Manning-Cruz TD pass keeps Dolphins winless

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Eli Manning threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz with 5:58 to play and the New York Giants barely avoided a post-bye letdown, keeping Miami winless with a 20-17 victory that might put more pressure on embattled Dolphins coach Tony Sparano.

Manning hit 31 of 45 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns in rallying the Giants from an 11-point first-half deficit. Mario Manningham caught the other touchdown, a 7-yard play which got New York (5-2) back into the game late in the first half.

Lawrence Tynes kicked two short field goals, and New York’s defense got four sacks on the Dolphins’ final two drives. Corey Webster iced it game with his third interception in the last two games.

Steve Slaton and Matt Moore (13 of 22 for 138) capped the Dolphins’ (0-7) first two drives with 1-yard runs.