2007 New York Giants season

2007 New York Giants season
Head coach	Tom Coughlin
Home field	Giants Stadium
Results
Record	10-6
Division place	2nd NFC East
Playoff finish	Won Wild Card Playoffs (Buccaneers) 24-14 Won Divisional Playoffs (Cowboys) 21-17 Won Conference Championship (Packers) 23-20 Won Super Bowl (Patriots) 17-14

The 2007 New York Giants season was the 83rd season for the New York Giants in the National Football League. The Giants finished the regular season 10-6, improving upon their 8-8 record in 2006 in which they finished third in their division. They qualified for the playoffs as a wild-card team at the number 5 seed, and beat the #4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys, and the #2 Green Bay Packers to become the National Football Conference representative in Super Bowl XLII, in which they beat the AFC Champion New England Patriots 17-14. The 2007 New York Giants became the 9th wild card team in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl and the 5th wild card team to win the Super Bowl. It was the 7th league championship season for the New York Giants.

Offseason

Free agents heading into the 2007 season

Players whose contracts expire become free agents, and are classified (or "tagged") according to the players' collective bargaining agreement as restricted free agents (RFA), unrestricted free agents (UFA), or exclusive-rights free agents (ERFA). Players listed in green were retained by the team, while those in red were signed by another franchise. Restricted free agents are indicated by the round in which the player was originally drafted, as this determines qualifying offers and compensation.

Position	Player	Free agency tag	Date signed	2007 team
Offensive guard	Lewis Kelly	UFA	—	(none)
Center	Ryan Kuehl	UFA	February 27	New York Giants
Center	Shaun O'Hara	UFA	March 1	New York Giants
Center	Grey Ruegamer	UFA		New York Giants
Tight end	Visanthe Shiancoe	UFA	March 4	Minnesota Vikings
Outside linebacker	Brandon Short	UFA	—	(none)
Outside linebacker	Reggie Torbor	RFA (4)	May 3	New York Giants
Cornerback	Frank Walker	UFA	March 13	Green Bay Packers
Running back	Derrick Ward	RFA (7)	March 1	New York Giants
Safety	Gibril Wilson	RFA (2)	May 3	New York Giants

Schedule and standings

Matchups were set at the end of the 2006 regular season. Prior to Super Bowl XLI, it was announced that the Giants' road game against the Miami Dolphins would be played at Wembley Stadium in London on October 28, which was week 8 of the NFL season. The game marked the first time a regular season game was played outside North America. Both the Giants and Dolphins had their bye weeks following this game.

Week	Date	Time[a]	TV	Opponent	Result	Game site	Recap
1	September 9	8:15 p.m.	NBC	@ Dallas Cowboys	L 45-35	Texas Stadium	Recap
2	September 16	1:00 p.m.	Fox	vs Green Bay Packers	L 35-13	Giants Stadium	Recap
3	September 23	4:15 p.m.	Fox	@ Washington Redskins	W 24-17	FedExField	Recap
4	September 30	8:15 p.m.	NBC	vs Philadelphia Eagles	W 16-3	Giants Stadium	Recap
5	October 7	1:00 p.m.	CBS	vs New York Jets	W 35-24	Giants Stadium[b]	Recap
6	October 15	8:30 p.m.	ESPN[c]	@ Atlanta Falcons	W 31-10	Georgia Dome	Recap
7	October 21	1:00 p.m.	Fox	vs San Francisco 49ers	W 33-15	Giants Stadium	Recap
8	October 28	1:00 p.m.	Fox	@ Miami Dolphins	W 13-10	Wembley Stadium London, England[d]	Recap
9	Bye week
10	November 11	4:15 p.m.	Fox	vs Dallas Cowboys	L 31-20	Giants Stadium	Recap
11	November 18	1:00 p.m.[e]	Fox	@ Detroit Lions	W 16-10	Ford Field	Recap
12	November 25	1:00 p.m.	Fox	vs Minnesota Vikings	L 41-17	Giants Stadium	Recap
13	December 2	4:15 p.m.	Fox	@ Chicago Bears	W 21-16	Soldier Field	Recap
14	December 9	1:00 p.m.	Fox	@ Philadelphia Eagles	W 16-13	Lincoln Financial Field	Recap
15	December 16	8:15 p.m.	NBC	vs Washington Redskins	L 22-10	Giants Stadium	Recap
16	December 23	1:00 p.m.	Fox	@ Buffalo Bills	W 38-21	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
17	December 29	8:15 p.m.	NFLN[f]	vs New England Patriots	L 38-35	Giants Stadium	Recap
Postseason
1[g]	January 6	1:00 p.m.	Fox	@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 24-14	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
2[h]	January 13	4:30 p.m.	Fox	@ Dallas Cowboys	W 21-17	Texas Stadium	Recap
3[i]	January 20	6:30 p.m.	Fox	@ Green Bay Packers	W 23-20	Lambeau Field	Recap
4[j]	February 3	6:30 p.m.	Fox	@ New England Patriots	W 17-14	University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, Arizona	Recap

