4. Division Clinching Heroics vs. Dallas
The Giants hosted the Cowboys in Week 17 of the 2011 season in a winner-take-all game. At 9-6, Dallas needed to win in New Jersey to clinch the NFC East. At 8-7, a Giants win (and a 2-0 tiebreaker in the head to head matchup) would give them an identical result.
Cruz made two enormous plays during this game. First, he opened the scoring with a 74-yard touchdown. The Giants lead would grow to 21-0, but Dallas roared back, making it 21-14. Cruz was called upon again, making a spectacular leaping 44-yard catch over cornerback Orlando Scandrick to set the Giants up in Cowboys territory.
They finished off Dallas, 31-14, which allowed them to enter the postseason, and ultimately win the Super Bowl. Cruz’ heroics in Week 17 have to make the list, due to the sheer magnitude of the moment.
