Super Bowl XLII Recap: Giants Prove that Defense Wins Championships

In a highly emotional fourth quarter, a 13-yard-slant and go route touchdown from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress marked the beginning of what will be one of the greatest finishes in NFL Super Bowl history.

The winning score shattered the hopes and dreams of all Patriots fans who wanted to see their dominant team top the Dolphins for the best record in NFL History - as well as winning the Super Bowl.

It was a game that consisted of a 7-3 halftime score, and three lead changes in the fourth quarter.

Many would call the Giants underdogs, however, from an X's and O's standpoint - many NFL analysts predicted that this would be a tough game for the Patriots to win; and it held true.

Statistically - both teams were pretty much equal, however, if you saw the game - you'd see how the complex blitz packages of the Giants, the strong defensive line play of Osi Umenyiora, future Hall of famer Mike Strahan, the surprising performance of Justin Tuck (possibly the defensive MVP), and the 5 drive-stalling sacks - lead to the Giant's domination of the once prominent Patriot's offense.

The story of this Super Bowl game was simple: "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships".

The Patriots anticipated more success in both their passing and overall offense. Even Tom Brady felt kind of insulted when Plaxico predicted the Giants would win the game, 23-17. Wes Welker had an extremely productive day - tying an NFL record for most receptions in a Super Bowl game, however, it simply would not be enough.

There were a couple of questionable calls during the game, as Coach Belichick decided to go for it on Fourth and 14 instead of kicking a 50 yard field goal - well within his kicker's range. It turns out that the Patriots lost by three points.

We can't forget about the Super Bowl MVP - Eli Manning, who has probably gone from zero to hero in a short month. He also performed arguably the greatest Super Bowl game winning drive in the history of the NFL. With 255 yards, 2 touchdowns, he was the main reason why the Giants offense was able to move the ball down the field, especially during clutch situations.

Final Game Result Recap

The New York Giants won the toss and elected to receive the ball first. The Giants would make history on this drive as it would be the lengthiest drive in Super Bowl history - capped off with a 32 yard kick by Giant's kicker L. Tynes.

The Patriots would answer back with dominance, as they had all season, as Tom Brady would patiently find all of his receivers and methodically drive it all the way down to the 17. On third and 10, the Patriots would receive a huge break as Middle Linebacker Antonio Pierce would be called for defensive pass interference - this lead to a 1 yard touchdown run by L. Maroney; and a 7-3 Patriots lead.

The next score would not come until 14 minutes left in the fourth quarter - as the Giants would receive 6 points from an Eli Manning to Tyree hook-up for a five yard touchdown; 10-7 Giants.

Three drives later - Brady would help the Patriots drive down the field and eventually throw a short right slant pass to Randy Moss, as the Giant's defender slipped in coverage. The Patriots take the lead 14-10.

On the ensuing drive, history would be made as Eli and his Giants desperately try for a break. They would get it when the 6-4 athletic running back, Brandon Jacobs converts a crucial Fourth and 1 - keeping the Giant's Super Bowl victory hopes alive. History would be made three plays later as Eli Manning stepped back to pass and faced an immediate sack.

He somehow found a way out of the arms of the linemen, find an open space in the pocket, and throw a floater pass down the middle of the field which would have most coaches screaming and hiding in Agony. The play had a story book ending as WR Tyree actually would use his helmet to bring down a critical third down 32 yard pass. This would lead to a legendary game clinching 13 yard pass to Plaxico Burress, a play that will be remembered in the hearts of Giants fans forever.

The Patriots would try to throw several unsuccessful deep pass attempts to get back in the game, however, they would eventually turn it over on downs, and the Giants would get the ball back and end the game for their first Super Bowl win since 1990.

It was truly a game to remember, as the classic story of underdog upsetting the favorite in a splendid fashion. Although the Patriots did not finish the way they wanted to, they still should have some pride about their amazing season, as they were able to be the first team to go through the regular season undefeated - an accomplishment that will live in the hearts of all Patriot's fans. Congratulations Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII, and may we have great Super Bowl's for years to come.