New York Giants: Osi Umenyiora’s Top 5 Performances

2012 Playoffs

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Osi Umenyiora (50) reacts with defensive ends Jonathan Babineaux (95) and Malliciah Goodman (93) in the fourth quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Umenyiora’s pass rushing abilities were on display all throughout the Giants’ second Super Bowl run in 2012. In defeats of the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers. San Francisco 49ers and Patriots, Umenyiora was active and constantly in the backfield.

In the decimation of the Falcons in the Wild Card round, Umenyiora recorded one sack and two tackles, one of which was for a loss. He also recorded two more quarterback hits on the afternoon, as he was constantly in the face of Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan, who was unable to get comfortable at all. The Giants would win the game in impressive fashion, defeating the Falcons 24-2.

Against the Packers, Umenyiora would record his career-high for sacks in a playoff game with two on Aaron Rodgers. The Giants were able to get to Rodgers two more times, as Michael Boley recorded two sacks of his own as well. Umenyiora would again add two more tackles and one of which went for a loss. He also recorded two more quarterback hits, as the Packers offensive line could not contain him. In addition to the four sacks, the Giants hit Rodgers another five times en route to a 37-20 victory.

Next up for the Giants and Umenyiora was the 49ers. The 49ers were able to contina Umenyiora a little better, as he only recorded .5 a sack to go with four tackles, one which was for a loss, and one more quarterback hit. But, Umenyiora was picked up by his teammates, as Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul combined for two sacks, 10 tackles, two of which were for a loss, and three quarterback hits. The disruption they caused helped keep the 49ers offense in check in what ended up being a closer, 20-17 overtime win for the Giants.

In Super Bowl 46, Umenyiora only recorded .5 a tackle, but his presence was felt by Tom Brady and the Patriots as he recorded two quarterback hits. That was two of eight that the Giants were able to land on Brady, as he was only sacked twice but they made sure he knew they were there.

Umenyiora was an integral part of the Giants success during their 2012 playoff run, as he combined with Tuck and Pierre-Paul for a fearsome pass rush no one could truly contain.

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