Who Played in Super Bowl 2012? Giants vs Patriots

By Sarah Miller · October 9, 2032

The Super Bowl 2012, officially known as Super Bowl XLVI, featured the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts. The game took place on February 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The New York Giants defeated the Indianapolis Colts with a final score of 21-17, securing their fourth Super Bowl title in franchise history.

Overview of Super Bowl XLVI

Super Bowl XLVI was the championship game of the 2011 NFL season and marked the 46th edition of the Super Bowl. It was a highly anticipated matchup between two storied franchises, both led by elite quarterbacks. The game was notable for its dramatic finish and high-stakes narrative, drawing over 111 million viewers in the United States alone.

Key Highlights

Date: February 5, 2012
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Final Score: New York Giants 21, Indianapolis Colts 17
MVP: Eli Manning, Quarterback (New York Giants)
Halftime Performer: Madonna
Attendance: 68,658

Teams That Played in Super Bowl 2012

The two teams that competed in Super Bowl XLVI were the New York Giants (NFC Champions) and the Indianapolis Colts (AFC Champions). This was the first time the Colts hosted a Super Bowl in Indianapolis since relocating from Baltimore in 1984.

New York Giants

The Giants entered the game as underdogs despite having won Super Bowl XLII against the previously undefeated New England Patriots. Led by head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning, the Giants secured their playoff berth with a 9-7 regular-season record. They advanced through the postseason by defeating the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts finished the regular season with a 12-4 record but faced adversity due to quarterback Peyton Manning missing the entire season due to neck surgery. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck had not yet joined the team; instead, the Colts were led by veteran backup Curtis Painter and later Dan Orlovsky during the regular season. However, they did not reach the Super Bowl—this is a critical correction.

Correction: The team that played the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI was not the Indianapolis Colts, but the New England Patriots. This is a common misconception due to the prominence of the Colts-Patriots rivalry and Peyton Manning-Tom Brady lore. The correct AFC representative was the New England Patriots, who finished the 2011 season with a 13-3 record under quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.

Correct Matchup: Giants vs. Patriots

Super Bowl XLVI was a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, where the Giants famously upset the undefeated Patriots. In 2012, the two teams met again, reviving one of the NFL’s most dramatic rivalries.

Path to the Super Bowl

New York Giants: Won NFC East with 9-7 record; defeated Falcons (24-2), Packers (37-20), 49ers (20-17 OT) in playoffs.
New England Patriots: Won AFC East with 13-3 record; defeated Broncos (45-10), Ravens (23-20 OT) in playoffs.

Game Statistics and Performance Analysis

Statistic	New York Giants	New England Patriots
First Downs	21	20
Total Yards	400	374
Passing Yards	296	266
Rushing Yards	104	108
Turnovers	1	2
Time of Possession	32:41	27:19
Third Down Efficiency	5/13	4/12

Table data source:NFL Official Game Stats, Pro-Football-Reference

The statistical comparison shows a closely contested game. The Giants held a slight edge in total yards and time of possession, which helped them control the tempo late in the fourth quarter. Despite fewer rushing yards, New York's efficient passing attack, led by Eli Manning, proved decisive. The Patriots' two turnovers were critical, especially a fumble by Stevan Ridley at a pivotal moment.

Key Players and MVP Performance

Eli Manning was named Super Bowl MVP after completing 30 of 40 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown. His performance echoed his Super Bowl XLII heroics, including a crucial 12-play, 88-yard drive in the final minutes that culminated in Ahmad Bradshaw’s game-winning touchdown.

Notable Performances

Eli Manning: 30/40, 296 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Tom Brady: 27/41, 266 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Victor Cruz: 6 receptions, 109 yards
Ahmad Bradshaw: 14 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD (game-winner)
Rob Gronkowski: 4 receptions, 29 yards, 1 TD

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 2012

Who played in Super Bowl 2012?

The New York Giants and the New England Patriots played in Super Bowl 2012 (Super Bowl XLVI). The game was held on February 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 2012?

The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. The winning touchdown came with just 57 seconds remaining in the game.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 2012?

Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York Giants, was named Super Bowl MVP. He threw for 296 yards and one touchdown, leading two critical fourth-quarter drives.

Was Super Bowl 2012 a rematch?

Yes, Super Bowl XLVI was a rematch of Super Bowl XLII (2008), where the Giants also defeated the Patriots 17-14 in another dramatic finish. Both games featured late-game drives led by Eli Manning.

Where was Super Bowl 2012 held?

Super Bowl 2012 was held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was the first time the city hosted the Super Bowl and the game was played indoors due to winter conditions.