Super Bowl XLII - Giants Defeat Patriots 17 - 14 Eli Manning MVP
Super Bowl XLII - Giants Defeat Patriots 17 - 14 Eli Manning MVP

Road warrior Giants bring home Super Bowl XLII championship as undefeated destiny disrupted for the 18 - 1 New England Patriots. Eli Manning named Super Bowl 42 MVP.

With 2:49 left in Super Bowl XLII it seemed to be yet another perfectly scripted comeback victory for the New England Patriots as Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss for a 7-yard TD completion.

However, the Giants went off script as Eli Manning drove the Giants 83 yards for the game winning touchdown.

Super Bowl XLII MVP Eli Manning ended the 12 play 83 yard winning drive when he found Plaxico Burress (17) in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds to play.

[ Related: Super Bowl XLII: One of the Greatest ]

The catch of the drive and the game belonged to the Giant's David Tyree (85) a few plays earlier.

With 59 seconds left, Eli Manning amazingly escaped what appeared to be a definite sack and launched the ball down the field. Tyree lept into the air catching the ball high above his head thus winning the jump ball.

The Giants were at New England's 24 yard line and on the verge of doing what seemed impossible only a few minutes before.

Tyree's amazing leap was then followed by New York Giants rookie Steve Smith's (12) catch. The rookie showed the experience of a veteran as he was smart enough to find the first down marker and to get out of bounds and stop the play clock at 39 seconds.

Super Bowl XLII GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants celebrates after catching a 13-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter with teammates David Diehl #66 and Rich Seubert #69 during Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Plaxico Burress Celebrates Game Winning 13-yard TD Catch

On the following play came the TD pass. It was only Plaxico Burress' second catch of the game but probably the biggest catch of his NFL career.

The Plays Belonged to the Giants Offense. But the Day and the Game Belonged to the Giants Defense

Right from the start it was the Giants defense that set the tone of the game.

The Giants defense was in Brady's grill the entire night. The pressure defense of the Giants that bought home the Lombardi trophy and the Super Bowl Championship. New England QB Tom Brady was sacked 4 times, hit 16 times and pressured 23 times.

At the end the Giants defense left Tom Brady and the New England Patriots with 10 seconds and a 4th down with 20 yards to go for the first down. Jay Alford's (93) sack for a 10 yard loss with 19 seconds to play left the Patriots hoping for a miracle. And that miracle never came as Corey Webster (23) broke up the long bomb to Randy Moss. The New England Patriots turned the ball over on posession to the New York Giants with 1 second left on the clock. With one snap and a kneee the Giants were Super Bowl XLII Champions.

Super Bowl XLII: First Quarter

The Giants won the toin coss and elected to receive. Eli Manning and the rest of the Giants offense started the game on a crisp note putting together a time consuming 16 play drive. However, the Giants had to settle for a 32 yard Field Goal by Lawrence Tynes (9). The drive had started on the Giants own 23 Yard Line. The drive netted 63 yards and 4 first downs. Time of possession was 9 minutes and 59 seconds.

Giants 3 Patriots 0

With 5:01 left in the first quarter, New England Patriots Running Back Laurence Maroney (39) returned the Giants kickoff 43 yards to New England's 44 yard line. QB Tom Brady threw an incompletion on the first play of the drive. But Laurence Maroney came back with two rushes for 9 and 5 yards. Brady's 2nd pass was incomplete as well. The Brady strung two completions together (Stallworth 7 yards / Welker 8 yards) and the Patriots were on the Giants 35 yard line. The Patriots earned another 1st down as the drove the ball to the Giant's 17 yard line. Uncharacteristically, Tom Brady had two incompletions in a row. With 3rd and 10 on the 17, it looked like the Giants had dodged the bullet. However, Giants Linebacker Antonio Pierce was penalized for defensive pass interference in the end zone.

Super Bowl XLII GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants hands the football off to running back Brandon Jacobs #27 during the first drive in the first quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Manning Hands off to Brandon Jacobs

The ball was spotted at the one yard line. Laurence Maroney was stopped for no gain on first down as the first quarter came to an end.