Notes:

^a All times in North American Eastern Time. (UTC–4 and UTC–5 starting November 4)

^b Designated as a Giants home game

^c Simulcast on WWOR-TV in New York City.

^d Designated as a Dolphins home game.

^e Game time changed from originally published 4:15 kickoff to accommodate television network requests. This was not part of the league's flexible scheduling initiative.

^f NFL Network; simulcast on CBS and NBC nationally, WWOR in New York City.

^g Wild Card Playoffs

^h Divisional Playoffs

ⁱ Conference Championship

^j Super Bowl XLII. Designated as a neutral site, however the Patriots were the assigned "home team" which give them the option of uniform color, while the Giants were able to call the coin toss.

Division standings

NFC East
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(1) Dallas Cowboys	13	3	0	.813	4–2	10–2	455	325	L1
(5) New York Giants	10	6	0	.625	3–3	7–5	373	351	L1
(6) Washington Redskins	9	7	0	.563	3–3	7–5	334	310	W4
Philadelphia Eagles	8	8	0	.500	2–4	5–7	336	300	W3

Regular season

Week 1: at Dallas Cowboys

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	6	10	3	16	35
Cowboys	3	14	14	14	45

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

• Game time: 8:15 PM EDT
• Game weather: 78°F (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 63,031
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers: (NBC): Al Michaels, John Madden, & Andrea Kremer

The Giants opened up their 2007 campaign with a 45-35 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. For the second straight year, the Giants left Dallas with injuries to key starters including DE Osi Umenyiora, RB Brandon Jacobs, and QB Eli Manning. Before suffering a separated shoulder in the fourth quarter, Manning put on a stellar performance, completing 28 of 41 passes, for 312 yards, 4 touchdowns and just 1 interception. However, a horrid defensive performance overshadowed Eli's play.

The Giants got off to a fast start as Eli hit Plaxico Burress on a 60 yard touchdown pass off play action to open up the scoring. Burress and Manning would connect for 3 touchdowns on the night. After a Dallas took a 17-6 lead late in the half, Eli led the Giants on another drive, capped off to his second strike to Burress. Burress on the night caught 9 passes for 144 receiving yards. The Giants closed to within one at half's end following a Lawrence Tynes field goal after a Dallas fumble.

Romo hit Terrell Owens on a 22 yard pass to give Dallas an 8 point lead. After the Giants cut the lead to five on another Tynes field goal, Dallas increased the margin to 12 as Romo capped off a quick four play drive with a 9 yard rush. The Cowboys appeared to put the game away with yet another Romo touchdown, once again finding Terrell Owens on a wide open catch and run, upping margin to 38-22. Eli and the Giants responded with two straight scoring drives. One finished with a dumpoff touchdown pass from Manning to reserve running back Derrick Ward and the other with Burress' 3rd touchdown, cutting the Dallas lead to three.

