Eleven years ago, current Patriots coach Bill Belichick capped off his run as the Giants’ defensive mastermind by working with coach Bill Parcells to shock another offensive juggernaut, the 1990 Buffalo Bills. The Giants won the closest game in Super Bowl history, surviving 20-19.
The Giants relied on a ball-control conservative offense (they held the ball for a Super Bowl-record 40 minutes, 33 seconds), leaning on the strength of Belichick’s unit, the cautious play of inexperienced starting QB Jeff Hostetler and the running of Ottis Anderson. Brady was in Hostetler’s role in February 2002, carefully watching over Weis and Belichick’s game plan. Antowain Smith provided the backfield punch for Brady, grinding out 92 yards on 18 carries.