The perfect time for your first career NFL interception. https://t.co/pjoJjIB8p5
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 5, 2016
The Game Sealing Interception
Rookie cornerback Eli Apple‘s first career interception gave the Giants’ offense great field position with a chance to cut their deficit to one score early in the fourth quarter. However, after New York crossed into Steelers’ territory, their drive started to stall.On their second set of downs, the Giants offense gained just two yards – which were ultimately lost due to an Ereck Flowers false start. Facing a 4th & 13 situation, Manning took a shot deep to a wide open Sterling Shepard in the end zone.
Pressure from pass rusher Bud Dupree flushed Manning from the pocket. After being forced to roll out to his right, Manning finds Shepard open in the end zone, but rushes the throw to him.
Rather than setting his feet and throwing, Manning makes the pass on the run, resulting in an under-thrown ball. Shepard has no chance to make the catch and Steelers’ corner Sean Davis makes his own first career interception with ease.
Manning has struggled all season connecting with his receivers on the deep ball. Big Blue has left a lot of points on the board due to his inaccuracies when airing it.
Trying to make this throw while still moving only made matters worse, and the result killed any chances of a Giants’ comeback in the game. A seasoned veteran like Manning shouldn’t be making ill-advised mistakes like this.
