MVP performance This was an easy call in the end. Giants quarterback Eli Manning carved out a niche as the most clutch quarterback in Super Bowl history with a second late game-winning drive. His poise is remarkable.
Pro Bowl performance
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Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did not produce like Manning did in the end, but his receivers didn’t help him either. Brady set a Super Bowl record with 16 straight completions and finished 27-for-41 for 276 yards and two touchdowns. But he couldn’t lead the late drive.
Under the radar
Lots of ways to go on this one. Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks had 10 catches for 109 yards. Mario Manningham made huge catches on the last drive. And punter Steve Weatherford was terrific all game. He dropped three punts inside the 20-yard line.
From the sidelines
Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s offense was able to slow the Giants’ pass rush with a good mix of play-action and no-huddle. But there were uncharacteristic mistakes that haunted New England in the end.
Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell did a good job of taking away the big play from New England’s offense. But forget strategy; Tom Coughlin’s Giants again showed mental toughness. That — and an elite QB — is why they have won two Super Bowls in five seasons.
– John Keim
