GLENDALE, Ariz. -- From their owner to their star receiver, the New York Giants told everyone that they would win the Super Bowl.
But no one believed them ... until last night.
With a dominating defensive performance and an amazing game-winning drive directed by Eli Manning, the fearless Giants shocked the NFL with a 17-14 triumph over the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium, recording one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history and ruining the Patriots' quest for a perfect season.
Manning's 13-yard pass to Plaxico Burress - who predicted victory last week - with 35 seconds left in the game finished a 12-play, 83-yard drive as New York secured its place in history.
In addition to capturing their first Super Bowl in 17 years, the Giants became just the fifth double-digit underdog to win the event. The Patriots, who entered the game 18-0, were favored by 12 points.
"It's the greatest feeling in professional sports," a teary-eyed Burress said. "Nobody gave us a shot."
It took resiliency by the Giants, but that's what defined this team all season.
After an 0-2 start, New York (14-6) became the lowest seed to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, winning three straight playoff games on the road.
That's why the Giants didn't flinch after the three-time Super Bowl champion Patriots went ahead 14-10 with 2:42 left in the game.
The key play came with 1:15 left and the Giants facing third-and-five at their 44-yard line. Manning dropped back to pass, somehow escaped several Patriots clutching his jersey and heaved a 32-yard pass to David Tyree, who out-jumped Rodney Harrison and came down with the ball at the Patriots' 24-yard line.
Four plays later, Manning lobbed the touchdown pass to Burress, who was wide-open in the end zone. Burress, who had predicted a 23-17 victory, faked a slant pattern that fooled cornerback Ellis Hobbs, then raced for the corner of the end zone. Manning was 9-for-14 for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, overshadowing the NFL's Most Valuable Player.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who was harassed all game by the Giants' pass rush, missed on two long throws in the final seconds.
New England, which had set the NFL single-season scoring record (36.8 points a game), was held its fewest points in a game this season.
"We had a great season; we just didn't win the game," Brady said. "Tonight doesn't take away from anything we have done over the course of the season."
