There is no greater event in America today than the Super Bowl. Super Bowl XLVI, a rematch of Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and New England Patriots certainly matched the hype expected of it. With high profile names, Pro-Bowlers, and two amazing quarter backs, this was sure to be a classic.
Manning and the Giants led off to a quick 9-3 start over New England. There were several other chances for the Giants to tack on to the lead, but failed to capitalize twice. Although the Giants controlled the ball for the majority of the first half, Tom Brady and the Patriots took the lead on a scoring drive within the last two minutes to put New England up 10-9.
Having elected to kick off at the start of the game, the Patriots received the ball at the start of the second half. Within minutes, Brady had broken Montana’s record of consecutive passes in a Super Bowl at 14, the last of which was a touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez. But the Giants were not going down just yet. Two Giants drives ended in field goals to make the score 17-15. With such a close score, everyone knew there were going to be heroics in the fourth. Brady versus Manning: this was it!
Brady consistently got the ball off with great throws; just not the right spot. Unfortunately, he was unable to move the chains successively as Wes Welker dropped a pass at the Giants 20 yard line. Had he caught the pass, the Giants would have faced the Patriots in the red zone with 4 minutes to go, practically sealing the deal. Again, Brady’s next throw was too far into the defense which forced receiver Deion Branch to drop the ball on 3rd down. A punt to the Giants ten set Eli Manning up with 3:40 left in the game.
All season long, Eli has come back to win games. In Super Bowl XLII, Manning led a game winning drive in the final minutes. Super Bowl XLVI would prove to be no different. Manning sat patiently in the pocket, scanned the field, and then threw as perfect a pass as possible to Mario Manningham down the side line. After reviewing the play, the ruling on the field was confirmed: Manningham had both feet inbounds and possession. A few more quick catches set the Giants up at 1st and goal from the 7 yard line with 1:04 to play. Bradshaw had quite the running lane as the Patriots linemen opened up to let him score. It should be noted that Bradshaw did try to stop himself and use up more time, however, he was unsuccessful. Giants 21 Patriots 17.
Brady’s stage was set. He had the ball at the 20 yard marker with just about a minute to go. Could Brady pull off another comeback victory? Could he add to his already large legacy? Perhaps put another trophy on the mantle? The Giants made it as tough as possible, sending great rushes each down, forcing bad throws. Perhaps the moment was getting to Brady; it certainly was too much for Hernandez who dropped a pass without being hit. The Giants rush came back with a fury and defensive end Justin Tuck sacked Brady on 3rd down. On what could have been the Patriot’s final play, Brady scrambled away from the pressure and found Branch for a first down. After another first down and spike, the Patriots had 17 seconds to go and half a field to cover. The next two plays were futile incompletions, leaving Brady with no choice but to attempt a Hail Mary.
Fans across the country stood up in unison to watch what could be the greatest super bowl pass ever. The ball was up; a collective breath was taken. Stud tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Hernandez were in the end zone. As the ball fluttered down, it was knocked into the air just a few feet in front of Gronkowski. With the original TV broadcast view, the ball was obscured momentarily by Gronkowski’s body. And then hearts were broken, and then cheers were yelled. What could have been the greatest catch ever. . . .was not. The ball caromed off the floor, off Gronkowski and out of bounds. The Giants win!
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