Everyone knew the first points of Super Bowl XLVI would come on a safety, right?
OK, probably not. But that’s exactly what happened on Sunday, as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was flagged for intentional grounding on New England’s first offensive snap. Since Brady was in the end zone when he threw the ball, the play resulted in a safety, giving the Giants two points, the ball and immediately throwing a wrench into the plans of all those fortunate enough to have “good” football square scores.
The intentional grounding was a bizarre one, as it came on a deep pass down the middle of the field. There were clearly no receivers in the vicinity, though, so it’s unsurprising that a flag soon followed the throw.
The Giants would extend the lead to 9-0 before the end of the first quarter, but the Patriots responded with 10 unanswered points to take a 10-9 lead right before the half.
