Super Bowl 2012: Justin Tuck Blows Up New England Patriots Backfield Again

Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora may have been the more celebrated pass-rushers this season for the New York Giants, but you got the feeling that veteran Justin Tuck would make an impact in Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots.

And make an impact he did, sacking Tom Brady twice in the Giants' 21-17 victory.

While Pierre-Paul and Umenyiora were tasked with matching up against star left tackle Matt Light, Tuck, who sacked Brady twice in Super Bowl XLII, was matched up opposite rookie Nate Solder.

Solder has proven to be a worthwhile first-round pick in his first season in the NFL, but he's nonetheless experienced, and that showed against Tuck on Sunday.

Tuck, a two-time All-Pro and now two-time champion, was once again a source of frustration for Brady and the Patriots for the second time in four years. He's going to be remembered for a long time in Giants' franchise history.

There were reasons to doubt Tuck heading into Super Bowl XLVI. For one, he had a big game against Brady and the Patriots in 2008 following a 10-sack season but only had five sacks this season. Also, he was four years older and there was some skepticism whether he would perform the way he did in Super Bowl XLII.

But Tuck proved on Sunday that he was a champion in more than one sense of the word. He proved that he not only deserved to be a champion, but he played a big part in the Giants' last two championships.

A lot of attention is going to be placed on Eli Manning after the Giants' thrilling win, but right behind him is Tuck, a man who made life tougher on Brady and should receive a great deal of credit for New York's victory.

Tuck has one more year on his five-year, $30 million contract signed in January 2008. Whenever his career is over with the Giants, he's going to be missed by the organization. He's planted himself firmly in the New York Giants' storied annals.