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2008 New York Giants season

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2008 New York Giants season
OwnerJohn Mara
Steve Tisch
General managerJerry Reese
Head coachTom Coughlin
Home fieldGiants Stadium
Results
Record12–4
Division place1st NFC East
Playoff finishLost Divisional Playoffs (vs. Eagles) 11–23
Pro BowlersQB Eli Manning
G Chris Snee
C Shaun O'Hara
DE Justin Tuck
K John Carney
P Jeff Feagles
LS Zak DeOssie

The 2008 New York Giants season was the franchise's 84th season in the National Football League (NFL) as the team looked to defend its Super Bowl XLII title. They improved upon their 10–6 record from 2007, becoming NFC East champions and finished with the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs for the only time in the Tom Coughlin era. Despite a franchise best 11–1 start and clinching the number 1 seed for the first time in eight years, the Giants lost four of their last five games, including their first playoff game against the Eagles, ending their season. The Giants were the only NFC team from the 2007 playoffs to qualify for the 2008 playoffs.

The 2008 season was the first and only time in franchise history the Giants qualified for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. This was also the first time that the Giants made the playoffs the year after making the Super Bowl, after missing the playoffs in 1987 (following win in Super Bowl XXI), 1991 (following win in Super Bowl XXV), and 2001 (following loss in Super Bowl XXXV).

The 2008 Giants led the NFL in rushing and set a franchise record with 2,518 rushing yards. Their running attack was headlined by the trio of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw, respectively nicknamed "Earth, Wind, and Fire." The Giants became the fifth team in NFL history with two players to rush for more than 1,000 yards: Jacobs (1,089) and Ward (1,025).[1] Ward signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the season while Jacobs and Bradshaw won another Super Bowl with the Giants in 2011.

Offseason

The Cincinnati Bengals visit Giants Stadium, September 21

Player and personnel moves

Releases and injuries

On February 29, the first day of free-agency, Giants free agent linebacker Kawika Mitchell left the team to join the Buffalo Bills, safety Gibril Wilson went to the Oakland Raiders, and linebacker Reggie Torbor joined the Miami Dolphins.[2]

On March 14, free agent defensive tackle William Joseph departed to join Wilson with the Raiders.[3]

On April 10, defensive tackle Manuel Wright was released.[4]

On June 9, 15-year veteran, and seven-time Pro-Bowler, Michael Strahan retired and joined the Fox NFL broadcasting team.[5][6]

On August 26, undrafted rookie free-agent Terrance Stringer was waived.[7]

Draft Class

Main article: 2008 NFL Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 31 Kenny Phillips Safety Miami (Fla.)
2 63 Terrell Thomas Cornerback USC
3 95 Mario Manningham Wide receiver Michigan
4 123 Bryan Kehl Outside Linebacker BYU
5 165 Jonathan Goff Linebacker Vanderbilt
6 198 Andre' Woodson Quarterback Kentucky
199 Robert Henderson Defensive End Southern Miss

NOTES:

The Giants move up one overall position in the first round due to the forfeiture of the New England Patriots first round draft pick.[8]

Staff

2008 New York Giants staff
Front Office

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

 

Defensive Coaches

Special Team Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

Final roster

New York Giants 2008 final roster
Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Offensive Linemen

Defensive Linemen

Linebackers

Defensive Backs

Special Teams

Reserve Lists

Practice Squad

Rookies in italics
Pro Bowlers in bold

2008 season

Preseason schedule

Week Date Time Opponent Result Game site Record NFL Recap
1 August 7, 2008 7:00 P.M. at Detroit Lions L 10–13 Ford Field 0–1 Recap
2 August 18, 2008 8:00 P.M. Cleveland Browns W 37–34 Giants Stadium 1–1 Recap
3 August 23, 2008 7:00 P.M. at New York Jets L 7–10 Giants Stadium 1–2 Recap
4 August 28, 2008 7:00 P.M. New England Patriots W 19–14 Giants Stadium 2–2 Recap

Regular season

The Giants began their title defense in the traditional NFL Kickoff game like previous champions when they played the Washington Redskins at Giants Stadium. Traditionally, this game is usually played on the first Thursday following Labor Day in the United States. This day fell on September 4 in 2008.

