Three fumbles, three chances at Super Bowl XLVI, none taken

The New England Patriots forced three fumbles during Super Bowl XLVI, but they failed to recover any of them. If they had recovered just one of them, they could have turned the game around and prevented the New York Giants from scoring, while creating scoring opportunities for themselves.

The first of the three fumbles was recovered by the Patriots, but because there were 12 players on the field the recovery was nullified. Instead the Giants moved forward, and they scored a touchdown few plays later.

The second fumble there were six Patriot players around Hakeem Nicks who dropped the ball, but not one of them was able to pick the ball up. Henry Hynoski was able to pick it up instead, and the Giants kicked a field goal few minutes later.

The last of the fumbles was in the fourth quarter near the Giants end zone. Ahmad Bradshaw lost the ball at the 13 yard line, which bounced of James Ihedigbo's helmet, but Giants lineman Chris Snee recovered it.

With none of the three fumbles recovered, the Patriots weren’t able to get the one touchdown to win the game. "I thought we played very competitive, had our moments where we moved the ball and stopped them. We were in the lead for a good part of the game. We just came up a couple of plays short," Bill Belichick said to the Associated Press.

Giant second round gamble on Austin

Marvin Austin / Wikimedia Commons

On the first day of the draft the Giants got a pleasant suprise when corner back Prince Amukamara dropped to the Giants at the 19th pick after many people speculated that Amukamara would be a top-ten pick. However, the pick that could make or break the Giants draft class is 6-2, 315 pound defensive tackle Marvin Austin out of North Carolina. From a talent stand point Austin's size and quickness off the ball made him a sure fire first round draft pick, but after being suspended his entire senior season for improper contact with agents and other behavioral incidents, many NFL teams became weary of his character.

The Giants took a chance on Austin partially because of his undeniable talent, but also because they have had success dealing with troubled players in the past. Ahmad Bradshaw was arrested during his college years and Mario Maningham was caught using marijunia and lied about it to NFL teams. Both of these players have since stayed out of trouble and made valuable contributions to the team. Austin has been saying all the right things so far, calling the experience "humbling" and that once he gets to the facility, "I’m going to bust my tail.” If Austin can follow in the footsteps of his teammates he may end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft.

From a football standpoint the Giants did not have a weakness at the defensive tackle postition; however, the Giants are known for taking the best player on the board regardless of position. Bringing Austin's speed and relentless play to one of the most feared lines in the NFL the unit will create a nightmare for offensive linemen and opposing quarterbacks. According to general manager Jerry Resse, Austin is, “ Going to bring that nasty attitude. ... I like to have some big, nasty guys in your front. I kind of like that.”

This draft strategy of selecting the best player available regardless of position and taking risks on charater issues has paid off for the Giants before. If Austin can stay out of trouble and develop his natural talent he will be a huge asset to the Giants defense.