Yes, we did benefit. Anytime you have a defense that was historically bad in pass defense you would be fortunate to reach the Super Bowl. We are fortunate that the QB's we faced en route to that game were Tim Tebow and Joe Flacco.
The Giants did what they wanted to do, and that was keep TB off the field. Again, I don't blame solely the defense for that, the offense had their share of short possessions and mistakes, but the defense needs to get off the field. I'll go as far to say that for how bad the defense was in the regular season, they played well enough to give our offense a chance in each game. But typically you want your defense to be more than that and not relying on the offense so much, especially when their possessions are limited. And when the game was on the line, they led Eli march right down the field. Defense was upgraded this offseason and multiple WR's were brought in to fix our lack of depth at that position. ST's I believe was mostly just bad luck or a poor outing as the Giants do not have strong ST's, though we could use a legit KR.
If the Giants "did what they wanted" then I guess they had a pre ordained game plan that said fall behind and never score untill the end so we can make it a magically exciting game.
What evidence is there that makes you state the Giants purposely decided not to score after the safety and then purposely settle for field goals until the final minute?
........because "they did what they wanted".
Here's reality.
TOP differential was driven by the safety. 1st quarter, one play and safety.
For whatever strange reason, it's simply hard to fathom why such a simple concept that a "hurry up" offenses does not hold the ball long can't be grasped.
Look the first Patriots TD. 90+ yards in about 3 minutes. In traditional football, that's 10-12 minutes. Until someone figures out how to string a 10-15 play special teams drive together, the reality is one offense will have the ball. If your offense is designed to score with minimal time, the other offense gets the ball more.
"Get off the field" is another one of these unicorn pooping Skittles concepts that for some ungodly reason receives unconditional devotion.
Watch the game, review the stats.
After the opeing drive in the second half, it's 17-9. The Giants get FG, FG off of int, and then punt. The balance of the second half and the outcome of the game was simply determined by the fact the offense simply refused to close out the game after the defense gave them chance after chance to do so.
Simple reality that you can't find looking for unicorns.
Besides, it's obvious the overriding weakness of the team was addressed in the first move in FA. Getting a compatible third TE for a two TE based offense was the most important step toward addressing failure to secure another Lombardi.