Super Bowl 2012 Highlights: Defining Moments in New York Giants' Victory

There are certain moments in football that are beyond a sack or six points.

These instances set the tone, change momentum and, ultimately, can be the difference between a Super Bowl and going home one-win short.

The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, and there were a few plays that changed the game's landscape in New York's favor.

Here's a look at the defining moments of the Giants' 21-17 victory in Super Bowl XLVI. 

3. Justin Tuck Pressures Tom Brady Into a Safety

I said from the beginning that Justin Tuck was more of a threat to the Patriots on Sunday than Jason Pierre-Paul or Osi Umenyiora because he was matched up on rookie Nate Solder and had a history of success against the Patriots on the big stage.

He proved that in the Patriots' very first drive of the game, pressuring Brady to throw the ball to no one in particular while he was in the end zone.

The play resulted in a safety and an early 2-0 lead for the Giants, which set the tone from the beginning.

Tuck went on to collect two sacks in the victory.

2. Jason Pierre-Paul Tips Pass, Resulting in Patriots Field Goal

It's not going to show up in the stat sheet, but the Patriots were driving into Giants territory late in the first quarter. With the offense threatening to score a touchdown, Jason Pierre-Paul got a hand on a Brady third-down pass and limited them to a field goal.

That proved to be a big play when the Giants ultimately won by four points.

1. Eli Manning Connects with Mario Manningham with Game on the Line

With 3:46 remaining in the game, the Giants were losing by a score of 17-15. They knew that they may only have one more drive to come away victorious.

On the very first play of that drive, Manning connected with No. 3 receiver Mario Manningham on a beautiful throw-and-catch down the left sideline.

The Patriots were playing a Cover 2 defense at the time and the ball not only needed to be threaded down the sideline, but Manningham had to get both feet down before he was pushed out of bounds.

Both happened and it set up the game-winning touchdown with 57 seconds remaining.