The New York Giants are this season’s champions of American football, beating the New England Patriots in the NFL’s Super Bowl 46, 21-17, played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
These same two teams met in the Super Bowl four years ago when the New York Giants scored a surprising 17-14 upset, preventing the New England Patriots from completing a rare undefeated season.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning had led his team to a touchdown in the closing minute, and that is just what he did again against the Patriots here at Lucas Oil Stadium before a capacity crowd of nearly 70,000.
And also like in 2008, Manning connected on a long pass to a receiver who made an outstanding catch during the winning scoring drive. The Giants later got a short touchdown run from Ahmad Bradshaw with 57 seconds left to give them the 21-17 comeback victory over New England.
In all, Manning completed 30 of his 40 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown and was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.
He was also the MVP four years ago, but he did not wish to address his individual award, which also comes with a new sports car.
Manning said, “You know, I’m just excited to win a championship; excited for my teammates. We have a number of guys, this is there first one, obviously some other ones who are getting their second and more. I’m excited for them. I’m excited for coach (Tom) Coughlin, all the coaches, the Giants organization. This isn’t about one person. It’s about one team coming together and getting this win.”
Toward the end of the regular season the Giants were struggling at seven wins-seven losses, but won their final two games to barely make the playoffs. Then they kept winning under head coach Tom Coughlin, who said this Super Bowl victory is special.
“You know each one is very unique and this is just as exciting, probably more so because of the kind of year we had,” said Coughlin.
Giants fans Mike Tarloff and wife Lisa made the trip from New York to Indianapolis the day before the game hoping they would find resale tickets they could afford. They found two online for $1,700 apiece and said it was worth it.
He said, “It’s unbelievably outstanding. You know the team has been magical all season. You know I said to my wife there is 3:50 to go or thereabouts, and you know we need a Super Bowl winning drive and the team’s coming through. Eli has led them many times. And, the team came through and it was awesome.”
His wife Lisa told VOA how much witnessing her Giants win the Super Bowl meant to her. “Absolutely amazing. I tell my husband seeing the Hollywood sign in California was the thrill of my life, but now next to marrying him, this is the next best moment.”
For losing quarterback Tom Brady, who has won three Super Bowls in his career and had guided New England to an impressive 13-3 regular season, it was a huge disappointment.
Brady said, “You know we just came up a little bit short and I think there were some missed opportunities out there. Everybody feels we could have done more. I’ll keep coming to this game and keep trying. I’d rather come to lose than not get here, so hopefully we’ll be back at some point. We had a great year. We just didn’t make enough plays today.”
So, the New York Giants are back on top of the American football world, claiming Super Bowl 46, 21-17.