Manningham Catch in SB XLVI
Manningham Catch in SB XLVI
February 5, 2012

Manningham Catch in SB XLVI

"Manningham had no choice but to receive it." - Tiya Sircar

The first play of the New York Giants’ final possession in Super Bowl XLVI against the Patriots was also its most magnificent – and difficult – and set the tone for their game-winning drive. Losing 17-15 to the Patriots with just 3:46 left in the game, held in Indianapolis in early February 2012, the Giants were snapping from their own 12. Eli Manning went back to pass and lofted a throw down the left sideline intended for wide receiver Mario Manningham, who had a half-step on his defender, Sterling Moore. But Patriots safety Patrick Chung was right there, closing fast – and the ball was now headed over Manningham’s shoulder. Manning’s pass threaded the needle between the two defenders and landed softly into the hands of Manningham, who was immediately knocked out of bounds at the 50, still holding the ball. New England challenged the ruling that the pass had been complete, but the call – that Manningham had gotten both feet down and maintained possession for a 38-yard catch – was upheld. The QB and receiver hooked up for two more receptions on the drive, which culminated in a game-winning Ahmad Bradshaw rushing TD with 1:04 to go.