NFL Championship: Super Bowl XLVI

By Ignacio Banda

On February 7, 2012

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Manning and MVP trophy. Courtesy photo from SI.com
Patriots last chance to win game. Courtesy photo from SI.com
Brady throwing. Courtesy photo from SI.com

It is that time of year that National Football League fanatics love, the Super Bowl. Even if their favorite team did not play in the game, fans were sure to tune in and watch the final game of the NFL season. The Super Bowl was played in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 5, 2012. The two teams that played in the game were the NFC champion, New York Giants and the AFC champion, the New England Patriots. This game was a rematch of Super Bowl 42, when the Giants beat the Patriots and prevented them from having a perfect season.

The opening kickoff would go to the Giants and let quarterback, Eli Manning, and his group of talented receivers to try and put some points on the scoreboard. Patriots' defense stepped up to the challenge and forced the Giants to punt the ball on fourth down, thus giving the ball to their offense, led by quarterback, Tom Brady. Pinned deep in their own territory, Brady on the Patriots' first play of scrimmage, uncharacteristically was called with an intentional grounding on the pass, which led to a safety that gave the Giants a 2-0 lead. Before the first quarter was over, Manning threw a short yard touchdown pass to receiver, Victor Cruz, giving the Giants a 9-0 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Patriots' defense did not let the Giants' offense score any points in the second quarter. With the defense doing their job, Brady and his high powered offense were giving the chance to do what they do best. Brady would lead the offense down the field to score a field goal and a touchdown, putting the Patriots up by a score of 10-9 heading into halftime. The halftime show this year was headlined by Madonna and had some special appearances by performers such as, LMFAO, Ceelo Green, M.I.A and Nicki Minaj.

The start of the third quarter started with the Patriots receiving the football. Brady would go on and move the offense to the Giants side of the field within a couple of minutes and hit tight end, Aaron Hernandez, for a short touchdown pass giving the Patriots a 17-9 lead. The Giants' offense moved the ball efficiently against the Patriots' defense, but would only manage to score two field goals and cut the deficit to 17-15 heading into the fourth quarter.

Both teams' defenses would go a majority of the fourth quarter without letting the other team score. With less than four minutes remaining on the clock, Manning launched a deep and precise 38-yard pass to receiver, Mario Manningham. The pass could not have been thrown anymore perfect by Manning to Manningham, which managed to stay in bounds and make a spectacular catch. Minutes later, Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw would score a rushing touchdown, after a failed two-point conversion by the Giants, they found themselves up 21-17. With 57 seconds remaining on the clock, Brady and the offense would be given a last chance to move the ball across the field and score a touchdown to win the game. After some defensive plays made by the Giants, it all came down to the last play with Brady throwing a hail mary to the end zone. Giants' defenders were able to get a hand on the ball and deflect it to the ground, thus time running out and Giants coming out on top.

The New York Giants won by a final score of 21-17. The win gave the Giants their second Super Bowl win within the last five years. Giants quarterback, Eli Manning was named Super Bowl MVP for his outstanding performance. This win gives Manning his second super bowl title, one more than older brother, Peyton Manning. Manning and the Giants' two Super Bowl victories have come in the expense of Brady and the New England Patriots. For more information, complete game statistics, video highlights and more on Super Bowl XLVI, please visit the NFL's website at www.nfl.com.

(Ignacio Banda can be reached at ignaciobanda@dusty.tamiu.edu)