Ballard makes statement for Giants
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) reaches for a catch against the defense of New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) in the first quarter. (Nov. 6, 2011) Credit: AP
FOXBORO, Mass. -- Truth be told, Jake Ballard had a few doubters on his own team.
Some guys just weren't convinced the young tight end had what it took to be a Giant. They wondered if Ballard, who was signed as a free agent out of Ohio State and shuttled between the practice squad and active roster last season, could ever be called upon in a big spot.
Said running back Brandon Jacobs, "I was a man and told him, 'I didn't believe in you.' "
Some will argue that Sunday's stunner at Gillette Stadium was a statement game for the Giants, but in many ways, their 24-20 win over the New England Patriots said more about Ballard.
With the Giants trailing 20-17 and 1:07 left, the tight end willed his team to victory. On their final drive, he snagged a 28-yard pass on third-and-10 before sealing the win with a 1-yard TD catch with 15 seconds to go.
"As soon as I turned around, 'E' was ready to throw," the 6-6, 275-pound Ballard said of Eli Manning's perfect throw. "I was lucky to be in the right spot."
Although Ballard caught the winner, it was his 28-yard grab between two defenders that resurrected memories of Super Bowl XLII. Sure, it wasn't "The Catch." But he does share the same number with David Tyree (85).
"I knew we were going to win [after that catch]," Jacobs said. "It kind of brought me back to the Super Bowl. When we make the catch in the middle of the field, an outstanding catch, going on to score to win -- we got it."
"It was almost surreal," said Ballard, who had four catches for 67 yards. "I knew I had a touchdown, but I guess I didn't realize it until I was celebrating with my teammates on the sidelines. It was crazy. Everybody was hooting and hollering and celebrating [in the locker room]. And coach Coughlin had a smile on his face. It was priceless."
The tight end steadily has come into his own this season, recording 203 yards on 13 catches during the Giants' three straight wins. In recent weeks, opponents have been forced to take notice -- and now Ballard's sure to command a lot more.
"To see him score that touchdown and get the first down we needed so badly, it was awesome," said his good friend, Giants receiver Victor Cruz.
Ballard got his bell rung by linebacker Brandon Spikes after catching an 8-yard pass down the middle midway through the first quarter, but he held on to the ball. "I didn't see it coming," Ballard said, smiling. "He hit me pretty good."
Said fellow receiver Ramses Barden: "Jake worked so hard and he battled throughout. He took some big shots and held on to the ball. It was only fitting that he was able to come up with the game-winning touchdown."
