Someone somewhere once said something to effect of “Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it.” So, as the and prepare to face off in , what can the two teams learn from their past experiences? That it’s a good idea to have an all-timer of a defensive unit, a clutch field goal kicker, and/or a highly accurate quarterback that can pick apart a defense.

Both the Giants and the Patriots have enjoyed success and both have endured historically crushing defeats. Both have been on opposite ends of the clutch kick spectrum and both have seen first hand how elite quarterback play can win a title.

Here’s a quick look at each team’s history.

– 46, 10

The Bears Shuffled their way to what was at the time the biggest blowout in history. The Bears allowed only 7 rushing yards the entire game, sacked Patriot quarterbacks a record seven times, and held the Patriots to -19 yards of total offense in the first half. This game also featured what many call the worst performance by a quarterback in history. New England’s went a squalid 0-6 before he was mercifully replaced by .

XXI – 39, Denver Broncos 20

set records for highest completion percentage (88) and most consecutive completions (10) en route to leading the Giants to their first victory. The Broncos actually led at halftime, 10-9, by New York scored a record 30 points in the second half. Simms was named the MVP after throwing for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

XXV – 20, Buffalo Bills 19

Neither the Giants nor the Patriots are any strangers to epic Super Bowls, and this one certainly fits the bill. Leading by just one, the Bills had a chance to win their first if only could connect on a 47-yard field goal. Lengthy? Yes, but NFL kickers are paid to make such kicks. Norwood’s kick drifted less than three feet right, giving the Giants their second in four years. Norwood has the dubious honor of being the only player to miss a -winning field goal. was named the game’s MVP by rushing for 102 yards on 21 carries.

XXXI – Green Bay Packers 35, New England 21

Who would have known after this game that the Patriots would turn into such a juggernaut? In a game most memorable for ’s 99-yard kick off return for a touchdown, the Patriots laid a (very) early foundation for what would turn into a dynasty. Trailing 10-0, the Patriots rallied to take a 14-10 lead by the end of the first quarter. After scored from 18 yards out with 3:27 left to play in the third, the Packers took control of the game with Howard’s record-setting kick off return.

XXXV – Baltimore Ravens 34, 7

In the Giants last appearance, they were completely dominated by a Ravens defense that many believe is the best in league history. Baltimore allowed just 154 total yards of offense and picked off Kerry Collins five times. They also recorded four sacks against Collins. The Giants’ only touchdown came in the second quarter when intercepted a pass and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown.

XXXVI – 20, St. Louis Rams 17

This is where it all started for the Patriots, essentially on the right foot of . Going into the game as huge underdogs, the Patriots were given no chance against “The Greatest Show on Turf,” as the Rams’ offense had been hailed. The Rams didn’t disappoint, wracking up 427 yards of total offense. But New England’s defense bent, but did not break. With the game tied at 17, just 1:30 to play and with no timeouts, the Patriots quickly marched down the field, allowing Vinatieri a chance to win the game with a 48-yard field goal. The kick split the uprights and the dynasty was off and running.

XXXVIII – 32, 29

Vinatieri added to his legend and secured his spot in the by nailing his second -winning field goal in three years. The Panthers and the Patriots combined for 868 yards of total offense, 481 of which was by New England. After a late fourth quarter Panther touchdown, ’s ensuing kickoff sailed out of bounds, giving the Patriots the ball at their own 40-yard line. Four plays later, the Patriots sat at the Panthers’ 23-yard line and Vinatieri once again sent New England home winners.

XXXIX – 24, 21

The win over the Eagles secured the Patriots place in history as a bona fide dynasty. caught a record-tying 11 passes for 133 yards on his way to winning MVP honors and the Patriots became the eighth team to win back-to-back titles. It was Brady’s third title at just age 27.

Both teams will add a page to a history book filled with success, but whose page will say ‘ Champions?’ There are only four more days until we find out.


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