Quarter highlights First quarter
The Patriots were very un-Patriot like in the first 15 minutes, aside from the fact that they allowed 108 yards of offense. But Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was called for intentional grounding from his own end zone, resulting in a safety. Then on a third-and-3 inside the 10, the Patriots caused a fumble — but had 12 men on the field. Two plays later, Eli Manning hit Victor Cruz for a 2-yard touchdown pass.
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Second quarter
The Giants continued to dominate into the second quarter. It didn’t matter. Manning had opened the game with an NFL-record nine straight completions. But Patriots quarterback Tom Brady trumped him by leading a Super Bowl record-tying 96-yard drive before halftime, completing all 10 passes on the drive for a 10-9 lead. Meanwhile, Patriots running back Danny Woodhead touched the ball seven times on the last drive, gaining 33 yards and catching a 4-yard scoring pass.
Third quarter
This 15 minutes resembled the previous 15: The Giants moved the ball but couldn’t score a touchdown, while the Patriots scored a touchdown on the one time they were able to drive. Brady opened the second half the same way he closed the first: on a roll. He set a Super Bowl record with 16 straight completions. The Patriots’ defense continued to yield yards, but they held the Giants to two short field goals in the quarter.
Fourth quarter
A few plays made a huge difference in the end. Wes Welker’s dropped pass inside the 25-yard line cost New England a chance at precious points. The Patriots had to punt. An offsides call on Rob Ninkovich gave New York another chance on third down inside its own 10. The Giants converted and eventually pinned the Patriots inside their own 10. But the biggest play was the 38-yard sideline grab by Mario Manningham to ignite the game-winning drive.
– John Keim