On a crucial 3rd and seven late in the game, Romo hit backup wideout Sam Hurd for a 51 yard touchdown. With Manning injuring his shoulder, backup Jared Lorenzen finished the game for the Giants at quarterback late in the fourth quarter. Amani Toomer in his return from a knee injury, notched 9 catches for 91 yards while Burress gained 144. Justin Tuck and Gibril Wilson recorded the Giants' only sack and interception of the night respectively in the 45-35 loss.

Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers

The Giants playing defense against the Packers

	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	0	7	7	21	35
Giants	0	10	3	0	13

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
• Game weather: 64°F (Mostly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 78,701
• Referee: Gene Steratore

The Giants played their Week 2 home opener against the Green Bay Packers. After both teams missed a field goal to open the game, Green Bay got on the board first with a 6 yard run by rookie DeShawn Wynn. The Giants responded with a 26 yard scoring strike by Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress. The Giants got a Lawrence Tynes field goal and a 10-7 half time lead.

In the second half, the Packers drove 51 yards to start the second half. Favre capped off the scoring drive with a 2 yard pass to Bubba Franks for a 14-10 lead the Packers would not relinquish. The Giants responded with another drive but once again, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, this one on Amani Toomer, hurt the Giants. Tynes kicked a second field goal, pulling the Giants to within one.

The Packers went on to score 21 unanswered points.

With the loss, the Giants would fall to 0-2 for the first time since 1996.

Week 3: at Washington Redskins

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	3	0	7	14	24
Redskins	7	10	0	0	17

at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

• Game weather: 82°F (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 90,803
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers: (FOX) Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color commentator), & Pam Oliver (sideline reporter)

In the first quarter, New York got the first score as kicker Lawrence Tynes hit a 34-yard field goal. The Redskins took the lead with RB Clinton Portis getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the 'Skins QB Jason Campbell made a 8-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley, while kicker Shaun Suisham ended the half with a 47-yard field goal and a 17-3 lead.

In the third quarter, RB Reuben Droughns got a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Droughns rushed for a 1-yard TD run, while QB Eli Manning completed a 33-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress. Afterwards, New York's defense made a goal-line stand as they stopped RB Ladell Betts from getting into the end zone during the final seconds of the game.

With the win, the Giants improved to 1-2.

Week 4: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	0	0	3	3
Giants	0	7	9	0	16

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game time: 8:15 PM EDT
• Game weather: 67°F (Mostly Clear)
• Game attendance: 78,862
• Referee: Terry McAulay
• TV announcers: (NBC): Al Michaels, John Madden, & Andrea Kremer

Coming off their divisional road win over the Redskins, the Giants went home for a Sunday night divisional duel with the Philadelphia Eagles. New York's defense held the Eagles to no first half points, while in the second quarter, New York got on the board first with QB Eli Manning completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress for the only score of the half. In the third quarter, the Giants increased its lead with kicker Lawrence Tynes getting a 29-yard field goal, along with LB Kawika Mitchell recovering a fumble, getting up, and returning the fumble 17-yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles would get their only points of the game with kicker David Akers making a 53-yard field goal.

On the night, New York's defense sacked QB Donovan McNabb 12 times (tying an NFL record), with half of those sacks coming from DE Osi Umenyiora. Also, DE Michael Strahan had one sack in the game to surpass Lawrence Taylor as the Giants' All-Time Sack Leader (Taylor was present at the game).

With the victory, New York improved to 2-2.

Week 5: vs. New York Jets

	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	7	10	7	0	24
Giants	0	7	14	14	35

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game time: 1:00 PM EDT

The Giants clinched their third straight victory with an 35-24 triumph over the New York Jets. The Giants scored 28 points in the decisive second half to overcome a 10-point deficit. Rookie CB Aaron Ross made his presence felt with a crucial interception off of QB Chad Pennington with the Jets driving and up three in the third then sealed the win with an interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth.

