Super Bowl XLII

Super Bowl XLII determined the champions for the 2007-08 National Football League season. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17 to 14, thwarting the Patriots' goal of having a perfect 19-0 season.

Down 14-10 with about three minutes left in the game, Eli Manning orchestrated an 83-yard-drive that culminate in a touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress. "The Catch," however, refers to a 32-yard lob on third down with just a minute left in the game to David Tyree. Manning was surrounded by Patriots in what looked to be an almost certain sack. He managed to escape and launched the ball while being pursued by Patriots. Tyree caught the ball and clutched it against his helmet as he fell to ground, giving the Giants a first down just outside the red zone with 59 seconds left. New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin said it was one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.The New York Times: Giants Stun Patriots in Super Bowl XLII

In reaching the Super Bowl, the Giants had to win three straight playoff games on the road. They started with a convincing victory over Tampa Bay before traveling to Texas Stadium and upsetting the heavily-favored Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round. Then in the NFC Championship Game, they rallied to defeat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in the last game that Brett Favre ever played for the Packers.

The Patriots were seeking a fourth Super Bowl title in a seven year period, and were also trying to make history in the process. They became the first team ever to finish a 16-game regular season undefeated. After easily dispatching the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego Chargers in the AFC playoffs, the Patriots were heavily favored to become just the second team in NFL history to complete an entire season undefeated. The Patriots also established regular season record for points scored, and Tom Brady broke Dan Marino's record for touchdown tosses in a season.