Five Super Bowl XLVI Heros for New York Giants

Added by Gregg Snyder on February 6, 2012.

What a game. Super Bowl XLVI was a classic. Some great plays. Some role players stepping up. Big names making big plays, late game winning drives. The game between the New York Giants and New England Patriots had it all. The Giants once again came out on top of the Patriots, winning their second Super Bowl in four years, this time by a score of 21-17.

It was a total team effort by this Giants team, not only winning this game, but just getting to it. There were a few Giants that really stepped up on the big stage to help their team over the top. Let’s take a look at five hero’s of Super Bowl XLVI.

Eli Manning

If been saying it for a long time, there should be no arguing the fact that the Giants QB is one of the best in the league. That still seems to be a debate amongst many fans and media members. Anyway, Manning finished the game 30-of-40 for 296 yards and a touchdown, winning the games MVP award for the second time. All game long he put balls where only his receivers could get, and threaded defenders with line drive throws. Manning was the first QB to start a Super Bowl with nine consecutive completions. He also led the nine play, 88 yard game winning drive. You can’t spell Elite without ELI.

Justin Tuck

The Giants pass rush had unexpected difficulty getting to Tom Brady throughout the game. The Giants defensive captain however made some big time plays when the team needed it the most. The first was his relentless pursuit of Brady on the Patriots opening drive which caused an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone, resulting in a safety and the first score of the game. Tuck also added a big sack on Brady on the final drive. That play essentially ended any good chance the Patriots had at a last second chance. Tuck finished with three tackles and two sacks.

Hakeem Nicks / Mario Manningham

The combination of Nicks and Manningham really stepped up once again. The Patriots did a good job on Victor Cruz, essentially taking him out of the game with doubles teams and holding him to just four catches for 25 yards, although he did get in the end zone. With Cruz doubled, Nicks and Manningham had their opportunities. Nicks led the team with 10 receptions for 109 yards. Manningham caught five balls for 73 yards including a huge big time grab in the fourth quarter to help the Giants on their game winning drive. Manningham’s catch is being compared to David Tyree’s grab four years ago.

Steve Weatherford

Yes, the Giants punter played a key role in the win. The veteran punted just four times, but three of those pinned the Patriots inside their own 20 yard line. This forced the Patriots to try and put together long drives. Weatherford had a great season and in Super Bowl XLVI, he really shined.

Michael Boley and Chase Blackburn

The Giants middle linebackers had quite a year, being large parts in the teams turn around and eventual Super Bowl Championship. This combo transformed the Giants run defense, becoming a solid pair. In yesterdays big game, Boley led the team with nine tackles from his middle linebacker position. Blackburn finished with four tackles. His biggest play was his down-field coverage of Patriots tight end Ron Gronkowski which resulted in an interception, the only turnover of the game.

So there you have it, those are our heros of Super Bowl XLVI for the New York Giants. I stuck with players on this one, but of course head coach Tom Coughlin deserves a ton of compliments. This guy just continues to prove doubters wrong. Coughlin is indeed one of the best coaches in the entire league, maybe of all time.

The New York Giants are Super Bowl Champions once again!