A classic unfolded in Super Bowl XLVI as the New York Giants are crowned world champions!
Congratulations to the New York Football Giants – Super Bowl 46 champions! Simply a great game was performed on FieldTurf, and we couldn’t be more proud of the Giants and the New England Patriots. Both organizations represent FieldTurf to the fullest, and put on quite a show. Let’s briefly analyze some of the game’s key highlights:
MVP Eli Manning
Eli takes his rightful place in the upper echelon group of elite quarterbacks with his performance in Super Bowl XLVI. Manning completed 75% of his passes on the FieldTurf, going 30/40 for 296 yards and 1 touchdown. With no turnovers, Manning put the Giants in a position to win, as his speedy receivers took advantage of the fast FieldTurf surface while Manning found them all day. The biggest play of the game arguably came on a 38 yard reception by Mario Manningham, who made a sensational sideline catch over 2 defenders to extend the Giants drive. Manning would eventually drive the Giants down the field for a touchdown which gave them the lead for good.
Bradshaw runs wild
Ahmad Bradshaw proved once again why running backs have such continued success on FieldTurf. These backs continue to react positively to the surface, and burst out big gains and high amounts of yardage. Bradshaw carried the ball 17 times for 72 yards (4.2 yards per carry), and scored the game-winning touchdown. His ball-carrying set the tempo for the Giants offense, and kept them on the field for extended periods of time. Even though suffering through chronic foot injuries all season, Bradshaw was able to put in a very solid performance despite missing practice time this week. No question Bradshaw responded favorably to the FieldTurf, which helped the Giants win the game.
Kudos to Gronkowski
The fact that Rob Gronkowski suited up for this game is honorable in its own right. High ankle sprains are very limiting, no matter how tough you are. While Gronk didn’t put up his usual Gronk-type numbers, he still looked good out on the field and was able to come up with a few big catches on the FieldTurf. On the Brady-interception play, the pass was intended for Gronkowski, who ran pretty rapidly down the field – making the necessary cuts to try and get open. The final play of the game also saw Gronkowski nearly make the greatest Super Bowl catch of all time, given the circumstance, as Brady’s hail mary to the endzone came up just short. The Pats can hold their heads up high for their efforts, and especially Gronkowski who gave it his all out on the FieldTurf.
Ferocious Giants pass-rush
The Giants only had 2 sacks on Brady, but they applied pressure when it mattered most and used the speed of the FieldTurf surface to get to the quarterback effectively. That speed enabled Jason Pierre-Paul, the Giants top pass rusher, the ability to knock down 2 of Brady’s throws – while giving the Giants an edge in the final minute drive Brady tried to orchestrate for the win. Speed kills in football, especially on defense. The Giants used that edge they had on the FieldTurf to their advantage, and it won them a Super Bowl.
Halftime delight
Madonna dazzled in a phenomenal halftime performance along with guest appearances from other stars. The FieldTurf football surface was transformed into entertainment bliss, demonstrating the versatility and product performance FieldTurf offers and provides.
