Sunday, February 5, 2012

Big Blue are GIANTS...Again!!

New York comes from behind to shock New England for the second time in four years.

Giants - 21  Patriots - 17

The Giants were dominant at times. They were sloppy at times. At the end of the game, however, Eli Manning and the G-Men did what they have all season - they found a way to win it at the end.

The Giants dominated the first half, but a questionable holding call on New York guard Kevin Boothe turn the game around. Instead of potentially going up two scores at halftime the Giants were forced to punt and Tom Brady led New England on an epic 14 play, 96 yard touchdown drive to take a 10-9 lead at the intermission.

The Patriots continued to roll by scoring another touchdown to start the second half and extend its lead to 17-9. The TD reception by TE Aaron Hernandez would be the last points scored by New England for the rest of the season. The Giants offense moved the ball all game, but failed to put the ball in the endzone as the Patriots defense stiffened in the redzone. Sloppy play also hurt Big Blue offensively at times as Eli Manning had to burn turn timeouts early in the fourth quarter while fumbles by Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Ahmed Bradshaw were bailed out by a defensive penalty and recoveries by FB Henry Hynoski and OT Kareem McKenzie.

A missed opportunity by Brady and Wes Welker later, the Giants trailed 17 - 15 with 3:46 remaining in the game as Manning led his team on the field. On the first play of the drive from their own 12 yard line New York's franchise quarterback launched a picture perfect pass down the left sideline to receiver Mario Manningham who made a sensational play to catch the ball cleanly and keep his feet inbounds. As good as the athletic display by the Giants' wideout to come down with the ball the throw by the elite Eli was even better. At that point, it wasn't a matter of if the Giants would score and take the lead, but how much time would be left when they did.

Super Bowl XLVI was a microcosm of the Giants' 2011 season. Just when it looked like all hope was lost for Tom Coughlin and his team, Big Blue found themselves with one last chance - and Eli Manning proved yet again he knows what to do with it.

Was there ever any doubt? Game, set, match.

Bleeding Links: Super Bowl Edition

Super Bowl XLVI is less than 24 hours away. Stories upon stories on the Giants, Patriots, and Big Game have been feature this week leading up to tomorrow evening. Below are links to the some of the best content around web surrounding the NFL's signature event.

1. Giants.com gaffe prematurely crowns G-Men as Super Bowl XLVI champions

2. Patriots release WR Underwood on the eve of Super Bowl

3. Giants' ability to 'Finish' has them on cusp of Super season

4. Missy Modell music video for the 'The G-Men Are Back Again'

5. Not to be outdone, Pats fans exclaim 'I Wanna Gronk'

6. Eli letting his play change outside perceptions

7. Giants' DEs bring the pressure

8. The mysterious role of Belichick's right hand man, Ernie Adams 

9. WFAN's Mike Francesa interviews Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin

10. Super Bowl XLVI match-up unlike any other history