Giants Beat Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl 46
Written By: Matthew McCracken
Sports Editor
In the rematch of Super Bowl 42, the Giants’ late run and clock management proved to be too much for the Patriots in a 21-17 win in Indianapolis. Mario Manningham’s beautiful 38-yard reception late in the fourth quarter gave the Giants the momentum. Ahmad Bradshaw ran into the end zone untouched with less than a minute to go, putting the Giants in the late for the first time since the first half.
With 57 seconds left, Tom Brady and his Patriots were forced to attempt an 80 yard drive. Field goals were out of the question since earlier in the game, Tom Brady was called for a safety from an ill-advised pass nowhere near any New England receiver. A drop by receiver Deion Branch and tight end Alex Hernandez summed up this Patriot drive down field. Pressed for time with only one timeout, the clock read 5 seconds left.
Brady holds possession of the ball as long as he can behind center before heaving up a hail mary for the deciding play of Super Bowl 46. Hernandez jumps up along with multiple Giant defenders, the ball is deflected, and Gronkowski’s desperate dive towards the loose ball was too late. Giants win their second Super Bowl ring under the leadership of Manning against the Patriots.
Manning threw for 296 yards on 20 of 30 passing with one touchdown and no interceptions. He was announced the Super Bowl MVP after the game. Receivers Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks finished with five catches for 73 yards and 10 catches for 109 yards respectively. For the Patriots, Tom Brady finished with 276 yards on 27 of 41 passing with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. His leading receiver was tight end Aaron Hernandez with eight catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.
The Giants were able to milk the clock throughout the night with the more successful running game. Ahmad Bradshaw carried the rock 17 times for 72 yards and a touchdown, sealing the Super Bowl victory for the Giants.
The 2011-2012 NFL season is over. Players will look to get rest and with a new collective bargaining agreement, the NFL is here to stay.