On March 26, the NFL, NBC, and the Republican National Committee agreed in principle to move the kickoff time of the opener to 7:00 pm EDT instead of 8:30 pm EDT to accommodate the 2008 Republican National Convention.[11]

Week Date Time Opponent Result Game site Record TV NFL Recap
1 September 4, 2008 7:00 P.M. Washington Redskins W 16–7 Giants Stadium 1–0 NBC Recap
2 September 14, 2008 1:00 P.M. at St. Louis Rams W 41–13 Edward Jones Dome 2–0 Fox Recap
3 September 21, 2008 1:00 P.M. Cincinnati Bengals W 26–23 (OT) Giants Stadium 3–0 CBS Recap
4 Bye week
5 October 5, 2008 1:00 P.M. Seattle Seahawks W 44–6 Giants Stadium 4–0 Fox Recap
6 October 13, 2008 8:30 P.M. at Cleveland Browns L 14–35 Cleveland Browns Stadium 4–1 ESPN Recap
7 October 19, 2008 1:00 P.M. San Francisco 49ers W 29–17 Giants Stadium 5–1 Fox Recap
8 October 26, 2008 4:15 P.M. at Pittsburgh Steelers W 21–14 Heinz Field 6–1 Fox Recap
9 November 2, 2008 4:15 P.M. Dallas Cowboys W 35–14 Giants Stadium 7–1 Fox Recap
10 November 9, 2008 8:15 P.M. at Philadelphia Eagles W 36–31 Lincoln Financial Field 8–1 NBC Recap
11 November 16, 2008 1:00 P.M. Baltimore Ravens W 30–10 Giants Stadium 9–1 CBS Recap
12 November 23, 2008 4:15 P.M. at Arizona Cardinals W 37–29 University of Phoenix Stadium 10–1 Fox Recap
13 November 30, 2008 1:00 P.M. at Washington Redskins W 23–7 FedExField 11–1 Fox Recap
14 December 7, 2008 1:00 P.M. Philadelphia Eagles L 14–20 Giants Stadium 11–2 Fox Recap
15 December 14, 2008 8:15 P.M. at Dallas Cowboys L 8–20 Texas Stadium 11–3 NBC Recap
16 December 21, 2008 8:15 P.M. Carolina Panthers W 34–28 (OT) Giants Stadium 12–3 NBC Recap
17 December 28, 2008 1:00 P.M. at Minnesota Vikings L 19–20 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 12–4 Fox Recap

Standings

NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) New York Giants 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 427 294 L1
(6) Philadelphia Eagles 9 6 1 .594 2–4 7–5 416 289 W1
Dallas Cowboys 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 362 365 L2
Washington Redskins 8 8 0 .500 3–3 7–5 265 296 L1

Week 1: vs. Washington Redskins

NFL Kickoff game
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 007
Giants 10 6 0016

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

With their Super Bowl championship title to defend, the Giants began their season in the annual kickoff game against their NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins. In the first quarter, New York got a fast start as Super Bowl XLII MVP QB Eli Manning capped off the game's opening drive with a 1-yard TD run. Later in the quarter, kicker John Carney managed to get a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the G-Men increased their lead with Carney nailing a 25-yard and a 47-yard field goal. Near the end of the half, the Redskins managed to get on the board as QB Jason Campbell completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. New York's defense stiffened in the second half and allowed them to hold on for the victory.

With the win, not only did the Giants begin their season at 1–0, they also became the 9th-straight defending Super Bowl champion to win their season opener.

Week 2: at St. Louis Rams

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 7 6 72141
Rams 0 6 0713

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Coming off their divisional home win over the Redskins, the Giants flew to the Edward Jones Dome for a Week 2 duel with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood with QB Eli Manning completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress. In the second quarter, the teams traded 2 field goals, and the Giants led 13-7 at halftime.

In the third quarter, New York increased its lead with Manning completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer. In the fourth quarter, the Rams tried to rally as QB Marc Bulger completed a 45-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. Afterwards, the Big Blue pulled away with Manning's 18-yard TD pass to RB Ahmad Bradshaw, DE Justin Tuck's 41-yard interception return for a touchdown, and Bradshaw's 31-yard TD run.

