Super Bowl XLVI: Giants ahead 2-0 early
The 46th Super Bowl is underway in Indianapolis.
The New England Patriots won the coin toss (heads) and deferred, giving the New York Giants the ball first.
New York quarterback Eli Manning passed to receiver Victor Cruz to pick up a first down on the opening possession, then running back Ahmad Bradshaw surged ahead toward midfield for another.
Early prediction: Bradshaw is the key to this game. If he can pick up decent chunks, it frees up Manning to find Cruz and Hakeem Nicks down the field.
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Manning then connected with Nicks for a first down to the Patriots' 35-yard line. The Patriots then stuffed Bradshaw, forcing a third-and-13 play.
In the obvious passing situation, Patriots lineman Mark Anderson bulled through to sack Manning and force a punt.
The Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady then took over at their own six-yard line. On the first play, Brady dropped back into the end zone and under heavy pressure threw a deep pass incomplete.
Officials converged and decided Brady had committed intentional grounding by airing the ball out to an expanse of turf toward midfield. Since he was in the end zone and under pressure when he threw it, a safety was ruled.
With 8:52 left in the first quarter, the Giants lead 2-0.
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--Lance Pugmire
Photo: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady unloads a pass before being hit by Giants defensive end Justin Tuck. Credit: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
