Eli Manning hadn't been able to find much downfield in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 NFC Championship Game. But the fourth quarter has been Manning's forte all year, and his scoring strike to Mario Manningham midway through the fourth quarter against the Niners put the Giants up, 17-14.
With Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz locked down, Manning stepped up and threw a rope to Manningham, who went airborne to make the catch and came down with it fully secured.
The 17-yard reception was Manningham's first of the day, and could scarcely have been better-timed: the Niners had dominated the second half to that point, and the Giants were facing a field goal try that would have felt like a squandered opportunity after New York got the ball in Niners territory after recovering a punt touched by Kyle Williams.
Instead, they have the lead.
For updates and analysis on these teams throughout the 2012 NFC Championship Game, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation, Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York and SB Nation Bay Area. Don't forget to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for all your playoff news.