Super Bowl XLII

Super Bowl XLII was an American football game played on February 3, 2008, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to determine the champion of the NFL's 2007 season. The AFC champion New England Patriots, who entered the contest with a perfect 18–0 record, were defeated by the NFC champion New York Giants by a score of 17–14. The victory by the Giants, who were 12-point underdogs, is widely considered one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history and prevented the Patriots from completing the first 19–0 perfect season in the Super Bowl era.

Background

The New England Patriots entered the game having completed the NFL's first 16–0 regular season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, who had won the NFL MVP award. Their offense, featuring wide receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker, set a league record with 589 points scored. The New York Giants, coached by Tom Coughlin and quarterbacked by Eli Manning, finished the regular season with a 10–6 record, securing a wild card berth. They advanced through the playoffs with three consecutive road victories, including an overtime win against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game in frigid conditions at Lambeau Field. The game was a rematch of the regular-season finale, where the Patriots narrowly defeated the Giants 38–35 at Giants Stadium.

Game summary

The first half was a defensive struggle, with the only score being a Lawrence Tynes field goal giving the Giants a 3–0 lead. The Patriots scored just before halftime on a Tom Brady touchdown pass to Wes Welker, taking a 7–3 lead into the locker room. After a scoreless third quarter, the Patriots extended their lead to 14–10 early in the fourth on a Brady-to-Randy Moss connection. The Giants' ensuing drive, which included a critical third-down conversion on a David Tyree reception, culminated in a Plaxico Burress touchdown catch with 35 seconds remaining. The Patriots' final drive ended with an incomplete Hail Mary pass, securing the Giants' victory. The game is most remembered for "The Helmet Catch" on that crucial drive, where Manning escaped a heavy pass rush and threw a deep pass that Tyree caught by pinning the ball against his helmet.

Aftermath and legacy

The victory gave the New York Giants their third Super Bowl championship and first since Super Bowl XXV. Eli Manning, who completed 19 of 34 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, was named Super Bowl MVP. The loss ended the New England Patriots' quest for a perfect season and was their first defeat since the 2006 AFC Championship Game. The game is frequently cited among the greatest Super Bowls ever played and cemented the legacies of both Manning and the Giants' formidable defensive line, which recorded five sacks of Brady. The upset is often compared to other historic shocks in sports, such as the New York Jets' victory in Super Bowl III.

Officials

* Referee: Mike Carey (#94) * Umpire: Tony Michalek (#115) * Head Linesman: Phil McKinnely (#110) * Line Judge: Mark Steinkerchner (#84) * Field Judge: Scott Steenson (#88) * Side Judge: Mike Weatherford (#116) * Back Judge: Scott Helverson (#93) * Replay Official: Bob McGrath * Video Operator: James Duke

Starting lineups

New York Giants ;Offense * QB: Eli Manning * RB: Brandon Jacobs * FB: Madison Hedgecock * WR: Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer * TE: Kevin Boss * LT: David Diehl, LG: Rich Seubert, C: Shaun O'Hara, RG: Chris Snee, RT: Kareem McKenzie ;Defense * LE: Michael Strahan, LT: Fred Robbins, RT: Barry Cofield, RE: Osi Umenyiora * LOLB: Kawika Mitchell, MLB: Antonio Pierce, ROLB: Reggie Torbor * LCB: Corey Webster, RCB: Sam Madison * SS: James Butler, FS: Gibril Wilson

New England Patriots ;Offense * QB: Tom Brady * RB: Laurence Maroney * FB: Heath Evans * WR: Randy Moss, Wes Welker * TE: Benjamin Watson * LT: Matt Light, LG: Logan Mankins, C: Dan Koppen, RG: Stephen Neal, RT: Nick Kaczur ;Defense * LE: Ty Warren, NT: Vince Wilfork, RE: Richard Seymour * LOLB: Mike Vrabel, LILB: Tedy Bruschi, RILB: Junior Seau, ROLB: Adalius Thomas * LCB: Asante Samuel, RCB: Ellis Hobbs * SS: Rodney Harrison, FS: James Sanders

Category:Super Bowl