Ranking the Super Bowls, #3 Super Bowl XLII

(photo credit: deepishthoughts.com)

When the New England Patriots came into Glendale, AZ on Feb. 3, 2008 they were 12 point favorites. If you took a public poll instead of asking Las Vegas, that number would probably be higher. Led by MVP Tom Brady and coach Bill Belicheck New England had dominated the NFL. They were the only team to finish the regular season 16-0 and had the chance to be the first team to go undefeated since the Miami Dolphins did in 1972. The Patriots had a dynamic offense led by Brady, Wes Welker, who was the co-leader in receptions, and Randy Moss who set the single season record for touchdown receptions.

The New York Giants took a more unlikely route to the Super Bowl than their AFC counterparts. After finishing 10-6 in the regular season Tom Coughlin caught some post season magic. The Giants became the first NFC Wildcard team to make the title game and were only the third team to win three road playoff games. Much of this success would thanks to Eli Manning becoming more consistent as a passer. After leading the league in interceptions thrown with 20, Manning would only throw one during the postseason.

The Giants were the first ones on the board when Lawrence Tynes knocked down a 32 yard field goal with five minutes left in the first quarter. Early in the second frame New England took the lead as Laurence Maroney punched in the ball from a yard out. Even though this game is known for the last minute heroics this was a defensive battle. New York's defense led by Michael Strahan kept Brady under duress all night sacking him five times. The Patriots' defense was stellar as well holding the Giants to three points until early in the fourth.

Manning found David Tyree from five yards out to give New York a 10-7 lead with 11:05 left in the game. It looked like the Giants pulled off the upset until Brady got the ball back with 7:54 on the clock. As he had done with the precision of a clock San Mateo's favorite son completed eight passes while driving 80 yards. As Brady found Moss in the end zone with 2:45 left, it looked like once again Brady had put the Vince Lombardi trophy on ice.

Then the improbable happened as Manning orchestrated one of the most memorable drives in football history. After a pass which was almost picked off, New York faced a 3rd and 5 from their 44 with 1:16 remaining. Manning was able to escape the pocket and break out of a sack to heave a throw towards Tyree. Somehow Tyree was able to come down with the ball on his helmet while Pats Safety Rodney Harrison draped on him for a 32 yard gain. Four plays later, Manning found Plaxico Burress for a touchdown with 39 seconds left. After the point after was converted, the Patriots attempted some hail marys but they were futile as the Giants won 17-14.