"The Catch".....dare we steal the phrase?

[DMWSackMachine]

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I don't know what y'alls reaction was, but I am simply flabbergasted at the grab that Tyree made on the game winning drive.

I mean, in an age where hyperbole is out of control everywhere you look, the strongest statement I have heard in regard to this play was "it might be one of the best plays in Super Bowl history..."

EXCUSE ME? Here is a catch that 1) is as remarkable a pure "catch" as you will ever see, with the defender trying his balls off to push the ball through the receiver's hands, before WWE-ing the guy across his knee, all while the WR is pinning the ball against his helmet WITH ONE HAND AND somehow managing to prevent the ball from hitting the turf; 2) occurred during the waning minutes of a Super Bowl, with his team down by 4 points, needing a TD, and facing a 4th and long conversion inside their own territory if he doesn't make it.....and that doesn't even include the amazing escape that Eli makes to get the ball off in the first place!!(I'm working myself into a frenzy here)....3) immediatly leads to the game winning score against a previously unbeaten (and supposedly unbeatable) team that is gunning for "best of all time" honors.

Does that cover it? I mean, honestly, what play can you name off of the top of your head that has more going for it? I say that this might be the greatest catch in NFL history--certainly the best that I have witnessed.

Maybe we should come up with a new name for it, but its easily a more noteworthy and remarkable play than what Dwight Clark did, so why not?

[thetedginnshow]

I don't think it's close to being the same as Clark's catch, and the more impressive part of that play was when Eli somehow got out of that jumble.

[d34ng3l021]

I think the play should be called the Great Escape cause of Eli's part in that play. I think that was more impressive than the catch personally.

[BlindSite]

I think Eli's "The scramble" was more impressive.

[Dam8610]

I think "The Great Escape" would be more fitting. Eli escaped about 5 sacks on that play.

[Ness]

Well I don't think so. I'll admit that I'm biased, however that catch in the 1981 NFC Championship isn't necessarily remembered for how spectacular it was. it was an impressive catch, but there have been far better ones in NFL history. It's remembered for putting the 49ers in the Super Bowl and finally getting over Dallas after losing to them time and time again in the 70's, starting their dominance in the 80's...while Dallas didn't get back to the Super Bowl for at least another decade. That's why it's so important and retains that name.

[yo123]

I'm glad the catch is getting some attention here, after the play that was the part that really amazed me.

[sup3rdup3r]

Well I don't think so. I'll admit that I'm biased, however that catch in the 1981 NFC Championship isn't necessarily remembered for how spectacular it was. it was an impressive catch, but there have been far better ones in NFL history. It's remembered for putting the 49ers in the Super Bowl and finally getting over Dallas after losing to them time and time again in the 70's, starting their dominance in the 80's...while Dallas didn't get back to the Super Bowl for at least another decade. That's why it's so important and retains that name.

Ditto. The "catch" has very little to do with the catch itself, but rather what it represents. We don't know what this super bowl holds for the giants, so it would be hard to put it on par with that, but I do think that was one of the greatest plays I've ever seen in my life. Maybe "the scramble", who knows.

[Vikes99ej]

"The Great Escape" sounds nice to me.

[DMWSackMachine]

Excuse me?

Don't get me wrong, Eli getting out of the sack was a real wow moment, one that stands on its own as an all time great moment.....but Tyree catching that ball was something that you will only see a handful of times in your life.

How many times this year have we seen QBs get out of sticky situations like that? But I can't remember a better catch this year in any game,....and maybe not even in the last several.

[d34ng3l021]

Eh. How many times do you see Eli Manning, or any QB weasel his way away from 4 defenders?

[DMWSackMachine]

So you're telling me that a catch that ends one dynasty and starts another, while sending a team to its first Super Bowl is bigger than a catch that 1) WINS the Super Bowl, 2) Ends the only 19-0 bid in NFL history and 3) is faaaar more impressive athletically?

I'm not trying to buzz kill it by comparing it to Clark. My point is that this was the most amazing catch I have seen in a loooong while, and it happened to have occurred IN a Super Bowl, in the waning minutes, and set up the game winning TD.

Plus, "the Great Escape" is not indigenous enough to football to carry the distinction that this moment is worth of, having been used tons of times in other genres.

I'm telling you, this should and likely will go down as one of the legendary moments in all the annals of this great game we love.

[sup3rdup3r]

Excuse me?

Don't get me wrong, Eli getting out of the sack was a real wow moment, one that stands on its own as an all time great moment.....but Tyree catching that ball was something that you will only see a handful of times in your life.