The two total possessions in the first quarter set a Super Bowl record for least posssessions in a Super Bowl quarter.

Super Bowl XLII: Second Quarter

On the first play of the second quarter, Maroney went off the right guard and scored on 1 yard run. Gostkowski converted the PAT. New England's touchdown drive went 12 plays for 56 yards. Time of possession was 5 minutes 4 seconds.

Patriots 7 Giants 3

Gostkowski ensuing kick-off went out of bounds and the Giants were awarded the ball on the 40 yard line. On 3rd and 7, Manning passed deep left to Amani Toomer (81) for 38 yards. Toomer's catch of Manning's lob was amazing as he managed to keep both feet inbounds. Barndon Jacob's ability to pick up the blitz and block was the key to the play. It seemed as if the Giants were ready for their second score.

However, on 3rd-and-5, Eli Manning's short pass to the left was intercepted by Ellis Hobbs at the 10. The bullet pass was intended for Steve Smith. The ball was catchable but went through Smith's hands. Hobbs returned the ball 23 yards.

The first 2 plays of the drive were to Maroney (reception 8 yards; rush 1 yard). With 3rd and 1 on their own 42, it looked like the Patriots were ready to put some serious space between themselves and the Giants. But then Butler and Strahan combined to tackle Maroney for 2 yard loss. The Patriots were forced to punt. At this point it was only the third 3-downs-and-out for the Patriots in the entire playoffs.

The Giants did not do much on their next posession as they went 3-and-out as well. The Giants defense came back on to the field and held the Patriots again on 3 downs. The Giants offense faired better on their next posession, but were forced to punt the ball back.

With 1:47 left in the half, the Patriots had the ball on their own 11 yard line. Tom Brady and the Patriots were putting together an impressive drive as they drove the ball to the Giants 44 Yard line. However, with 22 seconds in the half and 1st an 10, pressure from Justin Tuck caused Brady to fumble the ball which was recovered Osi Umenyiora.

Super Bowl XLII Halftime: Patriots 7 Giants 3

Super Bowl XLII: Third Quarter

Michael Strahan (R) and Osi Umenyiora (L) of the New York Giants celebrate after sacking quarterback New England Patriots Tom Brady (on ground) during Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, 03 February 2008. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
Michael Strahan & Osi Umenyiora Celebrate Tom Brady Sack

The Patriots started with the ball at their own 21 yard line. It seemed like the Giants had the ball back after New England's punt. However, New England Patriot's Coach Bill Belichick challenged the play. Upon review, the Ginats were penalized 5 yards for too many players on the field. The Giants Chase Blackburn (57) could not get off the field in time. The penalty gave the Patriots a first down at the Giant 39 yard line.

The Giants defense kept it together and forced the New England Patriots with a 4th and 13 on the Giants 31. Instead of attempting a field goal (or punting), Coach Belichick decided to go for it. On the play, Brady was pressured into an incompletion.

For the Giants, this defensive stand despite the penalty and the ensuing offensive drive seemed to be the turning moment of the game.

Super Bowl XLII: 4th Quarter

The Giants started their drive at their own 20 yard line. On the first play of the drive Eli Manning connected Kevin Boss for a 45 yard gain to the New England 35. A couple of runs by Bradshaw and a 17 yard pass play to Steve Smith had the Giants with a 1st and 10 on the New England 12. Ahmad Bradshaw's (44) stong run for 7 yards gave the Giants a 2nd and 3 on the Patriots 5 yard line.

David Tyree #85 of the New York Giants celebrates his five-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
David Tyree Celebrates 5-yard TD reception

On the ensuing play, Eli Manning connected with WR David Tyree (85) over the middle for a touchdown. Tyne's PAT gave the Giants a 10 to 7 lead with 11 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLII. The Giants 80 Yard touchdown drive took 6 plays while consuming 3 minutes and 47 seconds.

A few more change of possesions between the Giants and the Patriots.

