On Sunday, the New York Giants and Eli Manning defeated the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. To some, it was the first win the Giants had recorded since Week 4.
But most importantly, it was quite possibly Eli Manning's final game in front of the New York faithful. The 38-year-old quarterback delivered a performance that was a perfect display of what his career resembles.
While he threw three interceptions, Manning completed two touchdowns to lead New York to a 36-20 win. With Sunday's game possibly being Manning's final home game, there's no better time to reflect on the top clutch performances of his NFL career.
5. 2011 NFC Divisional Round vs. the Green Bay Packers
Back in 2011, the Green Bay Packers were regarded as the best team in the NFC. During the regular season, the Packers were able to go 15-1 and secure the No. 1 seed in the conference; getting a first-round bye week.
Along with Green Bay's impressive record, Aaron Rodgers took home the NFL's MVP Award in 2011. There didn't seem to be anyone or anything that was going to prevent the Packers from representing the NFC in the Super Bowl.
After getting a week to rest, the Packers hosted the Giants in the NFC Divisional Round at Lambeau Field. In a hostile environment, Manning delivered a memorable performance.
The Giants came into this game as the fourth seed in the NFC and dominated Green Bay in their own building. Manning finished the game with 330 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception to help New York advance to the NFC Championship Game.
4. 2007 NFC Championship Game vs. the Green Bay Packers
The 2011 NFC Divisional Round wasn't the first game that Manning got the best of the Packers. Only this rime, Manning squared off against Brett Favre in what would be his final game in a Packers' uniform.
Similarly to the 2011 meeting, Green Bay was heavily favored to defeat the Giants at home. The Giants' franchise quarterback had other plans as he aided New York's efforts to take down the Favre-led Packers.
Despite not throwing a touchdown, Manning made a few crucial passes to give the Giants a chance to win the game. An interception in overtime by Corey Webster helped set up a Lawrence Tynes game-winning field goal to send New York to the Super Bowl.
3. 2011 NFC Championship Game vs. the San Francisco 49ers
Yet again, Manning entered the 2011 NFC Championship game versus the San Francisco 49ers as an underdog. The 49ers had won 13 games in the regular season and Alex Smith had them in position to possibly play in a Super Bowl.
Smith completed 12 of his 26 attempts for 196 yards and two touchdowns. San Francisco heavily leaned on Frank Gore, who carried 22 times for 119 yards.
At the same time, Ahmad Brashaw was a vital factor for New York's offense, totaling 126 yards on 26 touches. While Bradshaw was great, Manning was phenomenal. He completed 32 passes for 316 yards and two scores.
The Giants' all-time passing leader was able to convert a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to give his team a 17-14 lead. New York prevailed 20-17 in overtime to make another Super Bowl.
2. Super Bowl XLVI vs. the New England Patriots
Following the overtime win over the 49ers, Manning and the Giants would get a chance to go face-to-face with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots for the second time in his career. The Giants' quarterback wasn't going to let the fans in New York down.
Despite the defense playing well, New York trailed in the final minutes. The Giants needed Manning to deliver.
Manning led the way. The veteran signal-caller produced 296 yards and one touchdown as he secured his second Super Bowl ring.
1. Super Bowl XLII vs. the New England Patriots
Everyone knows that Manning's most clutch game came during his first Super Bowl meeting versus the Patriots. New England entered the game with an undefeated record and they were chasing history to become the second team in NFL history to end the season with zero losses.
From the David Tyree helmet catch to the touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, Manning had an array of clutch plays in this game. For the first time in the Brady and Bill Belichick era, they weren't able to prevail in the Super Bowl.
By defeating the Patriots twice in the Super Bowl, Eli Manning is among a shortlist of quarterbacks who have defeated the Patriots twice in the postseason. This game will definitely help Manning's case of having his name reside in Canton for the rest of time.
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