Patriots Rally, Defeat Giants 27-26: Full Recap and Highlights

Nov 15, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The next drive for Brady and Patriots began at the very end of the third quarter. They opened the fourth quarter down by six, but with the ball at their own 38-yard line. Brady dropped back to pass on a second and six, but was quickly sacked by Giants’ linebacker Jasper Brinkley as he was cocking by to throw. The sack by Brinkley forced a fumble from Brady, and it was recovered by the Giants.

Things were certainly beginning to look bleak for New England, as the Giants took over possession up by six points, and already in field goal range.

That being said, on the first play of the drive, Patriots’ defensive end Rob Ninkovich was able to get immediate pressure on Manning, forcing the Giants’ quarterback to retreat as he was taken down for a huge 13-yard loss. The big sack took the Giants out of field goal range, and they were force to punt two plays later.

This is when the Patriots let their Lamborghini out for a drive. On a first and 10 from their own 24-yard line, Brady found star tight end Rob Gronkowski down the middle of the field. He put the ball right on the money, and Gronkowski did the rest, making two defenders miss before out-running the rest of the defense to the end zone for a 76-yard touchdown reception.

Gronkowski’s huge play gave the Patriots a 24-23 lead, and completely flipped the momentum of the game. The Patriots’ defense then forced a quick three and out, before Brady drove the offense right back down the field.

Next: Giants Take Control