The Jets got off to a fast start as returning running back Brandon Jacobs fumbled and the Jets' Kerry Rhodes returned it for a TD. The Giants responded with a 9 play, 67 yard drive ending in a touchdown run by Derrick Ward. However, the Giants defense, susceptible to third down conversions the first week of the season struggled again today and allowed the Jets to drive 93 yards late in the half for a 14-7 lead. The Jets were 3 for 3 on third down on the drive including some big catches by Laveranues Coles. Pennington hit Brad Smith for a 16 yard touchdown. After a bad interception from Eli Manning, the Jets added a field goal by Mike Nugent for a 17-7 halftime lead.

The Giants fought back, going back to the ground game to start the second half. Plaxico Burress added a 25 yard completion from Manning and Jacobs pounded it in for a 19 yard touchdown. The Jets responded as Leon Washington ran 98 yards for a touchdown. Big Blue again fought back, driving 68 yards featuring a mix of runs and passes. Jeremy Shockey notched his first touchdown of the season with a 13 yard catch and run bringing the Giants within three after three quarters. The Jets responded with a drive of their own including several third down conversions but rookie Aaron Ross made the first of several big plays including a deep interception. The Giants drove 99 yards, which ended with a spectacular 53 yard touchdown catch and run by Plaxico Burress, who stiff-armed a Jet defender down the sideline.

With the Jets driving for a score, Ross struck again, intercepting Pennington and returned it 43 yards to clinch the win. Brandon Jacobs notched his first ever 100 yard rushing performance, Manning managed 186 yards and 2 touchdowns despite a poor first half, Osi Umenyiora added a sack and Sam Madison added his first interception of the season.

The Giants had now won four straight regular season meetings against the Jets and improved to 3-2 on the season.

Week 6: at Atlanta Falcons

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	14	7	0	10	31
Falcons	10	0	0	0	10

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Game time: 8:30 PM EDT

The Giants cruised to their fourth straight win with an easy 31-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. After the Falcons moved the ball and scored three points on a 47-yard field goal by Morten Andersen, the Giants took the lead on a five-yard play-action touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Amani Toomer. The Falcons responded as Jerious Norwood ran 67 yards untouched, putting the Falcons on top 10-7. New York responded with a quick six-play, 82-yard drive capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by Reuben Droughns for a 14-10.

After the defense stopped Atlanta again, the Giants took command as Manning hit Plaxico Burress for his eighth and league-lead-tying touchdown from 42 yards out and a 21-10 lead. The Giants squandered several chances to add on more points as the team struggled moving at the end of the first half and Eli Manning threw a late interception.

In the second half, the defense continued to dominate. Fred Robbins, Antonio Pierce and Justin Tuck notched sacks for Big Blue and rookie Aaron Ross added his third interception in two weeks. The Giants added a Lawrence Tynes field goal from 32 yards out for a 14-point lead, then capped off the win with a nine yard touchdown run by Derrick Ward. On the night, the Giants rushed for 188 yards, Eli Manning passed for 303 yards along with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions and the defense shut down Atlanta following the slow start.

Burress led the Giants with 97 receiving yards and Amani Toomer became the Giants all-time reception leader, catching 7 passes for 89 yards including his early touchdown. The Giants improved to 4-2 and took a four-game winning streak into the next week's game against the 49ers.

• The Giants and Falcons series has now been won by the road team the last 12 meetings.
• The Giants notched their 600th franchise win.
• The 6.7 Nielsen rating (8.48 million viewers) was the lowest in Monday Night Football history, however it was the highest rated cable program for the week. The decisive Game 4 of the National League Championship Series was played at the same time.

Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	7	2	6	15
Giants	6	13	7	7	33

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game time: 1:00 PM EDT

The Giants recorded their fifth straight victory with a convincing 33-15 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium. Things started off well as the Giants drove right down the field on their opening possession. The balanced, well-executed seven minute drive was capped off by a 4 yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Amani Toomer. The extra point was missed by Lawrence Tynes. On their next possession, the Giants were driving for more, but a tipped ball resulted in an interception inside the red zone. The 49ers responded with a nice drive of their own, aided by a personal foul on linebacker Antonio Pierce and several third down conversions. San Francisco cashed in with a touchdown from Trent Dilfer to Arnaz Battle.

