As the NFL approaches its highly anticipated golden anniversary Super Bowl, Yahoo Sports takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments in the game's history.

In our rankings, the moments go beyond the great scores and plays. We also take a look at entertainment performances, scandals/controversies and other events associated with corresponding Super Bowls.

Here's a look at moment No. 23:

Eli threads one to Manningham

View photos Mario Manningham makes a catch on the sidelines against the Patriots. (Getty) More

The first time the New England Patriots lost a Super Bowl to the New York Giants, a fortuitous throw-and-catch factored heavily into the result.

The second time, there was another crucial throw-and-catch, only this one wasn't secured with headgear.

No, this time there was only the ice-cold execution it takes to repeat history against Bill Belichick and Tom Brady's Patriots juggernaut. And as impressive as Mario Manningham's 38-yard sideline reception was in the waning minutes of Super Bowl XLVI, Eli Manning's throw is what really made this one of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history.

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More Most Memorable Super Bowl Moments:

• No. 24 | No. 25 | Nos. 26-30 | Nos. 31-35 | Nos. 36-40

Nos. 41-45 | Nos. 46-50



• NEXT (Jan. 7): No. 22



Dogged and inflexible for most of the evening, New York's defense forced a punt that gave the ball back to Manning at his own 12-yard line with three minutes, 46 seconds remaining. That was plenty of time to get into field-goal range, and that's all the Giants needed, trailing 17-15 at that point. But that's not what they sought. There was no playing it safe.

Manning received a low shotgun snap, scanned right, took a couple steps forward – and within a fraction of a second of looking left, casually chucked a perfect pass into Manningham's hands down the left sideline.

"I am in awe of the throw," wrote veteran NFL scribe Peter King, who was stunned by the play's brilliant audacity. "How did Manning make that throw? Why make that throw? Why did he pick the target of the guy with the corner in coverage and a safety flying over to crush Manningham?"

Turns out, it was a mix of feel and recognition.

Manningham ran a go route on Patriots cornerback Sterling Moore, getting a step along with outside position. Patriots safety Patrick Chung rocketed into the play from the side at the very end, but he was too late to make a difference.

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