How many times this year have we seen QBs get out of sticky situations like that? But I can't remember a better catch this year in any game,....and maybe not even in the last several.

Were you responding to me? I'm not sure. I should have clarified my post a little more. Dwight Clarks "the catch" had very little to do with the catch itself, but what more about what it represents. The fall of the cowboys(in the 80's), the rise of the niners 5 super bowls victories etc etc. I wasn't discrediting the super bowl catch, but I'm just saying, Clarks catch is more than the catch itself.

[Scotty D]

I bet we will see a couple names thrown out there in the papers tomorrow. I like "The Escape" or "The Great Escape" though. I don't know maybe they will make something better.

[yo123]

To be honest I "saw the escape" as more ****** tackling than Eli Manning escaping.

[OzTitan]

How about "The Play" ? or "The Completion" ? I feel "The Catch" doesn't give justice to the play Eli made prior to launching it down field.

[yo123]

How about "The Play" ? or "The Completion" ? I feel "The Catch" doesn't give justice to the play Eli made prior to launching it down field.



"The Play"= Stanford Cal

[Scotty D]

And this was more impressive then McNabb's scramble on Monday Night Football right? I think it ended in a long completion to TO.

[LonghornsLegend]

Look who caught the ball, David frickin Tyree, yea thats who...Thats how you knew it was time for the ball to go in someone else's court and not the Pats, during the reg season nothing like that happens...Harrison played excellent defense on that play, couldnt of been better, it was just time for the run to end

[Flyboy]

"The Great Escape" ftw.

[Dam8610]

Plus, "the Great Escape" is not indigenous enough to football to carry the distinction that this moment is worth of, having been used tons of times in other genres.

It's still the most memorable part of that play. There's not one person who thought Eli Manning wouldn't be sacked on that play, so just to get the throw off by itself was an amazing play. The catch was amazing too, but it never happens if Eli doesn't escape the pressure. Hence, "The Great Escape".

[Scotty D]

I would like to see the catch incorporated into the phrase though. Because it was just a notch below the escape by Manning. I'm sure one clever sports writer across teh nation will help us out.

[OzTitan]

Well, "The Completion" kinda covers it all, as a completion means more than just a catch.

[49ersfan_87]

The Catch will always remain part of 49er and NFL folklore. No way will the meaning change after 26 years. Hell, there's even a Catch 2 (Terrell Owens catch against Green Bay in 1998.

I like what everyone else has been suggesting, "The Great Escape"

[adamprez2003]

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I don't know what y'alls reaction was, but I am simply flabbergasted at the grab that Tyree made on the game winning drive.

I mean, in an age where hyperbole is out of control everywhere you look, the strongest statement I have heard in regard to this play was "it might be one of the best plays in Super Bowl history..."

EXCUSE ME? Here is a catch that 1) is as remarkable a pure "catch" as you will ever see, with the defender trying his balls off to push the ball through the receiver's hands, before WWE-ing the guy across his knee, all while the WR is pinning the ball against his helmet WITH ONE HAND AND somehow managing to prevent the ball from hitting the turf; 2) occurred during the waning minutes of a Super Bowl, with his team down by 4 points, needing a TD, and facing a 4th and long conversion inside their own territory if he doesn't make it.....and that doesn't even include the amazing escape that Eli makes to get the ball off in the first place!!(I'm working myself into a frenzy here)....3) immediatly leads to the game winning score against a previously unbeaten (and supposedly unbeatable) team that is gunning for "best of all time" honors.

Does that cover it? I mean, honestly, what play can you name off of the top of your head that has more going for it? I say that this might be the greatest catch in NFL history--certainly the best that I have witnessed.

Maybe we should come up with a new name for it, but its easily a more noteworthy and remarkable play than what Dwight Clark did, so why not?


Greatest single play I have ever seen in the Super Bowl. Words fail

[someone447]

http://i8.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/d4/20/ce33_1.JPG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_dQrqiFIKI

Two catches I think are better than this one. Not better plays, just better catches.

Now a play that rivals this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnfbKKvUG9Q&feature=related
The Immaculate Reception.

[d34ng3l021]

I have always seen the Immaculate reception and heard so much about it, but what were the circumstances during that play?

[someone447]

I have always seen the Immaculate reception and heard so much about it, but what were the circumstances during that play?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Reception

[d34ng3l021]

Ridiculous.

[Forenci]

Just remember, every time you use the phrase "The Great Escape", you owe d34ng3l0 and I money. I'm just saying. It's being copyrighted as we speak.

Pay us! Now!