With 7:54 left, New England started with the ball at their own 20. This time the Patriots offense was in synch and the Giants defense could not stop Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker (83). The Patriots marched 80 yards down the field on 12 plays while taking a valuable 5 minutes and 12 seconds off the clock.

The drive was capped by a Tom Brady to Randy Moss connection for 6 yards to the right. It was one of the few times that the Giants secondary was in single coverage against Moss. On the drive Wes Welker set the Super Bowl record for most receptions in the Super Bowl (11 recpetions in a single Super Bowl game).

With 2:42 remaining it looked as if the Patriots 19 - 0 destiny was well in hand. But their destiny was disrupted.

Super Bowl XLII GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning

Starting at their own 17, the Giants went into their no-huddle offense. The no-huddle had suited Giants QB Eli Manning well throughout the year. Amani Toomer's catch for 11 yards was good for a first down at the 28. On 3rd and 10, Amani Toomer caught another pass for 9 yards falling short of a first down. It was 4th and one with 1:34 left to play and the Giants had no choice but to go for it.

Brandon Jacobs banged up the middle and stretched out his right arm and the ball for 2 yards and the 1st down.

Tyree's amazing leap was then followed by New York Giants rookie Steve Smith's (12) catch. The rookie showed the experience of a veteran as he was smart enough to find the first down marker and to get out of bounds and stop the play clock at 39 seconds. On the following play came the TD pass. It was only Plaxico Burress' second catch of the game but probably the biggest catch of his NFL career.

Eli Manning completed 19 of his 34 passes for 255 yards, including a mark of 9-of-14 for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, with one interception, to be named the game's Most Valuable Player. Manning also became the first quarterback to throw two go-ahead touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a Super Bowl. Toomer was the Giants' leading receiver, with 6 catches for 84 yards, and Bradshaw and Jacobs rushed for 45 and 42 yards, respectively. Burress had only 2 receptions for 27 yards, but one of those was the game-winning touchdown with 35 seconds left.

Super Bowl XLII GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants celebrates their 17-14 victory against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Giants Celebrate 17 -14 Super Bowl XLII Victory

The Patriots' offense recorded 274 total yards to the Giants' 338. While he never scored, Welker tied a Super Bowl record with 11 receptions for 109 yards. Moss had five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, and Maroney rushed for 36 yards and a TD. Brady completed 29 of his 48 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown. Brady's 29 completions gave him a career total of 100 in his four Super Bowls, surpassing the previous record for Super Bowl completions held by Joe Montana at 83. Justin Tuck and Adalius Thomas were the top defensive performers for the Giants and Patriots, respectively, as each recorded five solo tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Defensive end Michael Strahan #92 of the New York Giants celebrates after defeating the New England Patriots 17-14 during Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Michael Strahan Celebrates Super Bowl XLII Victory

Super Bowl XLII MVP: Giants QB Eli Manning

MVP Eli Manning of the New York Giants and coach Tom Coughlin celebrate after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona 03 February 2008. The Giants won 17-14. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XLI MVP: MVP Eli Manning & Coach Tom Coughlin

In front of a record-setting American television audience and on the strength of a late fourth-quarter drive led by Eli Manning, the Giants beat the 12.5 point-favored, undefeated New England Patriots 17--14.

    "Manning takes the snap, back to throw, under pressure, avoids the rush and he's gonna ... fight out of it, still fights out of it, now throws it deep down field, wide open Tyree who... MAKES THE CATCH! AT THE 24-YARD LINE! What a play by Manning!" -- Bob Papa calling Manning's completion to David Tyree

Trailing 14-10 with 2:42 remaining, Manning led the Giants 83 yards on a game-winning touchdown drive. On a crucial third-and-5 at the Giants' 44-yard line, Manning connected with David Tyree on a play in which he avoided several near-sacks and Tyree caught the ball off his helmet for a large gain. Four plays later, Plaxico Burress caught a 13-yard touchdown pass with just 35 seconds remaining for the winning margin. Manning became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw two go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdowns in a Super Bowl (Joe Montana being the first). Manning also became the first quarterback to throw a last-minute, championship-winning touchdown in the NFL title game (including the pre-Super Bowl era) when a field goal would not at least tie the game.

