21 - 17

(Feb 5, 2012 · Week 21)

If 2007’s Super Bowl is remembered for Eli Manning leaving the Patriots one victory short of flawlessness, the story of 2011’s rematch can likely be told through a fitting irony: a clutch, perfectly-thrown ball in front of their bench. Sideline routes against a two-high defense often require impeccable arc and trajectory, and in what some call NFL history’s most perfectly-thrown ball, New York’s megastar did precisely that on a poetic, 38-yard “Manning-to-Manningham” connection. It inspired déjà vu of four years prior; Manning’s seemingly-unhuman crunchtime coolness helped fuel a go-ahead scoring drive, and ultimately, the Giants’ 21-17 win over New England on Feb. 5, 2012. Amidst the fallen confetti, Manning had again laid claim to Super Bowl XLVI’s Most Valuable Player honors, going 30-of-40 for 296 yards and a touchdown.

Read more