With the win, not only did the Giants improve to 2–0, but they also picked up their 12th consecutive road win.

Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Bengals 3 10 010023
Giants 0 10 310326

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Coming off their road win over the Rams, the Giants went home for a Week 3 interconference duel with the Cincinnati Bengals. In the first quarter, the G-Men trailed early as Bengals kicker Shayne Graham kicked a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York responded with RB Brandon Jacobs getting a 1-yard TD run. Cincinnati replied with RB Chris Perry getting a 25-yard TD run, yet the Giants managed to tie the game with kicker John Carney getting a 24-yard field goal. The Bengals ended the first half with Graham's 30-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Big Blue responded with Carney's 46-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Giants took the lead with Carney kicking a 26-yard field goal. Cincinnati took the lead again with QB Carson Palmer completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. New York reclaimed the lead with QB Eli Manning completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss on 3rd and Goal, yet the Bengals tied the game with Graham's 21-yard field goal as time expired. In overtime, after exchanging punts, Manning led the Giants on a 6 play, 66-yard game winning drive, with Carney kicking a 22-yard field goal.

With the win, the Giants entered the bye week at 3–0.

  • New York on offense in week 3
    New York on offense in week 3
  • Eli Manning in the shotgun
    Eli Manning in the shotgun
  • Manning passing against Cincinnati
    Manning passing against Cincinnati
  • New York huddle against Cincinnati
    New York huddle against Cincinnati
  • The Bengals on offense at New York
    The Bengals on offense at New York
  • The Giants offensive line
    The Giants offensive line
  • A New York 2nd down play
    A New York 2nd down play
  • Carson Palmer is sacked
    Carson Palmer is sacked

Week 5: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 3 3 006
Giants 14 13 10744

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Jeff Feagles and John Carney on the Giants sideline during the Cincinnati game in week 3

Coming off their bye week, the Giants stayed at home for a Week 5 duel with the Seattle Seahawks. The game was notable for the fact that WR Plaxico Burress was suspended for this game, due to a minor internal conflict.

In the first quarter, the Giants drew first blood as QB Eli Manning completed a 32-yard TD to WR Domenik Hixon. The Seahawks responded with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 30-yard field goal. Afterwards, New York increased its lead with RB Brandon Jacobs getting a 3-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Giants continued its run with kicker John Carney getting a 29-yard field goal, Jacobs getting a 1-yard TD run, and Carney kicking a 33-yard field goal. Seattle closed the half with Mare making a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Giants continued their victory march as Manning completed a 23-yard TD pass to WR Sinorice Moss, along with Carney nailing a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York completed its domination as backup QB David Carr completed a 5-yard TD pass to Moss.

The Giants racked up 523 yards in total offense, their most since collecting 524 yards against Green Bay on January 6, 2002, and limited Seattle to 187.

With their eighth-straight win, the Giants acquired their first 4–0 start since the franchise's Super Bowl XXV championship run of 1990.

The 38-point differential win marked New York's largest regular-season margin of victory since 1972. The Giants also led the NFL in point differential with +78 in four games. The second best point differential belonged to the Tennessee Titans, with +59, in five games.

Week 6: at Cleveland Browns

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 14 0014
Browns 3 14 31535

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Coming off their dominating home win over the Seahawks, the Giants flew to Cleveland Browns Stadium for a Week 6 interconference duel with the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football. Also the first time Tom Coughlin returned to Cleveland since the 2001 Bottlegate incident.

In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Browns kicker Phil Dawson got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants took the lead as RB Brandon Jacobs got a 7-yard TD run. Cleveland regained the lead as RB Jamal Lewis got a 4-yard TD run, along with QB Derek Anderson completing a 22-yard TD pass to TE Darnell Dinkins. The Giants closed out the half with QB Eli Manning completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress.

In the third quarter, the Browns added on to their lead as Dawson nailed a 26-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland pulled away as Anderson completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards and CB Eric Wright returned an interception 94 yards for a touchdown.

With the loss, not only did the Giants fall to 4–1, but their 12-game road winning streak was snapped.

Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 3 7 7017
Giants 7 10 7529

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Hoping to rebound from their Monday Night road loss to the Browns, the Giants went home for a Week 7 duel with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, New York drew first blood as RB Brandon Jacobs got a 26-yard TD run. The 49ers responded with kicker Joe Nedney getting a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the G-Men increased their lead as Jacobs got a 2-yard TD run. San Francisco answered with QB J.T. O'Sullivan completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Josh Morgan. The Giants would close out the half with kicker John Carney getting a 21-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, New York added onto their lead as QB Eli Manning completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress. The 49ers would reply as CB Nate Clements returned a blocked field goal 74 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the G-Men pulled away as Carney nailed a 48-yard field goal, along with DE Justin Tuck forcing an O'Sulivan fumble that would roll towards the 49ers' endzone, causing Morgan to kick the ball out of the back of the endzone, giving New York a safety.

With the win, the Giants improved to 5–1.

Week 8: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 3 6 01221
Steelers 7 0 7014

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Coming off their home win over the 49ers, the Giants flew to Heinz Field for a Week 8 interconference duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Steelers RB Mewelde Moore got a 32-yard TD run. The G-Men would respond with kicker John Carney getting a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants took the lead as Carney got a 35-yard and a 25-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Pittsburgh regained the lead with QB Ben Roethlisberger completing a 65-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington. In the fourth quarter, New York pulled within two points as Carney nailed a 24-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Giants tied the game as LB James Harrison (who took over the Steelers' long snapper position after their normal long snapper Greg Warren was injured during the game) accidentally snapped the ball high over punter Mitch Berger and it rolled into the back of the endzone for a safety. Afterwards, New York finished its rally as QB Eli Manning completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss.

With the win, the Giants improved to 6–1.

Week 9: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 7 0714
Giants 14 7 7735

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Coming off their huge road win over the Steelers, the Giants went home for a Week 9 NFC East duel against the rival Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood as QB Eli Manning completed a 13-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss and a 5-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. In the second quarter, the Cowboys responded with CB Mike Jenkins returning an interception 23 yards for a touchdown. New York would end the half with Manning completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer.

In the third quarter, the Giants increased their lead as RB Brandon Jacobs got a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas tried to rally as QB Brooks Bollinger completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. Afterwards, New York pulled away as RB Derrick Ward got a 17-yard TD run.

With the win, the Giants improved to 7–1.

Week 10: at Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 10 10 7936
Eagles 7 10 7731

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Coming off their home win over the Cowboys, the Giants flew to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 10 NFC East duel with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Eagles WR DeSean Jackson got a 9-yard TD run. The Giants responded with QB Eli Manning completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress, along with kicker John Carney getting a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead as Manning completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss. Philadelphia responded with QB Donovan McNabb completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Jason Avant. New York answered right back as Carney got a 26-yard field goal. The Eagles would close out the half as kicker David Akers got a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Philadelphia took the lead as McNabb completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Hank Baskett. The Giants replied with RB Brandon Jacobs getting a 3-yard TD run. New York increased their lead as Carney nailed a 28-yard field goal, along with Jacobs getting another 3-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). The Eagles tried to come back as McNabb completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Curtis. Big Blue's defense managed to prevent any possible comeback, preserving the lead.

With the win, the Giants improved to 8–1.

Week 11: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 3 7010
Giants 13 7 7330

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Coming off their divisional road win over the Eagles, the Giants went home for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Baltimore Ravens. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood as RB Brandon Jacobs got two 1-yard TD runs (with a failed PAT on the latter). In the second quarter, New York increased their lead as QB Eli Manning completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Darcy Johnson. The Ravens would respond with kicker Matt Stover getting a 38-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Baltimore tried to rally as QB Joe Flacco completed a 10-yard TD pass to FB Le'Ron McClain. The Giants would answer with CB Aaron Ross returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, New York pulled away as kicker Lawrence Tynes nailed a 19-yard field goal.

With the win, the Giants improved to 9–1.