Manning was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLII. He and his brother Peyton are the only brother combination to play at quarterback in the Super Bowl and the only set of brothers to win Super Bowl MVP, doing so in successive years.

Super Bowl XLII: One of the Greatest

He ought to know. He's a player in the NFL who knows its history. He's another Manning maybe you've heard of -- Peyton -- and that was his summary of Super Bowl XLII last Sunday night in Glendale, Arizona: "One of the greatest games of all time."

Continued: Super Bowl XLII: One of the Greatest

Super Bowl XLII Scoring

Teams Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
Source: NFL
Giants3001417
Patriots070714

 

Qtr Time Plays Yards Duration Team Scoring Summary Giants Patriots
Source: NFL
15:0116639:59NYG32-yard FG by Lawrence Tynes30
214:5712565:04NELaurence Maroney 1-yard TD run, Stephen Gostkowski PAT37
411:056803:47NYGDavid Tyree 5-yard TD reception from Eli Manning, Lawrence Tynes PAT107
42:4212805:12NERandy Moss 6-yard TD reception from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski PAT1014
40:3512832:07NYGPlaxico Burress 13-yard TD reception from Eli Manning, Lawrence Tynes PAT1714

 

Super Bowl XLII Team Statistics

Statistic Giants Patriots
Source: NFL
First downs1722
First downs rushing43
First downs passing1317
First downs penalty02
Third down efficiency8/167/14
Fourth down efficiency1/10/2
Net yards rushing9145
Rushing attempts2616
Yards per rush3.52.8
Passing -- Completions-attempts19/3429/48
Times sacked-total yards3--85--37
Interceptions thrown10
Net yards passing247229
Total net yards338274
Punt returns-total yards3--251--15
Kickoff returns-total yards2--394--94
Interceptions-total return yards0--01--23
Punts-average yardage4--39.04--43.8
Fumbles-lost2--01--1
Penalties-yards4--365--35
Time of possession30:2729:33
Turnovers11

 

Super Bowl XLII: Giants Player Statistics

Source: NFL
PassingComp / AttYardsTDINTRating
Eli Manning19/342552187.3
RushingCarriesYardsTDLongYards/Carry
Ahmad Bradshaw9450135.00
Brandon Jacobs1442073.00
Eli Manning34051.33
ReceivingCatchesYardsTDLongTarget
Amani Toomer6840386
Steve Smith5500179
David Tyree3431325
Plaxico Burress2271149
Kevin Boss1450452
Ahmad Bradshaw13032
Madison Hedgecock13031

 

Super Bowl XLII: Patriots Player Statistics

Source: NFL
PassingComp / AttYardsTDINTRating
Tom Brady29/482661082.5
RushingCarriesYardsTDLongYards/Carry
Laurence Maroney1436192.57
Kevin Faulk17077.00
Heath Evans12022.00
ReceivingCatchesYardsTDLongTarget
Wes Welker1110301914
Kevin Faulk7520149
Randy Moss56211812
Donté Stallworth3340185
Laurence Maroney212083
Kyle Brady13031
Jabar Gaffney00003
Ben Watson00001

February 3, 2008

University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

MVP: Eli Manning, Quarterback

Favorite: Patriots by 12

Attendance: 71,101

National Anthem: Jordin Sparks

Coin Toss: Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, along with Bill Walsh's children, Craig and Elizabeth

Halftime Show: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Network: Fox

Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver and Chris Myers

Nielsen ratings: 43.3 (est. 97.5 million viewers)

Cost of 30-second commercial: $2.7 million

Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs. Patriots Highlights

 

Super Bowl XLII: Championship Ring

Super Bowl XL Championship Ring and Game Ticket Super Bowl XLII - Giants Defeat Patriots 17 - 14 Eli Manning MVP

Super Bowl XLII - Giants Defeat Patriots 17 - 14 Eli Manning MVP

Super Bowl XLII Logo

Super Bowl XLII - Giants Defeat Patriots 17 - 14 Eli Manning MVP

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