GLENDALE, Ariz. – In a stunning upset at Super Bowl XLII, the underdog New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14, keeping them one win away from a perfect season.
The 18-0 Patriots were favored to blow the 10-6 Giants out of the water. Picked to lose by at least 12 points, the Giants overcame their critics, and pulled out the win. Although they say you never remember who loses, this loss will be known as the ultimately failure to New England. The Patriots were set on being the second team in NFL history to have a perfect season, but not if the Giants defense had anything to say about it.
Down by four with 1:15 to go, Eli Manning broke a tackle and completed a pass to David Tyree, who made what could arguably be one of the best catches in Super Bowl history. With just 39 seconds left, Manning lofted a 13-yeard pass to Plaxico Burress for a touchdown and the win. Tom Brady, however, still had time on the clock. Brady is known as one of the best clutch players in the game, pulling out wins with only second left. However, the Giants’ defense kept the comeback kid from advancing with the fifth sack of the game.
After making a joke about Burress’ 23-17 prediction earlier this week, Brady was held to some of his lowest averages this season, due to the Giants’ commanding defensive line. As the Patriots mourned over their biggest failure of the season, the Giants exalted while receiving the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the third time. Manning received the MVP award following last year’s winner, his brother Peyton Manning, and finally stepping out of his shadow.
This win meant just as much to me as last year. Being a devoted Colts fan and a lover of the first team of football, the Mannings, I was so happy to see the look on Brady's face when they lost...ah the joy. Two brothers. Two MVP's. Two Years. Enough said.