Following a Frank Gore fumble, the Giants took control. The running game, which accounted for 140 total yards helped the Giants move back in front. Brandon Jacobs scored on a five yard run for a 13-7 lead. After an interception by Sam Madison, the Giants added a 30 yard field goal by Tynes. Tynes made it 19-7 at the half with another field goal, this time from 39 yards, inside the final minute.

The Giants defense dominated in the second half, notching six sacks and four total turnovers. Osi Umenyiora put the game away with a sack, forced fumble, and 75 yard touchdown return up the field for a 26-7 lead. The Niners got two points back on a blocked punt out of the end zone but Antonio Pierce redeemed himself for two earlier personal fouls by intercepting Trent Dilfer and returning the ball inside the 10. After a flag on the 49ers, Manning threw his second touchdown, this time to Jeremy Shockey for a 33-9 lead. The 49ers scored late to provide the final points in the 33-15 win.

On the day, Brandon Jacobs rushed for 107 yards, Manning completed 18 of 31 passes for nearly 150 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, and the defense notched six sacks: 2.5 for Michael Strahan, 1.5 for Justin Tuck, 1 for Aaron Ross and 1 for Umenyiora. Pierce and Madison provided the two Giants' interceptions.

For the fourth consecutive year under Tom Coughlin, the Giants were 5-2 after seven games.

Week 8: at Miami Dolphins

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	3	10	0	0	13
Dolphins	0	0	3	7	10

at Wembley Stadium, London, England

• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 59°F (Overcast with light rain)
• TV announcers (FOX): Thom Brennaman (play-by-play), Darryl Johnston (color commentator), & Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Gerry Austin
• Game Attendance: 81,176

The Giants got their sixth straight win with a rain-soaked 13-10 victory over the winless Miami Dolphins in the first International Series game, held at England's Wembley Stadium. Persistent rain throughout the day had soaked the field and hurt both teams on offense as the field was torn up for most of the afternoon, but the Giants survived to get to 6-2 on the season as they headed for their bye week.

After a missed Miami field goal on the opening drive of the game, the Giants traveled down the field, mixing up a combination of run and pass. Brandon Jacobs had a big day, running in the rain for 131 yards on 23 carries. Eli Manning, who threw for only 59 yards in the game, missed a wide open Amani Toomer in the end zone from inside the five, and the Giants had to settle for a 20 yard field goal from Lawrence Tynes. The Giants extended their lead to 10 with a 14 play, 69 yard drive in the second quarter. Jacobs and Reuben Droughns ran heavily on the drive and Eli Manning evaded the Dolphins defense, scrambling 10 yards for the game's first touchdown. After a Cleo Lemon fumble, which was recovered by Michael Strahan, the Giants stretched the lead to 13 at the half with a 41 yard kick from Tynes.

In the third quarter, after recovering a Manning fumble, the Dolphins drove the ball down inside the Giants 5. However, a Lemon muffed snap forced the Dolphins to kick a field goal. The Giants continued to run well with Jacobs, and had a chance to tack on 3 more points but Tynes missed badly on a 29 yard field goal. In the final two minutes, the Dolphins scored their first touchdown with Ted Ginn Jr's first ever NFL touchdown reception. An attempted onside kick from Jay Feely skidded off the wet surface straight out of bounds, enabling the Giants to run out the clock for the win.

For the day, Jacobs ran for his career-high 131 yards, and Fred Robbins and Kawika Mitchell recorded sacks. The Giants have won six in a row for the first time since 1994. Eli Manning scored the NFL's first regular season touchdown outside of North America.

With their sixth-straight win, the Giants entered their bye week at 6-2.

