The clutch gene.
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Some players have it. Some don't. This is the time of the year we find out.
As the divisional round of the NFL postseason kicks off this weekend, former player and current NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks unveiled his top 10 clutch playoff performances of all time.
And while the Giants will have to wait another year for a shot to add to the list, two of the great franchise quarterbacks made the cut this time.
Eli Manning's MVP performance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI ranked the highest at No. 6.
"Everyone remembers the spectacular pass to Mario Manningham down the boundary," Brooks said. "But really I got to give him credit for the entire game…He always saves his best for the final game of the season, particularly when it's in the Super Bowl."
The second to make the list, at No. 9, was the Super Bowl XXI performance by Phil Simms, whose 150.9 passer rating and 88.0 completion percentage remain Super Bowl records.
"[That] is tough to do when you're playing Pop-A-Shot," Brooks said. "Imagine doing it on the field. Phil Simms deserves a spot on this list because he was so clutch in that game."
Here is a complete list of the top 10 clutch playoff performances, according to Brooks.
10. Marcus Allen vs. Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII
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20 rushes, 191 yards, 2 TD*
9. Phil Simms vs. Broncos in Super Bowl XXI
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88.0 completion percentage, 150.9 passer rating (Super Bowl records)*
8. A.J. Duhe vs. Jets in 1982 AFC Championship Game
3 INT, INT returned for Touchdown
7. John Elway vs. Browns in 1986 AFC Championship Game
244 passing yards, TD, INT, 56 rush yards
6. Eli Manning vs. Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI
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75.0 completion percentage, 296 yards, TD, 103.8 passer rating*
5. Kurt Warner vs. Packers in 2009 NFC Wild Card
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87.9 completion percentage, 379 pass yards, 5 TD, 154.1 passer rating*
4. Frank Reich vs. Oilers in 1992 AFC Wild Card
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289 pass yards, 4 TD, INT, 115.9 passer rating*
3. Kellen Winslow vs. Dolphins in 1981 Divisional Playoff
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13 rec, 166 yards, TD, blocked FG*
2. Jerry Rice vs. Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII
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11 rec, 215 yards (Super Bowl record), TD*
1. Tom Brady vs. Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII
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32-48, 354 yards, 3 TD, INT, 100.5 passer rating
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