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New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) reacts after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in Super Bowl XLII’s third quarter Sunday.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — In a game for the ages, the New York Giants ended the New England Patriots' bid for an unprecedented 19-0 season on Sunday, shocking the New Englanders 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII before 71,101 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Eli Manning drove the Giants 83 yards in the final two minutes to lead the upset, throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds remaining. That offset Tom Brady's 6-yard scoring pass to Randy Moss with 2:42 left.

Manning completed 19 of 34 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns and was named the MVP.

This was an historic upset, on par with the New York Jets' win over the mighty Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III and the Patriots' toppling of the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

The Giants were 12-point underdogs. The Patriots beat New York 38-35 on Dec. 29 to finish a 16-0 regular season. New England was trying to become the NFL's second undefeated champion in history, joining the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who went 17-0.

"Obviously we're disappointed," said New England coach Bill Belichick.

The Giants had the opposite opinion. "This is the greatest feeling in professional sports," said Burress. "Nobody gave us a shot."

The Giants took a 10-7 lead early in the fourth quarter on a 5-yard pass to David Tyree. Then Brady drove the Patriots down for what appeared to be the winning score.

In the play of the game, the Giants faced a third-and-5 at their 44. Manning escaped a rush and completed a 32-yard pass to Tyree, who caught the ball off his helmet.

Four plays later, Manning found Burress, who beat cornerback Ellis Hobbs alone in the left corner.

Staff Writer Mike Lowe can be contacted at 791-6422 or at:

mlowe@pressherald.com