Week 10: vs. Dallas Cowboys

	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	7	10	7	7	31
Giants	7	10	0	3	20

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game time: 4:15 pm ET
• Game weather: 47°F (Clear)
• Game attendance: 78,964
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV Announcers: (FOX) Joe Buck (play-by-play) & Troy Aikman (color commentator)

Coming off their bye week, the Giants went home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Cowboys QB Tony Romo completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Tony Curtis. The Giants responded as QB Eli Manning completed an 8-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. In the second quarter, Dallas regained the lead as kicker Nick Folk made a 44-yard field goal. The G-Men took the lead with RB Reuben Droughns getting a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Cowboys retook the lead with Romo completing a 20-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. Originally, the Giants were willing to be down by 3 at halftime. However, because of a taunting penalty on Dallas LB Kevin Burnett placed them near midfield, New York went for some points. The Giants would tie the game with kicker Lawrence Tynes getting a 40-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Romo completed a 25-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens and the Cowboys regained the lead. In the fourth quarter, the Giants made a 26-yard field goal from Tynes. Afterwards, Dallas' Romo and Owens hooked up with each other again on a 50-yard TD pass.

With the loss, New York fell to 6-3.

During the season series against the Cowboys, the Giants pass defense allowed 8 passing touchdowns, despite only allowing 8 passing touchdowns from their previous opponents this year.

Week 11: at Detroit Lions

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	3	7	3	3	16
Lions	0	0	3	7	10

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Game Played Indoors (Domed Stadium)
• TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Darryl Johnston (color commentator), & Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Tony Corrente
• Game Attendance: 60,675

The Giants flew to Ford Field for a Week 11 intraconference duel with the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, New York took the early lead as kicker Lawrence Tynes made a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Giants increased their lead as QB Eli Manning completed a 10-yard TD pass to RB Brandon Jacobs for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, the Lions got on the board as kicker Jason Hanson made a 42-yard field goal. New York would reply with Tynes kicking a 46-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Giants improved their lead as Tynes made a 20-yard field goal. Detroit's QB Jon Kitna completed a 35-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson.

With the win, the Giants improved to 7-3.

LB Mathias Kiwanuka suffered a broken left fibula, ending his season.

Week 12: vs. Minnesota Vikings

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	14	10	3	14	41
Giants	7	0	3	7	17

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 46°F (Sunny)
• TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Darryl Johnston (color commentator), & Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• Game Attendance: 78,591

Coming off their road win over the Lions, the Giants went home for a Week 12 intraconference duel with the Minnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed a 60-yard TD pass to WR Sidney Rice. The Giants would respond with RB Reuben Droughns getting a 1-yard TD run. Minnesota retook the lead with safety Darren Sharper returning an interception 20 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Viking's RB Chester Taylor got an 8-yard TD run, along with kicker Ryan Longwell making a 46-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Giant's kicker Lawrence Tynes made a 48-yard field goal, and Minnesota's Longwell made a 26-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Viking's Safety Dwight Smith returned an interception 93 yards for a touchdown, along with LB Chad Greenway returning an interception 37 yards for a touchdown. New York's QB Eli Manning completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress to complete the scoring.

With the loss, the Giants fell to 7-4.

Eli Manning was intercepted four times (with three of his interceptions being returned for touchdowns). He became the 3rd NFL QB since 1970 to have 3 interceptions get returned for touchdowns.

Week 13: at Chicago Bears

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	0	7	0	14	21
Bears	7	6	3	0	16

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 46°F (Rain, Overcast, Thunder)
• TV announcers (FOX): Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color commentator), & Pam Oliver (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• Game Attendance: 62,244

Hoping to rebound after a loss to the Vikings, the Giants flew to Soldier Field for a Week 13 intraconference duel with the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Bears QB Rex Grossman completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Desmond Clark for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Giants got on the board as RB Derrick Ward got a 2-yard TD run. Chicago responded with kicker Robbie Gould getting a 35-yard and a 46-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Bears increased their lead with Gould making a 41-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, New York QB Eli Manning completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer, along with RB Reuben Droughns getting a 2-yard TD run. New York improved to 8-4 with the victory.

Derrick Ward (24 carries for 154 yards and 1 touchdown) left the game in the 4th quarter with a fractured fibula, effectively ending his season.

