There will be no repeat of Super Bowl XXXIII in the 2012 NFL Playoffs now that the Atlanta Falcons have been eliminated from the postseason after a 24-2 loss to the New York Giants. However, a rematch of Super XXI could happen if the Denver Broncos defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon. The Broncos and the Giants faced each other in Aloha Stadium that year, which the G-Men won, 39-20.
The Giants and the Falcons initially played a tight defensive battle and entered halftime with New York in a 7-2 lead. Eli Manning was ruled to have thrown an intentional grounding pass while in the end zone, giving the Falcons its two points. Hakeem Nicks caught a four-yard pass with about three minutes left in the first half for the go-ahead score.
In the second half, Lawrence Tynes furthered the lead with a field goal, but it was Eli Manning and his receivers who took control of the game from there. Hakeem Nicks caught a 72-yard pass from Manning and was barely touched on the dash to the end zone. Mario Manningham caught 27-yard strike from Manning in the fourth quarter to put the Giants up by 22 points.
The Giants will face the Green Bay Packers next weekend.
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