Manning hits Cruz control for win
Giants' quarterback finds his receiver in the dying seconds of the game to pip the Redskins
The emotions inside MetLife Stadium were extremely high when the football left Eli Manning's right hand.
With 83 seconds remaining and the outcome of a "must-win game" hanging in the balance, Mathias Kiwanuka prayed Victor Cruz had enough speed to run under it.
Jayron Hosley hoped for redemption, considering he had been beaten by Santana Moss and a spectacular Robert Griffin III throw for a go-ahead score moments earlier.
Cruz had blown past the two defenders assigned to cover him and sensed victory would be coming the Giants' way as long as he made the catch.
Meanwhile, Manning - the player ultimately responsible for making the whole thing happen - saw none of that. He was on the ground, having been knocked down by Redskins defensive end Stephen Bowen, and did not get to watch Cruz finish off their 77-yard connection until replays of the decisive touchdown in the 27-23 triumph over the Redskins were shown on the scoreboard.
"I didn't see the ball get caught," Manning said. "I just kind of heard the cheers and thought that's probably a good sign. I got up in time to see [Cruz] running into the end zone, so it was a good feeling."