It happened in 2008, and it happened again in 2012. The New York Giants and New England Patriots meet in the Super Bowl. The Patriots are favored. Eli Manning makes an incredible play late in the game. New York rejoices.
Manning's pass to Mario Manningham late in the fourth quarter may have been even more spectacular than the pass to David Tyree four years ago. Eli's ability to precisely place to ball between two defenders and the sideline was incredible. Manningham was able to catch the ball, tap both feet in bounds, and take a big hit from a Patriot defender. For me, this is Eli's career defining play.
Tom Brady played a decent game, but made a few mistakes. On the Patriots first play, Brady threw the ball in the middle of nowhere and was flagged for intentional grounding and a safety. The next two mistakes that I am going to point out were in the 4th quarter. Some will blame Brady, some will blame Wes Welker, but the two couldn't connect on a play that would've likely won the game for New England. Welker was forced to twist his body, got both hands on the ball, and couldn't secure it. The Giants got the ball, marched down the field, and took the lead.
Another big mistake by Brady was throwing a pass behind Deion Branch on the Pats final drive. If he hits Branch in stride, Branch likely gets out of bounds and sets New England up with a first down, near midfield, with 45 seconds left and a timeout.
The Pats winded up trying a Hail Mary at the buzzer, and the ball fell to the turf. (One can't help but wonder if a healthy Rob Gronkowski is able to catch the deflection)
Either way, the Giants are Super Bowl champions again. And, again, Eli defeated Brady in the big game.
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