20-5 and faced third-and-goal from the Patriots page 1 line, the Giants have made the decision. With just 19 seconds left on the clock and no timeouts remaining, New York is not the risk of running the ball. Should the Giants failed to score, there might be enough time to rush the field goal unit came out to try to kick tied the game.
So, New York was forced to pass. And the Patriots knew it was coming. But Manning led the Giants to the line of scrimmage in tight formation jumbo, signaling a run as possible. Manning faked handoff Tracy White assigned Ballard but little in the play action. White missteps allowed Ballard some breathing room, and it is open in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
Ballard is not one of Manning's favorite target–he's averaging less than three receptions per game-but he made his opportunities count. Captures wins the game will ever be possible had he not extended drive with a spectacular third-down take five plays before.
David Tyree in 2008. Jake Ballard in 2011. Both made impressive catches on to the Giants in a Patriot, and each wears no. 85 while doing it. Call it a repetition of history itself … or call it the magic jersey.