Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis turned out to be one of the most exciting in years. The Underground brings you five reasons why this year’s Super Bowl was one you were lucky to witness.

The re-match
On February 3, 2008, the New York Giants and New England Patriots faced off in Super Bowl XLII. The game that saw the Giants raise the Lombardi Trophy with a score of 17-14 and Eli Manning was crowned MVP. This was the re-match that would showcase Tom Brady’s talent and give him and the Patriots a chance for payback.

The receivers
Both teams boasted of talented star receivers who have been standing out all season. The Giants had Jake Ballard, Ahmad Bradshaw, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham. The Patriots had Deion Branch, an injured Rob Gronkowski, Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis, Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead. These rosters clashing were a feast for the eyes of football fans.

The defense
The Giants and Pats also had great defensive capabilities with players who made headlines throughout the season, which proves how solid both teams were heading into Superbowl XLVI. Giants: Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and kicker Lawrence Tynes. Patriots: Pat Chung, Sterling Moore and their kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

The coaching match-up
Bill Belichick is one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time, and to see him match-up against the legendary Tom Coughlin, who has two Super Bowl wins, is a coaching competition you don’t see often. Belichick is a three-time NFL Coach of the Year recipient and proudly wears three Super Bowl rings.

MVP QB’s
Eli Manning is now a two-time Super Bowl MVP, which solidifies his spot in the Football Hall of Fame. Brady has two Super Bowl MVP honours and set a record with 16/16 completed passes for a 96-yard touchdown rush during this year’s game. Both quarterbacks have extensive experience; Eli with two rings and Brady with three. Two class act quarterbacks!