In all seriousness though, it was a spectacular effort by Tyree. I think it's a great catch in it's own right. However, you throw in The Great Escape (cha-ching) and it becomes one of the best plays in Super Bowl history.

Of course, I'm probably bias.

[Flyboy]

Bullcrap. I want in on TGE too.

[Ness]

So you're telling me that a catch that ends one dynasty and starts another, while sending a team to its first Super Bowl is bigger than a catch that 1) WINS the Super Bowl, 2) Ends the only 19-0 bid in NFL history and 3) is faaaar more impressive athletically?

I'm not trying to buzz kill it by comparing it to Clark. My point is that this was the most amazing catch I have seen in a loooong while, and it happened to have occurred IN a Super Bowl, in the waning minutes, and set up the game winning TD.

Plus, "the Great Escape" is not indigenous enough to football to carry the distinction that this moment is worth of, having been used tons of times in other genres.

I'm telling you, this should and likely will go down as one of the legendary moments in all the annals of this great game we love.

Bottom line is that it's not going take the name "The Catch" away. That has already been set in stone and represents something great in it's own regard. Whether you believe it's better or worse than what we witnessed tonight is simply one person's opinion.

[wogitalia]

I said out loud when Eli somehow got out and launched the ball that if someone catches it the Giants win.

But I think that play is bigger than that. That is a career defining play for Eli, he now has done something that his brother hasnt, he has made the play that won his team a superbowl, Peyton bascially got an MVP by default, Eli won it.

That play was the highlight of the game, probably the best play of the season.

[Gay Ork Wang]

When i saw him pulled by Adalius Thomas i was like: ******* throw it away or make a shuffle pass... but what then happened...WOW.

It shouldnt be the scramble because, well he didnt scramble alot. The Catch? No . Dont disrespect the 9ners and Eli Manning. The Great Escape? Yes. I mean wasnt it Eli who kept the play going?

[Thunder&Lightning]

One of the most amazing plays in super bowl history. I dont think it will be as remembered as many of the others because it did not end the game on that moment. But, it sure is one of the greatest.

[OzTitan]

Won't take credit for this, got it from another board, but I think "The Perfect Reception" (although I still say 'Completion' is more universal for the entire play) has a bit of character to it and dual meaning - basically, the reception that killed the Pats' chance at perfection or at least the peak moment of the drive that did, and secondly, it was anything but a perfect passing play that did it.

Or for that matter, maybe "The Imperfect Reception/Completion" to highlight the latter above meaning but it still references the Pats' quest for perfection by the sheer inclusion of the word perfect.

[Jughead10]

I'm just so happy for Tyree. First of all he, unexpectedly lost his mother a month ago. But besides that Tyree, is basically just a special team guy. I don't know why we never give him more plays on offense or a look as our #3 WR when guys were injured. Over the past 4 years, everytime David Tyree gots on the field, he makes plays.

[SaintsFanForLife]

I think both parts of the play were amazing we would not be talking about it if the catch was not made.And there would not be a catch if it were not for the great escape.

[Brent]

It is just plain silly how amazing that whole play was.

[NYGibril28]

how about, "The Improbable Reception"

Emphasizes how big of an upset this was, yeah, I could be a sportswriter.

G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bigbluedefense]

It so hard to pin that play on just one guy. That play was amazing by both Eli and Tyree. It was simply an amazing play, and probably the greatest play in SB history.

They should call it "The Play"

That entire drive was something else. Maybe its bc im in euphoria right now, but I still can't believe it. What a game.

[JK17]

That was such an insane catch I have no idea what to think about it...I was actually a little surprised they didn't call Eli down in the pocket for forward progress but oh well....

One of the best catches I can remember seeing recently.

[Number 10]

I'm calling that play "The Great Escape" in my next article.

[Gay Ork Wang]

It so hard to pin that play on just one guy. That play was amazing by both Eli and Tyree. It was simply an amazing play, and probably the greatest play in SB history.

They should call it "The Play"

That entire drive was something else. Maybe its bc im in euphoria right now, but I still can't believe it. What a game.
"The Play" --> Cal vs Stanford

[bigmac076]

I'm all for "The Great Escape". Everyone will know what play you mean, and everyone will know what ensues.

[bigbluedefense]

"The Play" --> Cal vs Stanford

Damn.

The thing is, it has to be a two word phrase. The Catch, The Drive, The Tackle, etc, they were all 2 word phrases.

What 2 words can describe this play in its entirety? I don't know if thats possible. The Escape doesn't discuss the incredible play made by Tyree. The Catch doesn't explain what Eli did.

