Top 10 Games of the Decade: NFL-Super Bowl XLII

Our NFL Game of the Decade was a tough call. In the past ten years we've been blessed with countless Super Bowls that could be counted among the best ever. But, for the best of the decade we travel back to 2008 and Super Bowl XLII (and yes, I am contractually obligated to use Roman numerals for the entire article). The Patriots were looking to put the icing on the cake of their dynasty, while the Giants were supposed to just show up to the party. Instead, what unfolded was perhaps the greatest upset in Super Bowl History.

Who: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants

What: Super Bowl XLII

Where: Glendale, AZ

When: February 3, 2008

How It All Unfolded: Over the course of the decade, the New England Patriots had clearly established themselves as the team of the decade in the NFL. Once a franchise mired in mediocrity, the Patriots rose to the top of the league behind HC Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady. Winning three Super Bowls already, the 2007 Patriots were looking to write an even greater chapter in the history of their dynasty by going undefeated for an entire season, 16-0. In 2007, the Patriots had assembled the most unstoppable force football had seen in years. Tom Brady threw for a record 50 TDs and won his first MVP trophy. Randy Moss (who also set a record with 23 TDs) and Wes Welker rounded out the highest scoring offense in league history while Belichick's defense was as effective and intimidating as ever. Nothing, not Mercury Morris and the '72 Dolphins performing voodoo curses, or the constant skepticism of the Spygate scandal could derail what many saw as the best team in NFL history.

Meanwhile, their Super Bowl opponents, the New York Giants, were the polar opposites of their powerful counterparts. Heading in to the 2007 season, nobody felt the Giants were Super Bowl contenders, especially losing their star RB Tiki Barber to the Today show. However, led by a stout defense and the improving, but still inconsistent play of Eli Manning, the Giants clinched the 5th seed in the playoffs going in to the final week of the season.

Ironically, these two teams would meet in the last regular season game. The Pats were playing for history, while the Giants had nothing to play for, risking injury by playing banged up starters in the season finale. But, Giants HC Tom Coughlin, recognizing the importance of the moment decided to go out and win the game. What ensued was the most dramatic regular season game seen in years, and the Patriots eeking out a 38-35 win. But, in losing, the Giants seemed to find their inspiration. In the NFC playoffs, the Giants would win 3 straight road games to make the Super Bowl to meet the still undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Of course, the Patriots were heavily favored to make history and go undefeated. But, through three quarters, the game was an epic defensive struggle. The Giants had set the tone early with a nearly 10-minute drive to kick a field goal for the game's first points. The Patriots answered with a TD drive of their own, and the teams held serve until the 4th quarter. Of course, I could keep going, but I think the dramatic 4th quarter highlights speak for themselves.

Somehow, some way, the Giants found a way to defeat the Patriots in arguably the biggest game in NFL history. And don't think for a second the Patriots gave this game away (although Asante Samuel will certainly be remembered for his missed interception on the Giants final drive). The Giants won this game behind...Eli Manning? Yes, Eli led the team on the game-winning drive. But even more, it was Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan, and Osi Umenyiora and the rest of the Giants defense who derailed the highest scoring offense in league history.

Why We'll Remember It: While the game may not have been a classic from start to finish, it was the iconic 4th quarter that sets this game apart. Don't tell me you didn't think it was over when Randy Moss put the Pats ahead in the 4th quarter. Don't tell me you thought Eli was going to lead a game-winning drive in the Super Bowl. Don't tell me you knew David Tyree would come up with the most harrowing catch in Super Bowl history.

But, the Giants overcame all of these obstacles and won the game. Super Bowl XLII reminded us of the most powerful motif in sports, the scrappy underdog who overcomes all odds and defeats mighty Goliath. In Super Bowl XLII, there was no mightier Goliath than the record-setting Patriots. But, the Giants showed the heart of a champion can overcome any and all statistics. The legacy of Eli Manning has forever been changed to a champion. Even though he may never equal his brother Peyton, Eli finally found his own place in NFL history, outside of his brother's shadow. HC Tom Coughlin, a man who had always been seen as the epitome of a crusty old coach, who was disliked by fans, media, players...heck, maybe even his own family became a hero for standing up to Darth Vader himself, Bill Belichick.

If these two teams played 100 times following the Super Bowl, the Patriots might win 99 times. But, that 1 in 100 chance is why the games are played, and why we love them. That night in Arizona reminded us why hope is never lost, and why the game is always worth watching.

Other Games Considered

-Super Bowl XLIII-Steelers beat Cards in another dramatic Super Bowl finish.

-2007 AFC Championship-Colts finally overcome Pats to make Super Bowl

-2002 AFC Divisional Playoff-The Tuck Rule Game, enough said

-Super Bowl XXXVI-Pats upset Rams to win their 1st Super Bowl

Only two more games to go in the countdown as we'll look at our MLB Game of the Decade next. Also tune in tomorrow as Brother Yohey joins us for a roundtable discussion of TigerGate. Also, shameless plug time as the Yoders will be at Branch Rickey Arena in Delaware, OH for #25 Wooster @ Ohio Wesleyan. If you want to hear the men behind the madness, tipoff is Wednesday night at 7:30 at stream.owu.edu