Week 12: at Arizona Cardinals

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 17 71337
Cardinals 3 9 71029

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Coming off their home win over the Ravens, the Giants flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 12 duel with the Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers got a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded with RB Derrick Ward getting a 1-yard TD run. Arizona would answer with RB Tim Hightower getting a 4-yard TD run (with a failed extra-point attempt). New York replied with kicker John Carney getting a 33-yard field goal, yet the Cardinals got the lead again as Rackers made a 20-yard field goal. The Giants would regain the lead prior to halftime as QB Eli Manning completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer.

In the third quarter, the G-Men increased their lead as Manning completed a 2-yard TD pass to FB Madison Hedgecock. Arizona would answer with Hightower's 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, New York greatly increased their lead as Manning completed a 10-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss. Following an interception by Terrell Thomas, John Carney got a 27-yard field goal. Arizona would respond with QB Kurt Warner completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin, yet the Giants answered with Carney getting a 33-yard field goal. The Cardinals tried to come back as Rackers nailed a 44-yard field goal. Fortunately, New York recovered the following onside kick and prevailed.

With the win, the Giants improved to 10–1.

Plaxico Burress shooting

On Friday, November 28, 2008, Giants Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the right thigh in a New York City nightclub when his gun, tucked in the waistband of his sweatpants, began sliding down his leg. The injury was not life-threatening and he was released from an area hospital the next afternoon.[12] The following Monday, Burress turned himself in to police to face charges of criminal possession of a handgun. Burress had an expired concealed carry (CCW) license from Florida, but no New York license.

On December 2, 2008, Burress posted bail of $100,000. He was scheduled to return to court on March 31, 2009, to enter a plea.[13] Later in the day, Burress reported to Giants Stadium as per team policy for injured but active players, and was told he would be suspended without pay. [14]

Burress would later be released by the Giants on April 3, 2009.[15]

Week 13: vs. Washington Redskins

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 10 3 7323
Redskins 0 7 007

at Fedex Field, Landover, Maryland

Coming off their road win over the Cardinals, the Giants flew to Fedex Field for a Week 13 NFC East rematch with the Washington Redskins. In the first quarter, New York scored first as QB Eli Manning completed a 40-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer, along with kicker John Carney getting a 31-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead as Carney got a 38-yard field goal. The Redskins would close out the half with WR Devin Thomas getting a 29-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, New York began to pull away as RB Brandon Jacobs got a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Giants sealed the deal with Carney connecting on a 39-yard field goal.

With the season-sweep, the Giants improved to 11–1, exceeding the 1986 and 1990 teams (both started 10–2 and eventually won the Super Bowl) for the best 12-game record in franchise history.

Week 14: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 3 7 7320
Giants 0 7 0714

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Philadelphia would score first in the game with a 51-yard David Akers field goal. Then in the second quarter, the Eagles Brian Westbrook scored on a 30-yard touchdown run that gave Philadelphia a 10–0 lead. With 7 seconds left in the 1st half, the Eagles attempted to go up 13–0 with a field goal, instead, the kick was blocked and returned 71 yards by Kevin Dockery for a Giants touchdown. That cut the lead to 10–7.

Early in the third quarter, Donovan McNabb found Brian Westbrook for a 40-yard Eagles touchdown that increased their lead to 17–7. Philadelphia would score again in the 3rd with a 34-yard field goal by David Akers. The Giants would score on a 1-yard pass from Eli Manning to Darcy Johnson with 20 seconds left in the game, but couldn't recover an onside kick and the Eagles won the game.

Despite falling to 11–2, the Giants clinched the NFC East title when the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 20–13.

Week 15: at Dallas Cowboys

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 3 058
Cowboys 0 7 01320

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

The second-to-last NFL game ever to be played at Texas Stadium was a defensive struggle that featured the Giants' weakest offensive showing of the year. Brandon Jacobs was sidelined with a knee injury, crippling New York's running game; Derrick Ward started in his place.

