And it couldn’t. In a scenario eerily reminiscent of both Super Bowl XLII and the regular-season game of Nov. 6, the Patriots could not get Eli Manning and his offense off the field. The final score of Super Bowl XLVI last night was New York 21, New England 17, and the winning score was a rare conceded touchdown brought about because the Patriots did not want the Giants to run the clock down and kick a winning gimme field goal that would have left Tom Brady & Co. with no viable chance to come back.
But the fact remains the Giants won - again - and the Patriots lost - again - because when it had to be done, the Patriots could not get the Giants off the field.
But I guess you’d have to say that’s something of a loser’s lament. In New York, they are saying that Manning won - again. They’ll say that Manning enhanced his growing reputation as football’s reigning Mr. Fourth Quarter. And they will say Manning out-Brady-ed Tom Brady - again.
How could they not?
“Eli made some great throws in the fourth quarter,’’ acknowledged Brady, “and deserved to win. They did a better job than we did.’’
One throw in particular will live forever in Giants lore. Four years ago, Manning connected on a crucial toss with David Tyree, who pressed the ball to his helmet as he fell atop Rodney Harrison to set up the winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress. The throw itself wasn’t anything special. It was all about Manning’s escape from a sure sack and the catch.
This time, the memorable play was a 38-yard completion to Mario Manningham on first and 10 from the Giants’ 12 at the aforementioned 3:46 mark. This time, the credit had to be split between the quarterback and the receiver. It was a spectacular throw against the double coverage of Sterling Moore and Patrick Chung, and it was a spectacular catch and acrobatic maneuver to keep both feet inbounds on the part of Manningham. With that one throw the Giants had placed themselves a first down and a half from a winning field goal attempt, and had taken firm control of the game.
