Manning Scrambles Into History

Beating the Patriots took a healthy dose of improv
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 4, 2008 11:46 AM CST
Manning Scrambles Into History
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after his 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)   (Associated Press)

Facing a team and coach renowned for their preparation, Eli Manning did the smart thing: He improvised. Some of Manning’s most astounding plays in Super Bowl XLII didn’t appear in the playbook, and that includes the miraculous game-saving pass to David Tyree that saw Manning scramble as never before. No amount of spying could have prepared Tom Brady’s crew, writes ESPN’s John Clayton.

Manning’s 45-yard completion to Kevin Boss was another bootleg special. “They weren’t all in the game plan,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. “A bunch of them weren’t.” But Manning executed with poise many doubted he had. “This is where you want to be, honestly," the QB said of being down 14-10 with 2:39 left. "You couldn't write a better script.” (More Eli Manning stories.)

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