The Cowboys scored first, on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Patrick Crayton early in the second quarter. The Giants answered with a 34-yard John Carney field goal on the ensuing drive. The next scoring came in the fourth quarter, when Romo threw fullback Deon Anderson his first career touchdown. On the Cowboys' next drive, deep in their own territory, Mathias Kiwanuka sacked Romo and forced a fumble in the end zone, which resulted in a safety. But the Giants could only put up another field goal, and Tashard Choice's 38-yard touchdown run with 2:24 to play sealed the victory for the Cowboys. Eli Manning was sacked a season-high eight times to Romo's four.

The Giants had now lost two consecutive games for the first time since Weeks 1–2 of 2007, and fell to 11–3.

Week 16: vs. Carolina Panthers

Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Panthers 7 14 07028
Giants 3 10 78634

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The Giants snapped their two-game losing streak and clinched home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs by defeating the Panthers. With the loss Carolina failed to clinch the NFC South. The Giants had already clinched a first round bye by virtue of Minnesota's loss to Atlanta earlier in the day.

New York won the toss and scored on their opening drive on a 32-yard John Carney field goal. Carolina responded by scoring a touchdown on their first drive, a thirteen-yard run by DeAngelo Williams.

The Giants scored on their second drive as well, going 74 yards in 13 plays and ending with a Brandon Jacobs touchdown from the Carolina 2. The Panthers responded with another Williams touchdown run, this time five yards, and a 14–10 lead. After forcing the Giants to punt Carolina scored again, as Williams scored his third touchdown of the game on a one-yard run. The drive went four plays for 65 yards, 60 of which came on a deep pass from Jake Delhomme to Muhsin Muhammad. Williams' touchdown came two plays after Steve Smith appeared to have scored on a short pass, but a replay challenge was upheld.

After the teams traded punts the Giants scored with 0:55 remaining in the half as Carney added his second field goal of the game. Then on their second drive of the second half, Eli Manning threw a short touchdown to Kevin Boss to cut the deficit to 21–20 with 1:07 remaining in the third quarter. Carolina scored on their very next drive, with Williams scoring for the fourth time on a thirty-yard run.

New York tied the game with 3:24 remaining as Jacobs scored on a one-yard touchdown run, after starting the drive in Panther territory. The Giants converted the two-point conversion on a pass from Manning to Domenik Hixon. Carolina then drove down the field and faced fourth and five from the Giants 32-yard line, but John Kasay missed the potential game-winning field goal from 50 yards out.

On their second possession of the overtime period the Giants started at their own 13-yard line. On the first play of the drive Derrick Ward ran for 51 yards and pushed the ball into Carolina territory. Ward added a fourteen-yard run two plays later and a seventeen-yard run the play following that, pushing his rushing total to 215 yards (a career-high) and leaving the Giants two yards from the endzone. On the next play Jacobs scored on a run, his third score of the game, and New York won the game.

The Giants rushed for 301 yards in the game compared to 158 for the Panthers. Jacobs added 87 yards to Ward's 215. Williams rushed for 108 yards on 24 carries, including his four touchdowns. Delhomme finished 11–19 for 185 yards and Manning 17–27 for 181 and a touchdown.

Ward's 14.3-yard rushing average was a single game Giants record. Manning became the first Giants quarterback to throw at least 3,000 passing yards in a season for four consecutive seasons.

While the gametime temperature was 34°, the wind chill being -28 made the game feel like it was only 6° at kickoff. Both teams emphasized their running games, 7 of the 8 touchdowns scored were on the ground.

Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 9 7319
Vikings 0 10 01020

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Giants lost their final game of the 2008 regular season in Minneapolis, their first loss to the Vikings in the Metrodome since the 2001 season. Minnesota clinched the NFC North division crown with the win. New York rested most of their starters in the second half and Brandon Jacobs, Kevin Boss, Aaron Ross, and Barry Cofield were held out of the game due to injuries.

After a scoreless first quarter the Vikings jumped out to a 10–0 lead early in the second quarter, with a Ryan Longwell field goal and a 67-yard touchdown run by Adrian Peterson coming 3:27 apart. Three field goals by John Carney cut the Vikings' lead to 10–9 at the half.

