For 19 seconds, it was RG3's day. The rookie quarterback had just thrown a 30-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss to give the Redskins a 23-20 lead over the Giants with just 1:32 left. But New York has this guy, Eli Manning, who is pretty good at late-game heroics.
After throwing an incompletion on first and 10 from the Giants' own 23-yard line, the two-time Super Bowl MVP showed why he's in the elite class of quarterbacks by launching a 77-yard touchdown pass to wideout Victor Cruz.
Cruz was lined up in the slot on Manning's right side and sprinted right past Washington's Josh Wilson. The Redskins' cornerback might have assumed that he was going to get help from safety Madieu Williams, but Cruz ran right by him as well and caught Manning's pass beyond the 50-yard line. He was also well beyond the Redskins' secondary and easily ran into the end zone.
Salsa time.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, it was Manning's longest fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown pass of his career and the eighth game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime since the start of last season (most in NFL).
"We've been really good at over the years is two-minute drives when the game is on the line and making plays when we need to make plays," Manning said after the game. "Great route by Victor, great decision. I had good protection and was able to put it up there and he ran under it to get the touchdown."
On the receiving end, Cruz is now tied for most touchdown receptions of 70 yards or more over the last 10 seasons with six, per ESPN Stats and Information. He is tied with Greg Jennings, Lee Evans and Terrell Owens.
"With our offense with Eli at the helm, we're never too worried," Cruz said. "We know that no matter what situation wer'e in, no matter how many points we need or a field goal, we have the confidence that we can do it. We know we just have a lot of confidence in each other and in Eli and I think it shows on the field."
The Giants improved to 5-2 and remain atop the NFC East.
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