Super Bowl Quarter Score: Patriots Still in Good Shape, Despite Rough First Half

The first half was one to forget for the New England Patriots…statistically.

A safety on the first offensive play of the game, an Eli Manning touchdown toss to Victor Cruz, an almost two-tone disadvantage with the time of possession (19:45 to 10:15), yet the Patriots are still winning the game 10-9 at the half.

Tom Brady (15-of-18 for 147 yards and a TD) has not been very comfortable in the pocket and Rob Gronkowski was a complete nonfactor until a 20-yard grab at the very end of the second quarter. He has shaken off the early game jitters and played like a man that has three Super Bowl rings.

After a 14-play drive that covered 96 yards in which Brady went 10-for-10 and threw a four-yard TD pass to Danny Woodhead, I think it’s safe to say the Pats are in a terrific spot heading into the second half. It tied a Super Bowl record for the length of the drive and it completely shifted the momentum from the Giants to the Pats.

The Giants are moving the ball up-and-down the field fairly well, but aren’t finishing the drives with touchdowns. The defense has tightened up inside the 20 and is beginning to get more pressure on Manning. They are limiting the big play ability of Victor Cruz and forcing the G-Men into long third downs.

They will be getting the ball in the second half, Gronkowski will get his cortisone shot for his ankle and Brady knows the pressure is back on the Giants to score after failing to register any points in the second quarter. They have the Giants right where they want them.

Then again, the Giants were down 10-9 in the 2008 Super Bowl to the Patriots…and we all know how that one turned out.