{mosimage}The New England Patriots were 2:42 away from NFL perfection.

The New England Patriots were 2:42 away from NFL perfection. Then, a remarkable game-winning fourth quarter drive by Eli Manning and the New York Giants shook up Super Bowl history and stalled (at least temporarily) the Patriots dynasty.

Super Bowl XLII

MVP: Eli Manning (19-24 for 255 yards with 2 TD and 1 INT)

I spent the better part of the fourth quarter wiping the sweat off my hands last night. The three lead changes in the final frame – a Super Bowl record – also kept me on the edge on my seat. I badly wanted the Giants to spoil the Patriots spotless 18-0 record.

I think my heart momentarily stopped beating when Eli miraculously escaped a sack and connected 32-yards with David Tyree on the Giants' game-winning drive.

What an incredible pitch-and-catch!

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Eli’s 12-play 83-yard fourth quarter drive was deserving of the game’s MVP honors.

However, the Giants’ defensive front was truly the most valuable players. Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck stymied the Pats running game by holding Laurence Maroney to just 36 yards on 14 carries while continually knocking Brady silly throughout the entire contest.

Kawika Mitchell and Justin Tuck (#91) pressure Brady into an incompletion

All in all, by the time Brady’s last-gasp heave to Randy Moss fell incomplete the Giants had smacked Mr. Perfect 19 times (three sacks, 10 total hits and six knockdowns). This was the difference in the game.

Also, one reason I was pulling for New York is because I’ve grown tiered of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Not only do his post-game mumblings annoy me, but this Spy-Gate story is not over and I think this football genies may be more of a football cheat than we originally thought.

Not to mention, it was satisfying for me to unleash several celebratory fist pumps while Belichick prematurely left the field with two seconds left to play.

Seriously, Belichick sniffs out the Giants' special teams mistake in the third quarter (NY had too many men on the field during a Patriots punt resulting in a New England first down) but was unaware the game’s final two seconds needed to be run off the clock? I don’t think so.

Of course, that’s typical Belichick, a coach who has less class than one of the rags he wears on the sidelines.

On the other hand, the Giants' upset of New England may be the biggest in Super Bowl history. Certainly, it rivals Broadway Joe’s guarantee in Super Bowl III. Although, my gut feeling says eventually Super Bowl XLII will elevate to No.1 on the NFL upset list.

Also, even though Belichick rubs me the wrong way, I feel bad for Junior Seau. His individual career (12-time Pro Bowler & 10 time All Pro) is deserving of a championship. Wes Welker was the Pats MVP with 11 catches for 103 yards. His 11 grabs ties the Super Bowl record.

On the flip side, I couldn’t be happier for Eli and Strahan. Eli has perservered at the game’s toughest position and in the league’s toughest market. Plus, this win pushes Eli out of Peyton’s shadow.

Strahan’s career is complete and I wouldn’t expect him back next season. I also believe, according to Giants fans, the gap between Strahan's front two teeth will continually widen with legendary proportion.

Here's Tom Petty winking at me

And lastly, I’m a big fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I thought the halftime show was outstanding. The whole set was a perfect example of less is more.

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Conversely, I was disappointed with the commercials overall. Of course, there’s a good chance the ads will improve next year, as for the game, it may be awhile before this one is matched.

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