
Here are some quick reactions to the game:
Congrats, New York - The Giants were fighters this season, had an amazing run, and deserved whole heartedly to win the Super Bowl. They played incredibly tough, and came up with a handful of stunning plays when it mattered most.
They beat New England at their own game.
Eli Manning, You're Elite - We all laughed at the beginning of this season, not anymore. Eli Manning has proven time and time again that he is in the elite class of quarterbacks in the NFL, and this second Super Bowl win did more than validate his statement. Absolutely amazing performance.
I must have forgot to mention, he was also the Super Bowl MVP.
Tom Coughlin, Great Work - Two Super Bowl titles for a great coach. He may have been on the hot seat earlier this year, and again, that's almost laughable. Tom Couglin is a fighter, just like his team, and he proved he can out-coach nearly anyone. This would be the perfect time to call it a career, and go out on a totally high note.
Tom Brady is Still the Best of All-Time - I know he lost. I am aware. However, there is no denying how good Tom Brady is. He was one pass away from winning New England another Super Bowl, and as a quarterback, could not have had a better game. Like usual, his teammates let him down.
The Patriots' Defense Killed Them - Considering how this defense played earlier this season, they were leaps and bounds better than before. But it became clear, especially in the second half, that they weren't Super Bowl caliber. Manning and the Giants tore apart the Pats' defense, essentially closing out the game late in the fourth.
New England gave the Giants the last touchdown with under a minute remaining, but it was because the defense couldn't hold them to begin with.
That Giants Defensive Line - There really isn't much else that can be said other than, 'wow.' This defensive line in New York is the best in football. It doesn't matter who they are playing, all four of those rushers can not only get to the quarterback, but they can also swat balls down at the line like crazy.
Jason Pierre-Paul is incredibly talented, and honestly, may be the best defensive end in the NFL. If there was a defensive MVP for New York, he earned it. But as a whole, New York's defensive line flexed their muscle and showed why they are the best in the business.
New York's Running Game - It was absent almost all season, but in the Super Bowl, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs exploded. New York had excellent drives, fueled by the running game, and both backs dominated the Patriot's defense.
Very impressive.
2-0 -
New York goes 2-0 all-time in the Super Bowl against the Tom Brady and the Bill Belichick-led Patriots. That's nothing short of amazing. Not many teams can boast they beat New England to begin with, let alone two times in the Super Bowl.
New York City will be electric tonight.
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