GREEN BAY — Michael Strahan probably has the most recognizable smile in pro football history.

Sure, those Campbell's Chunky Soup and Snickers commercials show off his pearly whites — highlighted by the trademark gap between his two front teeth — but not even award-winning acting can top the real thing.

On Sunday night inside the warm visitors' locker room at Lambeau Field, a giant-sized smile muted the talkative New York Giants defensive end for a brief moment when he was handed the George Halas Trophy after his team surprised the Green Bay Packers 23-20 in overtime of the NFC Championship Game.

''I've never had an opportunity to play with a team that fought like this, especially on the road,'' said Strahan, whose team has now won 10 straight road games, including three in the playoffs. ''Our guys show extreme character. Our guys won't quit.''

Lawrence Tynes knocked home a 47-yard field goal in the extra period to send the Giants (13-6) to Super Bowl XLII, this after missing from 36 yards as regulation time expired.

Cornerback Corey Webster intercepted Brett Favre on the opening overtime series, erasing the painful memory of giving up a 90-yard first-half TD reception to Donald Driver and basically punching the Giants' ticket to a Week 17 rematch with the undefeated New England Patriots (18-0).

And then there was quarterback Eli Manning, who has been scrutinized and second-guessed since being taken with the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2004.

Manning, who had a 71 percent completion rate in playoff games against Tampa Bay and Dallas, finished 21-for-40 for 254 yards and didn't turn the ball over.

''Eli was phenomenal,'' said receiver Plaxico Burress, who had 11 catches for 154 yards. ''He just went out and put the ball in tremendous places tonight where we only could make the plays. I just tip my hat to him, because he's taken so much (abuse) in the past two or three years. I'm just happy that he was able to come out here and lead his team to the Super Bowl, which nobody thought he was capable of doing.''

With the game tied at 20, Manning overcame a holding penalty to drive the Giants 39 yards in 2 minutes, 15 seconds. But Tynes missed the 36-yarder on the final play of regulation.

Webster would give his team another opportunity, jumping Driver's out-route and setting up the Giants on the Packers' 34-yard line.

''I wanted to make a play, bad,'' Webster said. ''I got a great jam on the line of scrimmage. I read it the whole way. I figured the ball was coming my way.''

Tynes was then transformed himself from goat into hero.

''I just ran on the field,'' Tynes said. ''I knew it was going to be close to 50, but I knew I could get it there. (Coach Tom Coughlin) had to make a decision when I was out there lining up to kick it. I kind of made the decision for him.''