The Giants took their first lead in the third quarter as David Carr hit Domenik Hixon for a 23-yard touchdown pass and extended the lead to nine with 11:25 remaining in the game as Carney added his fourth field goal. Minnesota scored a touchdown on a long pass from Tarvaris Jackson to Bernard Berrian on their next drive, cutting the Giants lead to 19–17. The Giants then had a chance to extend the lead and force Minnesota to score a touchdown to win, but Carney missed from 48 yards with 3:17 to go. Jackson then led the Vikings into field goal range and Longwell hit from 50 yards out to win the game as time expired.

Eli Manning, who started for the Giants but was pulled in the third quarter, led the team with 119 yards passing on 11-for-19, and Carr added 110 yards on 8-for-11. Halfback Derrick Ward rushed for 77 yards on 15 carries, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the season (1,025), joining Jacobs in the 1,000-yard club and making the Giants the fourth team in NFL history (joining the 1971 Dolphins, 1976 Steelers, and 1985 Browns) with two 1,000-yard running backs.

Transactions

September

October

November

December

Playoffs

Main article: 2008–09 NFL playoffs

NFC Divisional Round: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 7 3 31023
Giants 3 5 3011

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Entering the postseason as the NFC's top seed, the Giants began their postseason run at home in the NFC Divisional round against their NFC East rival, the #6 Philadelphia Eagles, in Round 3 of 2008's series.

New York got the early first quarter lead as kicker John Carney got a 22-yard field goal. The Eagles would respond with quarterback Donovan McNabb getting a 1-yard touchdown run. The Giants would answer in the second quarter as the defense forced McNabb into an intentional grounding penalty from his own endzone, giving them a safety. Afterwards, Carney would give New York the lead with a 34-yard field goal. However, Philadelphia would get the halftime lead as kicker David Akers got a 25-yard field goal.

The Giants would regain the lead in the third quarter as Carney made a 36-yard field goal, but the Eagles got the lead again as Akers kicked a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Philadelphia took control as McNabb completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek, followed by Akers nailing a 20-yard field goal. New York tried to rally, but the Eagles' defense would shut down any last attempt at a comeback.

With the loss, the Giants' season ended with an overall record of 12–5. This would be the final playoff game at Giants Stadium, as the Giants would move to New Meadowlands Stadium in 2010 after missing the playoffs in 2009. The Philadelphia Eagles became the first, and ultimately only, team to beat the Giants twice in the same season in Giants Stadium – the Giants were 7–2 at home this season and both losses were to the Eagles. It was also the first game in NFL history with a final score of 23–11. [16][17]

Statistics

Passing

Player G QB Rat. Comp. Att. Pct. Yards TD INT Long Sack
Eli Manning 16 86.4 289 479 60.3 3238 21 10 48 26
David Carr 5 144.1 9 12 75.0 115 2 0 22 1

Rushing

Player G Att. Yards Y/G Avg. Long TD Fum FumL
Brandon Jacobs 13 219 1089 83.8 5.0 44 15 3 1
Derrick Ward 16 182 1025 64.1 5.6 51 2 2 0
Ahmad Bradshaw 15 67 355 23.7 5.3 77 1 3 0
Domenik Hixon 15 2 26 1.7 13.0 15 0 0 0
Danny Ware 5 2 15 3.0 7.5 9 0 0 0
David Carr 5 8 10 2.0 1.3 7 0 0 0
Eli Manning 16 20 10 .5 .5 13 1 3 2
Madison Hedgecock 16 1 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
Mario Manningham 8 1 −12 −1.5 −12.0 −12 0 0 0

Receiving

Player G Rec. Yards Y/G Avg. Long TD
Steve Smith 16 57 574 35.9 10.1 30 1
Amani Toomer 16 48 580 36.3 12.1 40 4
Domenik Hixon 15 43 596 39.7 13.9 41 2
Derrick Ward 16 41 384 24.0 9.4 48 0
Plaxico Burress 11 35 454 41.3 13.0 33 4
Kevin Boss 14 33 384 27.4 11.6 28 6
Sinorice Moss 10 12 153 15.3 12.8 23 2
Madison Hedgecock 16 8 52 3.3 6.5 13 1
Brandon Jacobs 13 6 36 2.8 6.0 9 0
Ahmad Bradshaw 15 5 42 2.8 8.4 18 1
Darcy Johnson 16 4 46 2.9 11.5 26 2
Mario Manningham 8 4 26 3.3 6.5 11 0
Michael Matthews 14 2 26 1.9 13.0 15 0

