Giants Defeat Patriots 21-17 in SB XLVI

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws for the first down in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 5, 2012. (Matt Sullivan/Reuters)

For the second time in the last four years, the New York Giants have defeated the New England Patriots to become Super Bowl Champions.  Winning by a score of 21-17, the Giants have now beaten the Patriots four times in their last four meetings with New England.

After punting the ball away on their first possession, New York pinned New England deep in their own territory.  On the next play, Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady was flustered in the end-zone and threw the ball away, resulting in a subsequent intentional grounding penalty and safety.

With a 2-0 lead, the Giants got the ball back and increased their lead following a two-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz from quarterback Eli Manning with 5:28 left in the first quarter.  New York would hold on to their nine-point lead into the second quarter.

After a Stephen Gostkowski field goal followed by a Danny Woodhead touchdown reception, the Patriots went into halftime with a 10-9 lead.  New England received the second half kickoff and went down the field to score and take a 17-9 lead.

The Giants would go on to kick two third quarter field goals before Ahmad Bradshaw ran into the end-zone untouched from six yards out in the fourth quarter with just under a minute to play in the game.  The Patriots defense allowed Bradshaw to score to prevent the Giants from running the clock down and kicking a field goal (which would have resulted in a 18-17 Giants victory).

The Patriots got the ball back but weren’t able to come away with any points before time ran out.  Giants quarterback Eli Manning was named the game’s MVP following the New York 21-17 win.

Congratulations to the New York Giants, Super Bowl XLVI Champions!