The rematch of the 2007 Super Bowl certainly did not disappoint. Much like Super Bowl XLII, Super Bowl XLVI had a heartstopping finish and late game heroics, and this time around, it came down to the final play. But let's back up first.
The game started out rather sloppy for the Patriots, and the Giants were first on the scoreboard when Tom Brady was called for intentional grounding while throwing from the endzone, meaning a safety was called. New York went up 2-0 and added to their lead later in the first with a touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Victor Cruz.
The Pats finally got on the scoreboard early in the 2nd quarter to cut the lead to 9-3. The two teams went back and forth for most part of the 2nd quarter, but then New England took control of the ball on the four yard line with just over four minutes in the first half. Tom Brady and the Pats then put together a 14-play, 96 yard drive and scored the go-ahead touchdown with eight ticks remaining. Patriots led 10-9 at half.
After a riveting halftime performance by Madonna (cough), the Patriots struck first in the 2nd half on their first possession with an 8-play, 79 yard drive for a touchdown and looked to be in good position to take control of the game.
The Giants persevered though, with Eli Manning and the G-Men putting together a drive on the ensuing possession to grab a field goal and cut the lead to 17-12. The defense held, and the Giants took advantage by driving and converting another field goal. 17-15. Fourth Quarter. Let's just go right to the good part.
After forcing a Patriots punt with 3:53 to go, the Giants took the ball and on the first play of that drive, Eli Manning threw a bomb down the left sideline to Mario Manningham for an unbelievable reception for 38 yards that put the Giants at the 50. They continued to drive, and when they got within the 10 with just under a minute to go, the Patriots let them score a touchdown in order to get the ball back with time to go down the field. Strange play indeed.
The Patriots put together a great effort on their final drive but came up short as the hail-mary to the endzone fell to the turf, making the Giants the Super Bowl XLVI champions. Eli Manning was named the game's MVP. Perhaps he is, in fact, elite.
For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.