What 2 words can describe both? This is a hard one.

[SubNoize]

It was a great play and "the great escape" fits it well, but I think people are just overhyping it a bit at this point, it's not the greatest SB play of all time, I can think of a couple more impressive plays and I don't even think that this was the toughest catch to make this year, yes the circumstances were the biggest, but I can think of one catch that would have been flat out harder to make and it was Ronald Curry against Minn. Getting popped from behind and being blanketed by 2 defenders, lost his helmet and still made the catch.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8044bca6

[d34ng3l021]

The Great Escape works so well. Dont know if there could be something to incorporate both the escape and the completion. Hm. I will get my brilliant mind on that.

[Gay Ork Wang]

"The Impossible" ? I mean impossible concerning ending the Perfect streak, making an impossible catch and making an impossible escape?

[d34ng3l021]

It was a great play and "the great escape" fits it well, but I think people are just overhyping it a bit at this point, it's not the greatest SB play of all time, I can think of a couple more impressive plays and I don't even think that this was the toughest catch to make this year, yes the circumstances were the biggest, but I can think of one catch that would have been flat out harder to make and it was Ronald Curry against Minn. Getting popped from behind and being blanketed by 2 defenders, lost his helmet and still made the catch.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8044bca6

The circumstances buddy. Thats what makes this just so amazing. This would have been another regular and amazing play if it were against the Vikings with nothing on the line.

This play was against the 18-0 Patriots with less than 2 minutes left while they are down by 4. Thats why this play goes down in history, and another of Roethlisberger or Romo's escapes dont.

[d34ng3l021]

"The Impossible" ? I mean impossible concerning ending the Perfect streak, making an impossible catch and making an impossible escape?

Its to vague. You know whats a cool name regarding the game or maybe the play or just in general? Imperfect Perfection. I think it just sounds cool, thats it. Kind of relates to the game.

[Gay Ork Wang]

well than again, The Dive, the Tackle, the Play...all kind vague :D

[d34ng3l021]

Well with those, you know what happened. Immaculate reception = amazing catch. The Tackle = amazing tackle. The Drive = amazing drive.

The Impossible = amazing ...

[bigbluedefense]

Well with those, you know what happened. Immaculate reception = amazing catch. The Tackle = amazing tackle. The Drive = amazing drive.

The Impossible = amazing ...

I like the impossible.

Another one is The Resiliency. I think that not only describes that play, but also the entire season. Just ripping off the intro that Fox did thats in my sig.

[SubNoize]

I kind of the like " The Shock and Awe." It fits the play pretty well if you break it down. I think all of America was stunned to see Eli break that sack and then everybody was amazed at how Tyree actually held onto the ball. It incorporates both actions that it took to make the play.

[AlexDown]

There seemed to be like 4 guys around him, did Eli really not see any other WRs that were more open? I really didn't see another angle but after an scramble like that, there usually always is someone wide open. Amazing play nonetheless.

[duckseason]

The great escape doesn't work. It doesn't describe the play accurately, and people won't know what you're talking about if you just mention it by name out of the blue.

Not sure there is a name you can come up with that both accurately describes it and does it justice, but I'll probably just refer to it as "Manning to Tyree" or "That Giant Play."

And I agree with DMW, that was the single greatest play I've ever seen in a Super Bowl. I jumped straight off the couch and just flipped out while watching the replay. It was unreal. It was amazing that the Pats failed to sack Eli, but that play was all Tyree. Manning just heaved up yet another desperation throw that he's lucky wasn't intercepted. Sure he escaped the inevitable, but without Tyree, people aren't singing Eli's praises.

[duckseason]

Just thought of another one-

"Third and Five."

The play was so damn great, that all you have to do is mention the down and distance and people should know exactly what you're talking about.

[DMWSackMachine]

How about "Juke and Dive"?

This deserves a special name, we are honor bounds as die-hards to not rest until we find one.

[bigbluedefense]

I read an espn article, where they dubbed it "The Catch II". Rather unoriginal if you ask me. It should be interesting to see what the official name of it will be.

[The Unseen]

I read an espn article, where they dubbed it "The Catch II". Rather unoriginal if you ask me. It should be interesting to see what the official name of it will be.

It's also been done, since Terrell Owens' catch vs. Green Bay is considered "The Catch II."

[bigbluedefense]

It's also been done, since Terrell Owens' catch vs. Green Bay is considered "The Catch II."

that was an amazing play too. i guess theyll dub this "the catch III" then. meh, come on espn, hire some better writers with more originality.

