5. 2011 Divisional Playoff Win in Lambeau – January 15, 2012
After an up and down 2011 season, the New York Giants got hot at the right time toward the end of their schedule. The offense and defense began clicking and the eventual 2011 Super Bowl Champs were able to maintain their hot streak as they traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin for a Divisional Playoff game against QB Aaron Rodgers and the Pack.
Highlighted by a dominant first half, capped off by a 37-yard Hail Mary TD pass to former Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks to send them into halftime, the Giants defense dominated the leagues defending 2010 Super Bowl Champs while their offense posted 20 points to their opponents 10.
The Giants would go on to win 37-20 with Manning finishing 21-for-33, with 330 passing yards, and 3 TDs to catapult his team to their second NFC Conference Championship in four years. It was also the second time in four years Manning had entered legendary Lambeau Field against a star quarterback as the ultimate underdog, and left the decisive winner.
But that’s the legacy of Eli Manning. Under exceptional coaching from Tom Coughlin, Manning and the ice-water in his veins allowed him to tune out all the noise and carry his team to where they need to be when the money was on the line.
It was a performance that continues to reaffirm the fact that Eli Manning was an elite quarterback in the NFL during his career, even if his elite level of play still doesn’t convince the naysayers.