Airborn- Smith makes a reception in Super Bowl XLII (AP/Eric Gay)

It’s without a doubt one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl History! It’s the first wildcard team in NFC history to win the super bowl and only the fifth wildcard team to ever win. One Manning right after the other, as Eli and the underdog Giants went from Wild-Card afterthought to Super Bowl XLII Champions. Yes, David has slain Goliath, as the New York Giants toppled the longest win-streak in NFL history. The Giants have overcome the 18-0 Patriots.

Giants’ Steve Smith was christened by fire, staking his claim as the most clutch rookie receiver in the league. Smith finished the game with 5 receptions for 50 yards, four of which were third down conversions. Smith ended his first Super Bowl, #2 in most yards received by the Giants, only behind Amani Toomer with 81 yards. Smith had the same number of receptions and was only 12 yards shy of the Patriots’ Randy Moss.

Smith’s ability to make plays on third down, including two third down conversions on the Giants opening scoring drive, helped New York take the early lead with a field goal, 3-0. The Patriots answered on their opening drive with a long possession, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run, making it 7-3 Patriots. Then the defense took over. Second quarter: no score. Third quarter: no score. At the start of the fouth quarter the score was still 7-3. Brady had been shut down. Manning had been shut down. It was anybody’s game.

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The Giants took control in the fourth. Steve Smith reeled in an improbable third-down catch to keep the drive alive. That catch helped lead to a Giants touchdown moments later to David Tyree. 10-7, Giants.
The Giants held the lead with minutes left in the game. Then on third down, with 2:42 left, Brady connected with Moss for the touchdown, taking the fourth quarter lead 14-10.

4th and 1, one minute and forty seconds to go. The Giants ball. They go for it. A run. They’re stopped, but close. The clock stopped for a measurement. Giants ball.

00:59 seconds left, Manning under pressure, nearly a sack. Manning rolls out. Throws a floater. David Tyree catches over his head to pick up the first.

00:51 – Manning goes down. Forced to use his final timeout.

00:45 – 3rd and 11, STEVE SMITH PICKS UP A FIRST DOWN!!!!! KEEPS THE DRIVE ALIVE!!!!!

00:35 – Manning passes to Burress in the endzone. Touchdown Giants! 17-14.

00:29 – Tom Brady retakes the field.

00:19 – Rookie Jay Alford sacks Tom Brady.

Next play, 70 yard pass to Randy Moss, broken up.

Tom Brady tries another. Broken up.

THE GIANTS HAVE WON THE SUPER BOWL! 17-14.