David Tyree’s Super catch (AP Photo)
Move over 1969 Amazin’ Mets, slide over “It gets through Buckner*” 1986 Mets, make room Joe “Willy” and your ‘69 Super Jets, another New York sports team has done the seemingly impossible.
The “18-1″ New York Giants earned their seat in sports history by defeating the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII today by a score of 17-14, on an 86 yard drive in the final 2:39, capped by a TD catch by Plaxico Burress.
This writer knew destiny was in the huddle when Eli Manning miraculously escaped a sack to send up a prayer that was answered by David Tyree with an amazing circus catch, with the help of his helmet. It was only fitting that shortly thereafter Plaxico Burress made the winning TD catch. Plaxico had publicly predicted the Giant win.
* [The story goes that Bill Buckner was so depressed after he let Mookie Wilson’s easy ground ball slip by him, allowing Ray Knight to score the winning run in the 9th inning of Game 6, he tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a Boston city bus— fortunately for Bill, it too passed through his legs 
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Ten years ago, the Denver Broncos went into San Diego as underdogs to the World Champion Packers. I was afraid to hope they would win. But when John Elway dove for a first down, taking a punishing hit that will forever be known in Denver as the helicopter, then got up and signaled “First Down” I KNEW they were going to win.
Watching Ely make that play tonight was just as amazing, and I agree. It sealed the deal.
That Manning escape/Tyree catch was unfreaking believable. I looked over at my wife and said, “It’s over”. You’re going to see replays of that for a long long time.
Todd - huge Bronco fan here. The “helicopter” was indeed “the moment”. I remember thinking, “Oh Dear God, GET UP!” followed shortly by “YES!!”
Elway, Montana, Brady, Favre….Eli Manning? When it comes to last minute heroics, I never thought Eli would make that list. He has a way to go, but that last drive will be his forever. And for New Yorkers, it’s just another Bucky F. Dent-like stick to jab in the ribs of our Boston rivals. Tony Longo are you out there?
Go Eagles! Oh sh*t, wrong team. Sorry, we’re suffering from championship envy down there. Someday Philly, someday.
First of all I want to say to my home team, the New York Giants, game well played. It is impossible to predict all of the variables in life that may lead you one way or the other. And when you don’t consider the probability of chance you just lost. There is always a chance that things may or may not turn out the way you expect. At that point all you can do is prepare and do your best. However, when you fail to respect the talents and abilities of your opponent you put yourself in a weak position. The Giants came into the game as an underdog. People counted them out of the playoffs, and when they passed that barrier, they were scorned as super bowl contenders. Few people beside their home state believed they had a chance. The Patriots became over confident and arrogant in their position. They never saw this coming. They were blind sighted by their own ambition. And because the Patriots never thought the the Giants could win it knocked the wind out of them when they pulled it off. The difference between the two teams was that the Giants didn’t over an over inflated view of themselves, they knew they had to fight for this victory, and the Patriots rest to much on their record. Moral of the game never underestimate your opponent, and there is always the probability of chance. I don’t care how the world wants to say about the New York Giants they have proven themselves to be world champions.
Everyone said the Pats would make history and they did. The blew a 19 and 0 season. The Giants were ready to play and the Pats offense just didn’t show up. It will be extremely interesting to see how Eli and the Giants do next season.
Well said, Janice, well said.
Philly Phil
Sam– also will be interesting to see how the Pats do.
As a Pat’s fan…I can not discount the fact of watching a great game with an emotional ending for a team & quarterback whom deserves such a finish.