What's the Name of that Manning-Tyree Play?

Photos of David Tyree catching the ball with Rodney Harrison defending in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLII by AP/Charlie Riedel (left) and AP/Gene Puskar (right)

You’ve seen it a thousand times by now and it’s clearly the biggest play in Giants history. Eli Manning drops back, somehow escapes three different Patriots from sacking him and then heaves the ball downfield. David Tyree jumps up, pins the ball against his forehead and somehow brings it down without losing control with Rodney Harrison all over him. Yes, you can see it in your mind, but what do you call it?

Some have suggested “The Catch”, but that name was taken 26-years ago by Dwight Clark. “The Immaculate Reception” has also been used but both also fail to capture the essence of the play. As amazing as the catch was, Eli’s escape was just as important. Any good name has to incorporate both elements of the play. And, for those of you creatively-inclined; you have two different contests you can enter to name the play. Some of our favorites are “David and Eliath”, “Havoc to Helmet” and “The Hail Manning”.

And while the catch will always be remembered, the Giants got some good news in their efforts to defend their title next season. Steve Spagnuolo has told the team that he will return next year as defensive coordinator. Spags, designed the blitzing defense that the Giants used to win the Super Bowl so having him back in charge is a big plus.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Peter Trinkle in News on February 7, 2008 12:34 PM

Comments [rss]

Pedronyc

I've taken a liking to "The Velcro Helmet Play"

OchoCinco

"The Giant Snatch"...that is too funny, how about "the Greatest Play", check out this auction where some person bought a bunch of the names:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320215087318

OchoCinco

"The Giant Snatch"...that is too funny, how about "the Greatest Play", check out this auction where some person bought a bunch of the names:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320215087318

TKaisen

All this stuff is stupid. It will earn a name like all these other plays earn a name. People will call it something and eventually something will stick.

Guest

The Giant Snatch? Um. Heh! Heh! Heh! Whoa! That's an awesome name, Butthead!

EastRiver

If porn's mainstream, why are people offended by American Apparel ads?

A few raving mad activists do not speak for the whole country. Billions of dollars in porn sales must say something. There are still plenty of people in this country that like their smut at home and not on a billboard. Just sayin'

Pharmer

"The Giant Snatch"? iIn a country that abhors the porn industry, this has been accepted into history?

What country do you live in? I live in America where porn is mainstream."

>_> What part of America that? If porn's mainstream, why are people offended by American Apparel ads?

Some of the ads in Europe and Japan are insane, they would cause in uproar in the US.

sfslinky

How about that's just "Manny being Manny?" When they made that play I just KNEW they HAD to do it otherwise we were all going to get ill. Once plax planted their defensive back with nothing more than a head fake, 8000 hours of NFL films cliched documentation went straight into the dumpster....see till the very end the patriots got 'em destroying the tapes. As for Brady giggling at the concept of the pats only scoring 17 points... keep staring down at that take out menu built into your wrist band fool and make sure to order extra pancakes for the moo-shoo.

iancurtisjackson

2 hands 1 helmet

hillbillycool

how bout the "WTF!!!"

hillbillycool

how bout the "WTF!!!"

hillbillycool

how bout the "WTF!!!"

EastRiver

"The Giant Snatch"? iIn a country that abhors the porn industry, this has been accepted into history?

What country do you live in? I live in America where porn is mainstream.

rlb

the play

ellenacoffey

Seems so obvious--it should be Manning from Heaven.

FrankMartin

"THE PINCH" or "THE GIANT PINCH".

You see he pinched the ball between hands and helmet and the Giants just pinched the Super Bowl.

For the lovers of alliteration try "THE PERFECT PINCH"

ed_Extinct

"The Giant Snatch"? iIn a country that abhors the porn industry, this has been accepted into history?

How about HOLY FUCKING SHIT... WHAT A CATCH!