Giants legend Eli Manning adds 71st ‘big-time throw’ to PFF’s list

Even 15 years later, former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning‘s 2011 Super Bowl-winning campaign remains iconic, from his comebacks to his “big-time throws,” as Pro Football Focus (PFF) measures.

Big Blue Vault reminded fans that Manning had 70 “big-time throws” during his 2011 season, according to PFF. That is the most by any quarterback in a single season recorded by PFF.

Manning wanted to suggest another one. He asked, “Did you count the corner route to [Hakeem] Nicks at Dallas in the 4th Quarter?” If they didn’t, he thinks the number should be 71, not 70 “big-time throws.”

Here you go @EliManning. #71 to @hakeemnicks just before the TD to @TheJakeBallard https://t.co/lhP2bPK4pv pic.twitter.com/WjAXtSDsxs

— BigBlueVCR (@BigBlueVCR) June 22, 2026

Luckily for those who don’t remember the play, BigBlueVCR posted the video on X, formerly Twitter. The touchdown pass came at a crucial point in the game. The Giants, with their playoff hopes on the line, were down by 12 points with just over 3:30 left in the game.

On a 1st & 5, Manning rolled out to his right. He lofted a pass to Nicks on the sideline, who made a toe-tap catch in double coverage. This was one of Nicks’ eight catches in the game. He logged 163 yards.

Giants QB Eli Manning’s stellar 2011 Super Bowl-winning season

Manning might not be a Hall of Famer (yet), but he had a superb 2011 campaign. He was clutch, leading the team to five fourth quarter comebacks.

He also passed for a career-high 4,933 yards that year, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt (another career-high). Manning also had 29 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions that year.

The Giants won the NFC East in 2011, going 9-7 during the regular season. Manning then led the Giants to four playoff wins, beating the Atlanta Falcons, the No. 1 seed Green Bay Packers, and the No. 2 seed San Francisco 49ers on their way to the Super Bowl.

At the Super Bowl, Manning beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots for the second time in four years. He was named MVP of the Super Bowl for the second time. Manning completed 75% of his passes in the game and passed for 296 yards and one touchdown. During the postseason, he passed for 1,219 yards (still an NFL record), nine touchdowns, and one interception.

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