The New York Giants became the first NFC team to reach the Super Bowl after winning three playoff games on the road by defeating the Green Bay Packers 23-20 in overtime. It was a gutsy win for the resilient Giants.
The Giants were able to move the ball against the Packers during the first quarter and into the beginning of the second quarter but they had to settle for two field goals by placekicker Lawrence Tynes. He converted on a 29 yard field goal 4:50 into the opening period as the Giants led 3-0. Tynes also hit on a 37 yard attempt at 11:41.
The Packers retaliated with a 90 yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre to Donald Driver to make it 7-6 at 11:18 of the second period. Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby kicked a 36 yard field goal through the uprights to lead 10-6 at halftime.
''A 1-yard run by Brandon Jacobs (21 carries, 67 yards) in third was answered by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Favre to Donald Lee-a score that was set up by a boneheaded personal foul on cornerback Sam Madison after the Giants appeared to have stopped the Pack in its tracks.'' The Giants led 20-17 with 2:12 remaining in the third quarter as rookie running back Ahmad Bradshaw scored on a 4-yard run. Bradshaw rushed for 63 yards on 16 carries.
The Giants nearly locked up the game in the fourth quarter as R.W. McQuarters intercepted a Brett Favre pass deep inside his own territory. However, McQuarters lost possession of the ball as he was stripped by Ryan Grant. Packers tackle Mark Tauscher recovered the fumble at the 19 yard line. Crosby converted on a 37-yard field goal attempt three plays later to tie the game at 20-20 with 11:46 remaining in the game.
Plexico Burress had a huge game for the Giants grabbing 11 receptions for 154 yards. Green Bay was a miserable 1-10 in third down conversions.
It's going to be a rematch for the Giants and Patriots in the Super Bowl. New York is hoping to break the Pats record-setting 18 game winning streak. The Giants played a good game against the Patriots on December 29 at home losing only 38-35 and giving them all that they could handle.