Defensive

Player G Tackles Solo Assts Sacks Int Int yards Int avg. Int TD Fum. rec Fum. rec TD
Antonio Pierce 11 65 50 15 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Justin Tuck 12 49 41 8 11.5 1 41 41.0 1 0 0
Aaron Ross 12 49 43 6 0.0 3 58 19.3 1 0 0
Michael Johnson 12 48 28 20 0.0 2 18 9.0 0 1 0
Kenny Phillips 12 48 41 7 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Danny Clark 12 48 27 21 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
James Butler 11 47 35 12 0.0 2 15 7.5 0 1 0
Corey Webster 12 36 35 1 1.0 3 65 21.7 0 0 0
Barry Cofield 11 34 27 7 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mathias Kiwanuka 12 31 22 9 7.0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Chase Blackburn 12 27 18 9 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Kevin Dockery 9 26 23 3 0.0 1 44 44.0 0 0 0
Fred Robbins 11 23 21 2 5.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Bryan Kehl 12 22 15 7 0.0 1 17 17.0 0 0 0
Terrell Thomas 8 19 17 2 0.0 1 13 13.0 0 0 0
Renaldo Wynn 12 16 13 3 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Dave Tollefson 9 15 12 3 3.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Jay Alford 11 9 4 5 1.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Sammy Knight 8 8 8 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Gerris Wilkinson 6 7 3 1 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Sam Madison 6 4 3 1 0.0 1 21 21.0 0 0 0
R. W. McQuarters 6 2 1 1 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Jeremy Clark 1 2 0 2 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Jerome McDougle 8 8 8 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0

Kicking

Player G 0–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50+ FGM FGA Pct. Long XPM XPA
John Carney 14 0–0 14–14 13–14 4–5 0–0 31 33 93.9 48 37 37
Lawrence Tynes 1 1–1 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 1 1 100.0 19 3 3

Punting

Player G Punt Yards Avg. In20 In10 TB Long
Jeff Feagles 15 60 2621 43.7 22 3 5 61

See also

References

  1. ^ Previous teams: 1972 Dolphins, 1976 Steelers, 1985 Browns, 2006 Falcons
  2. ^ Friday roundup: Active Dolphins sign McCown, Wilford Archived 2009-01-08 at the Wayback Machine, National Football League, accessed on January 3, 2009.
  3. ^ Siegel, Dan.New York Giants: Ward Stays, Joseph Goes, Bleacher Report, March 15, 2008, accessed on January 3, 2009.
  4. ^ New York Giants Transactions, National Football League, accessed on January 3, 2009.
  5. ^ Strahan goes out on top after 15-year career, Associated Press, ESPN, June 11, 2008, accessed on January 3, 2009.
  6. ^ "Fox Sports on MSN – NFL – Michael Strahan joins Fox NFL Sunday". Archived from the original on 2008-07-12. Retrieved 2008-07-12.
  7. ^ Terrance Stringer, SS, Free Agent Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, accessed November 06, 2014
  8. ^ "Belichick draws $500,000 fine, but avoids suspension". ESPN. September 14, 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2008.
  9. ^ "Ex-Giant Grant makes Packers' running game go". Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  10. ^ "Trade to Giants has worked out well for former Chief Tynes". Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  11. ^ "NFL season opener yields to McCain speech". Reuters. March 26, 2008. Archived from the original on 10 January 2009. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  12. ^ Maske, Mark (November 30, 2008). "Burress Accidentally Shoots Himself in Leg". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  13. ^ "Plaxico Burress posts bail as New York Giants weigh options". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. December 2, 2008. Archived from the original on 5 December 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
  14. ^ Lapointe, Joe (December 3, 2008). "Giants Say Burress's Season Is Over". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 9 December 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  15. ^ "Giants release WR Plaxico Burress". Archived from the original on 2009-04-05. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  16. ^ Bialik, Carl (January 12, 2009). "More on Rare NFL Scores". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
  17. ^ Only score in history Archived 2011-05-14 at the Wayback Machine
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