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Super Bowl XXI was played on Jan. 25, 1987, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The New York Giants, champions of the NFC, faced off against the Denver Broncos, champions of the AFC. Bill Parcells coached the New York Giants, and Dan Reeves led the Denver Broncos.
To advance to Super Bowl XXI, the Giants (14-2) won their division and then defeated the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins in the playoffs. Quarterback Phil Simms led the offense, completing 275 passes for 3,487 yards and 21 touchdowns. And the defense was led by Lawrence Taylor, who is referred to as the greatest NFL defensive player of all time. The "Big Blue Wrecking Crew" defense was coordinated by defensive coordinator Bill Belichick.
The Broncos (12-4) won their division and then defeated the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns in the playoffs. Quarterback John Elway led the offense, completing 275 passes for 3,198 yards and 19 touchdowns. And the defense was solid, led by defensive end Rulon Jones, who recorded eight sacks that season.
Super Bowl XXI was a close, hard-fought battle, with the lead changing hands several times. In the end, the Giants emerged victorious 39-20. Simms was named the Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 22 completions on 25 attempts for 268 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Super Bowl XXI started off evenly with the Broncos taking a 10-7 first-quarter lead, ultimately the Giants defense took over with a second-quarter safety, 10-9 at halftime, and dominated the third quarter by putting a lot of pressure on John Elway and the Broncos offense. This allowed Simms to guide the Giants to a 26-10 lead going into the fourth quarter, essentially putting the game away.
This win was the Giants' first Super Bowl victory.