[ShutDwn]

Most amazing play I have seen ever. Based on the amazing escape by Eli, getting away from like three guys, the desperation heave, the catch pinned to the helmet, and then it is the Super Bowl on the last drive of the game down four.

You can not trump that, there have been amazing catches, amazing throws and runs, but I have never seen two such impossible individual plays in one.

[TimD]

Or maybe the "Giant Escape"

muwahaha

[Turtlepower]

I got it...

"The Catch heard round the world!"

Similar to the Giants winning the pennant with the "Shot Heard Round the World"

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

Man, that play was amazing. I had been rooting for the Patriots, so when I saw Eli about to get sacked, me and the 3 other guys in the room going for them jumped up and started cheering. Then we saw him get out of that and lob the throw up to him and we were all out of our seats going OH MY GOD. It was amazing. A fantastic super bowl.

[stl9erfan]

While Tyree's catch was certainly amazing and a key part to one of the biggest upsets in NFL history, I don't think it can take the place of "The Catch" ... yet. Of course, I am biased on this, but Dwight Clark's catch was the symbolic beginning of one dynasty and the end of another. It was also a catch for a touchdown, not just a first down, and in terms of sheer impressiveness, i'm not sure that Tyree's cradle against the top of the helmet was really that much more impressive than how high Clark jumped to snag that pass from Montana and still come down in the back corner of the endzone.

But, you know, I think it will be all about hindsight on this one. We can talk about this more if/when Eli goes on to win his fourth Super Bowl as a Giants starter and the Patriots have found themselves mired in a decade of mediocrity.

[cowboyz]

Or maybe the "Giant Escape"

muwahaha

yeah great escape is perfect.

[someone447]

Most amazing play I have seen ever. Based on the amazing escape by Eli, getting away from like three guys, the desperation heave, the catch pinned to the helmet, and then it is the Super Bowl on the last drive of the game down four.

You can not trump that, there have been amazing catches, amazing throws and runs, but I have never seen two such impossible individual plays in one.

Personally I like McNair's escape better(about 2 minutes in) but the catch puts it over the top.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1oK2xo2WK0&feature=related

[ShutDwn]

Personally I like McNair's escape better(about 2 minutes in) but the catch puts it over the top.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1oK2xo2WK0&feature=related

Had they scored, that may be the best. That play is pure insanity on Mcnair's part as well. Catching the back end of the ball by pinning it to your helmet is insane.

I think the fact that he is like the fourth string WR makes it crazier.

[FloridaFootball]

"The Great Escape"

[Forenci]

I'm calling that play "The Great Escape" in my next article.

I demand money for it. Haha.

I think the 'The Great Escape' was something I looked at more for the escape by Eli, as for the play as a whole - well that's a different story I guess.

How about.. 'The Perfect Play'?

I think that would be so fitting, considering it helped bring down the 'perfect Patriots'.

[bhaarat316]

I was thinking the same name the great escape, but then you remeber that great catch.

I think it should be called The Play or the end of perfection.

[bigbluedefense]

"The Imperfect Play"

it was just that, imperfect. nothing went right except the end result. protection broke down, the throw hung in the air, sloppy tackling by the Pats, the WR had to break off his route, everything went wrong except the end result.

Also, the play pretty much ended the perfect season. Making the Pats season, imperfect.

What you guys think?

[JT Jag]

"The Pass-And-Catch".

[sup3rdup3r]

How about "The giant snatch"

[DMWSackMachine]

Lawl, nice.

I was thinking......

...."TAPE THIS"

:)

[Forenci]

"The Imperfect Play"

it was just that, imperfect. nothing went right except the end result. protection broke down, the throw hung in the air, sloppy tackling by the Pats, the WR had to break off his route, everything went wrong except the end result.

Also, the play pretty much ended the perfect season. Making the Pats season, imperfect.

What you guys think?

Hmm. Not bad, not bad.

Although, the play did come at the perfect time, to bring down the 'perfect' team, and basically sparked the perfect upset.

Just food for thought.

Still, the 'Imperfect Play' is pretty funny, considering the circumstances.

[Xonraider]

That was not ''the catch'' more like.. ''The Play''

[Jughead10]

Some guys at a Giants website starting calling it "The Slip and Grip".

[Flyboy]

I will now refer to the play as "The OH ****!" since I'm sure that was everyone's reaction who was actually watching the game.

[P01ntb1ank]

Well me and my friends keep refering to it as "The Helmet Catch". While it is rather dull, it promptly describes the play and also is easily recognizable to others