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| Donald Miralle/Getty Images |
| Rodney Harrison fights the Giants' David Tyree for control of the football ( Video: Eli's miracle). |
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- One of the most memorable Super Bowls in NFL history will likely be remembered and defined by its most memorable and unforgettable play.
Ironically, it's a play that didn't even result in the touchdown that would propel the New York Giants in their Super Bowl XLII upset, and all but end the New England Patriots' pursuit of the perfect season.
Not only will the miracle play will be remembered because of the key figures involved -- Giants quarterback Eli Manning and wide reveiver David Tyree, as well as defensive ends Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green, and safety Rodney Harrison of the Patriots -- but by the remarkable string of events on both ends of the sequence.
Facing a third-and-5 on their own 44-yard line with 1:15 remaining, Manning took the snap in a shotgun formation. Pressured by Adalius Thomas from his left, Manning stepped up in the pocket and into the rush of Seymour and Green.
The play looked to be over as Manning's left shoulder pad was in the grasp of Green's outstretched left hand and Seymour had a hold of his jersey with his left hand as well. But Manning kept his balance, spun, and then reversed course and found himself all alone in the right flat -- with enough time to plant on his back foot and heave the ball down the middle of the field toward Tyree.
Tyree, planted on the right hashmark on the 24-yard line, went up for the ball with Harrison on his right hip. As Harrison swatted at the ball with his right hand, Tyree got control of the ball and pinned it against his helmet. At point holding it against his helmet with only his right hand, Tyree managed to keep the ball from hitting the ground as he came down with the 32-yard reception to keep the drive alive.
"I felt like I was being grabbed a little bit. [I] got out of it," recalls Manning. "Saw [David] Tyree in the middle of the field. I tried to get the ball to him and it just floated. He just made an unvelievable catch, jumping up, holding up to that ball."
Manning named MVP
Giants quarterback Eli Manning was named Super Bowl XLII MVP after a memorable and defining performance in a 17-14 upset over the Patriots.Manning completed 19-of-34 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Full story
» Video: Manning highlights
» Video: The miracle play
» Carucci: Manning's coronation complete
» Manning, Tyree connect on miracle play
The cumulative effect of the play -- its timing, how it unfolded and finally its eventual impact on the outcome of the game -- couldn't have been scripted any better for the Giants.
"That's really what it comes down to is making the play," said Tyree, who finished with three receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. "Eli [Manning] did an unbelievable job. I honestly don't know how he got the out of it. And when the ball is in the air you have to go get it. That's the job."
While it remains one play in a game of many plays, its impact was clearly felt by both teams.
"The ball just didn't bounce our way," said Harrison. "We had the guy for a sack and he slips us and he throws a Hail Mary up and the guy comes down with the ball and the ball is falling out of his hands. It was just incredible."
Incredible. For better or worse, for both teams.
