Ranking Justin Tuck’s 10 Greatest Games With The New York Giants
By Neal Lynch
3. New York Giants 20 at San Francisco 49ers 17
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuck had 1.5 sacks, three solo tackles and an assist in one of the hardest-hitting games in NFL playoff history.
Justin teamed up with Jason Pierre-Paul to bring down Alex Smith for a loss of 7 yards on San Fran’s first drive of the second half, effectively halting their momentum.
Tuck’s solo sack came with only 12 seconds left in regulation on second and 7 from the Niners’ 39. The play forced San Fran to use their second timeout and reduced the probability of a game-winning field goal.
2. New York Giants 21 vs. New England Patriots 17
Sunday, February 5, 2012
After the Giants kicked a field goal to cut the Patriots lead to five with more than six minutes remaining in the third quarter, Justin Tuck got his first sack of the game on a third and eight from the New England 19, forcing the Pats to punt.
On the ensuing drive the G-Men would drive and kick another field goal, cutting the Pats lead to 17-15 as the third quarter was coming to a close.
More giants: Where's Your Favorite Giant On Our All-Time Lists?
Even more importantly, on Tuck’s first sack, he managed to injure Brady’s shoulder, which ultimately took him out his rhythm.
With 48 seconds left in the game, on third and 10 from the Patriots 20, Tuck sacked Brady for a loss of six yards, forcing New England to take their final timeout. Miraculously, the Pats converted on fourth and 16, but Big Blue’s defense withstood the late assault to secure the second Lombardi trophy in five seasons.
1. New York Giants 17 vs. New England Patriots 14
Sunday, February 3, 2008
It’s hard to top this game among Tuck’s career best. The undefeated Patriots were easily projected to win before the game began and even as the fourth quarter began, the odds of winning were in their favor.
Tuck got his first sack midway through the second quarter, on a third and 17 from the Pats’ 23, bringing down Brady for a loss of 7 yards. At the time, the G-Men were still down, 7-3.
Justin’s second sack was one of the biggest plays of the game. As the first half was coming to a close, on first and 10 from the Giants’ 44, #91 busted through the line and stripped Brady. Umenyiora recovered to keep the Giants only four points down going into intermission.
Next: Top 5 Most Exciting Giants Games In 2016
Though Tuck was shut out for the second half, his strip-sack allowed the Giants to take the momentum and saved the Giants from going into overtime. Had the Pats kicked a field goal there, the game would’ve ended up 17-17.