The New England Patriots have been apart of many Super Bowls over the past 18 years and they'll be the focal point again this year.

But, on a day before Super Bowl LII kicks off let's look back at two Super Bowls that the Patriots were involved with where we saw two of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history.

First, we jump in the way-back machine and take you to the year 2002, Super Bowl XXXVI, where the Patriots were taking on the St. Louis Rams. The Rams were widely considered "The Greatest Show on Turf" with their explosive offensive talent. They had the conductor, Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and a bunch of explosive wide receivers.

The Patriots had a wet behind the ears quarterback in Tom Brady and a roster full of un-sexy type of players, guys who just went out and worked, grinded, and competed.

The Rams fell behind 17-3 heading into for the 4th quarter, finally they were able to get going late in the game to tie it up. That was until the final drive and the Patriots doing what we've been so accustomed to them doing over the years.

With 1:21 remaining in the 4th quarter and starting from their own 17 yard line, Tom Brady was able to drive the Patriots down the field with no timeouts left. He got them within Adam Vinatieri field goal range and he nailed a 48 yard field goal as time expired to win, 20-17. Brady was the MVP.

The other game we don't have to go back as far back, only to 2008 for Super Bowl XLII where the New England Patriots, who were 18-0, were seeking the first ever 19-0 perfect season. The opponent was the New York Football Giants, quarterbacked by young Eli Manning, the brother of long time Brady nemesis, Peyton Manning.

The Giants came into this game as big time underdogs but had a very talented roster, especially on the defensive side of the football.

The game was pretty uneventful for the first three quarters as the Pats lead 7-3. The Giants were keeping the game close, hoping they could make a late push to slay Goliath.

The 4th quarter came and we finally saw some fireworks. The Giants would strike first with a 5 yard touchdown catch by David Tyree (remember that name). Giants lead 10-7.

The Patriots would come back with a score of their own two drives later when Brady hit Randy Moss for a six yard score. 14-10 New England.

2:39 remaining and New York needed a drive from their young signal caller to get them in the end zone. On a 3rd and 5 from their own 44 yard line Eli Manning escaped a collapsing pocket and unloaded a pass deep down the middle of the field. The pass was headed towards David Tyree and it connected with his helmet which Tyree was able to pin there amidst a hit from Patriots safety Rodney Harrison.

This play is widely considered the best play in Super Bowl history. What makes it the best ever is that it culminated in the game winning touchdown pass of 13 yards to Plaxico Burress. The Giants would win 17-14 and Eli Manning, surprise-surprise, would be your MVP.

 

 

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