Rushing offense

- Patriots: After gaining 244 yards in his first two postseason games, Laurence Maroney couldn't shake loose. He was a bigger factor on special teams but did score on a 1-yard run on the Patriots' first offensive series. Grade: D-plus.

- Giants: Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were a solid combination and kept the ball out of New England's hands in the first half, grinding down the clock. Jacobs ran over several defenders, including Tedy Bruschi. Grade: B-minus.

Passing offense

- Patriots: Tom Brady was under constant pressure and just missed on several throws. But he played well down the stretch. Wes Welker gave an MVP performance, and Randy Moss came up big in the fourth quarter. Kevin Faulk also had several key catches. Grade: B.

- Giants: As he was throughout the playoffs, Eli Manning was solid and made a title-winning throw to Plaxico Burress for the winning score. His lone interception came on a pass deflected by Steve Smith. Grade: B-plus.

Rushing defense

- Patriots: No big plays, but the Patriots couldn't get off the field for long stretches, especially in the first half. Grade: B-minus.

- Giants: Michael Strahan and Co. shut down the running game, surrendering just 45 yards. Grade: A.

Passing defense

- Patriots: Bend-but-don't-break philosophy worked most of the game. But the Pats missed turnover chances and broke down in the final minute. Grade: C-plus.

- Giants: Things finally started breaking down in the fourth quarter, but New York's coverage and fierce pass rush kept them in the game all night. Grade: A-minus.

Special teams

- Patriots: Maroney set up the first TD with a 43-yard kick return. Punter Chris Hanson did a nice job, too. Grade: B.

- Giants: Jeff Feagles landed two punts inside the 20, and R.W. McQuarters had some nifty punt returns. Grade: B.

Rookies

- Patriots: Defensive back Brandon Meriweather got onto the field but didn't do much more than get bowled over by Jacobs. Grade: C-minus.

- Giants: Yet again, the Giants got major contributions from their rookies. WR Steve Smith, TE Kevin Boss and Bradshaw all made plays on New York's first TD drive, and Bradshaw complemented Jacobs well, though he did commit a first-half penalty that took the Giants out of field-goal range. CB Aaron Ross was solid in pass defense. Grade: B-plus.

Coaching

- Patriots: Bill Belichick made a great challenge to extend the opening drive of the second half but then didn't let Stephen Gostkowksi attempt a 48-yard field goal. Moss wasn't involved enough in the game plan, and the Giants pass rush was never negated. Grade: C-minus.

- Giants: Conservative but highly effective game plan carries the day. They played keepaway with their ground game and turned the pass rush loose to great effect. Near perfect execution. Grade: A-minus.

Overall

- Patriots: They came up short at the biggest time. Randy Moss was forgotten until the end, and the offense wasn't balanced. Grade: C-minus.

- Giants: Biggest upset in NFL history? It wasn't an aesthetic masterpiece, but it was an unforgettable one. Grade: A-plus.

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