Giants vs. Patriots: Eli Manning Does It Again in Super Bowl XLVI

Last night's Super Bowl was a rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, and the game was just as memorable as it was four years ago—at least, for Giants fans. With a final score of 21-17, New York once again defeated Tom Brady and his squad in a battle of defenses.

I'm sure most of you remember watching the 2008 Super Bowl and David Tyree's 32-yard reception. Clutching the ball against his helmet, Tyree held on to put the New York Giants in a position where they could—and did—defeat the favored New England Patriots.

This year wasn't much different.

After a difficult game in which leads were exchanged, Eli Manning led an 88-yard drive and connected with receiver Mario Manningham for an impressive sideline grab to put the Giants inside the 40. With less than a minute remaining on the clock, 5'10" running back Ahmad Bradshaw fell into the end zone for what would be the game-winning touchdown.

Manning, who received MVP honors following the game, gave plenty of credit to teammates.

"This isn't about one person," Manning insisted. "This is about a team coming together."

Early on in the ball game, the Patriots struggled to congeal as a team. Even NFL play-by-play announcer Al Michaels mentioned that he had never seen New England look so unsettled.

The first points of the game came when Brady received an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone—resulting in a safety and two points for New York.

While New England committed multiple errors—including 12 men on the field—the Giants appeared confident from the get-go. Manning hit six receivers in the first quarter alone, and Bradshaw broke an impressive 24-yard run. He ended the game with 72 rushing yards.

Both teams played tough defense, and Manning was quieted for awhile mid-game. New England held a 17-15 lead late in the contest, and things looked hopeful for Bill Belichick and the Patriots, having held the Giants to field goals over the last two scoring drives.

Early in the fourth quarter, however, Brady blundered. He threw a bad ball deep, and New York's Chase Blackburn came up with the pick.

The squads exchanged scoreless drives, and the Giants found themselves holding the ball with less than four minutes remaining in the game.

After Manningham's incredible reception on the 38-yard line, everyone wondered what New York's game plan would be—wind the clock down and kick a field goal, or throw for a touchdown and return the ball to New England with time for a comeback attempt.

They chose the latter.

Belichick made a risky call, having his defense allow Bradshaw both the hand off and the TD. Considering the alternative himself, Bradshaw hesitated for a moment before teetering over the line.

"I was yelling to him, 'Don't score, don't score,'" Manning said. "He tried to stop, but he fell into the end zone."

The game did come down to the last play, in which Brady threw deep with five seconds left. The ball was tipped, and tight end Rob Gronkowski came extremely close to getting his mitts on it.

Red, white and blue confetti littered the field as Giants players, family and fans stormed the field to celebrate a second consecutive championship over New England.

Brady left the field still one game short of the four Super Bowl victories held by Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers).

Brady and Manning put up similar numbers, throwing for 276 and 296 yards, respectively. However, Manning had a 75 percent completion percentage, while Brady connected on only 65 percent of passes in addition to the interception.

"Certainly Eli has had a great season," Brady said postgame. "He made some great throws in the fourth quarter, and they deserved to win."

Manning received a lot of flack in August when he claimed to be an elite quarterback, placing himself in the same class as Brady.

He had the chance to prove himself last night, and he did exactly that.

The Giants are headed to Disney World.