Bodog Beat

Eli Manning rallied the Giants, stunned the Patriots and won the Super Bowl MVP award. (AP Images)

People have questioned the legitimacy of his pedigree, his work ethic, his intelligence and his worth to the New York Giants. Eli Manning, though, is Archie’s son and Peyton’s brother. He proved as much Sunday night that he’s in the same class as his father and dad by putting together a Super Bowl-winning drive NFL fans will never forget.

Trailing 14-10 with 2:42 to go, Manning strung together a shocking 83-yard, 12-play drive that included a great escape from what appeared to be a sure sack. The 27-year-old quarterback scrambled and launched a ball 30 yards down field that was hauled in by David Tyree at the Patriots’ 24. Manning then hit Steve Smith on another third down to get the ball to the 14. Following that play, Manning connected with his favorite, target, Plaxico Burress for the winning score.

“That’s where you want to be, a chance to win the game,” Manning said about the winning drive. His heroics capped the 17-14 victory in Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Ariz., as the Giants won as 11-point underdogs.

The win was the Giants’ third championship. It also denied the Patriots a perfect season and allowed the Mannings to celebrate another title (Peyton’s Colts won last year).

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