Week 14: at Philadelphia Eagles

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	0	6	10	0	16
Eagles	7	0	3	3	13

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 36°F (Cloudy)
• TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator), & Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Ron Winter
• Game Attendance: 68,594

Coming off their road win over the Bears, the Giants flew to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 14 NFC East rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Eagles QB Donovan McNabb completed an 18-yard TD pass to RB Brian Westbrook for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Giants started to draw close as kicker Lawrence Tynes managed to get a 19-yard and a 23-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Philadelphia responded with kicker David Akers getting a 29-yard field goal. Afterwards, New York took the lead with QB Eli Manning completing a 20-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress, along with Tynes kicking a 23-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles tried to comeback as Akers nailed a 39-yard field goal. In the final seconds, Philadelphia had a chance to tie the game and force overtime. Fortunately for the Giants, Akers missed a 57-yard field goal off the right upright with 1 second left to preserve the victory and the season-sweep.

With the win, the Giants improved to 9-4.

This also marked the first time since their Super Bowl XXXV appearance of 2000 that New York had won 6-straight road games.

Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins

	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	3	13	6	0	22
Giants	0	3	7	0	10

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game Time: 8:15 PM
• Game Weather: 36°F (Cloudy & Windy)
• TV announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), & Andrea Kremer (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Peter Morelli
• Game Attendance: 77,899

Coming off their season-sweeping road win over the Eagles, the Giants went home for a Week 15 Sunday night NFC East rematch with the Washington Redskins. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham managed to get a 49-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Giants continued to trail as Suisham kicked a 31-yard field goal, along with RB Ladell Betts getting a 14-yard TD run. New York would get on the board with kicker Lawrence Tynes getting a 35-yard field goal. Washington would end the half with Suisham nailing a 28-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Giants' deficit climbed as Redskins RB Clinton Portis getting a 5-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). New York tried to make a comeback as QB Eli Manning completed a 19-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss. However, the wind and Washington's defense prevented any hopes.

With the loss, not only did the Giants fall to 9-5, but they also lost TE Jeremy Shockey for the year in the third quarter with a broken left fibula.

Week 16: at Buffalo Bills

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	0	17	0	21	38
Bills	14	0	7	0	21

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, New York

• Game Time: 1:00 PM (EST)
• Game Weather: 52° F, Windy and Rainy
• TV announcers: (Fox) Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Daryl Johnson (color commentator), & Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• Game Attendance: 71,302

The Giants took their 6-1 road record to Buffalo in search of clinching a playoff spot. They were able to rebound nicely from the week 15 home loss to Washington with a 38-21 win over the Bills. The Giants rallied early from a 14-0, first-quarter deficit to win a game played through rain, wind, and snow. The Giants utilized their running game to wear down the Bills, as Brandon Jacobs rushed for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns and rookie Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown, including an 88-yard hustle that gave the Giants a 31-21 lead in the fourth quarter. Eli Manning had a rough day throwing the ball, as the harsh conditions forced him into completing just 7 of 16 passes and throwing for only 111 yards with two interceptions. Kawika Mitchell and Corey Webster also returned interceptions for touchdowns. Another important stat to note is that all 59 points in the game were scored going towards the east endzone. With the win, the Giants improved to 10-5 to clinch their third consecutive playoff berth.

Week 17: vs. New England Patriots

Main article: 2007 New England Patriots-New York Giants game

	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	3	13	7	15	38
Giants	7	14	7	7	35

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Game Time: 8:15 PM
• Game Weather:
• TV announcers: (NFLN) Bryant Gumbel (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentator), & Adam Schefter (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Mike Carey
• Game Attendance: 79,110

This marked the first time since Super Bowl I that an NFL game was simulcast by more than one television network. It was the first time an NFL game was carried on three networks (CBS, NBC, and NFL Network). The game was originally scheduled to be broadcast on NFL Network only, but Roger Goodell allowed other stations to broadcast it due to the Patriots being 15-0 and needing just one more win to become the first team to go 16-0 in the regular season. The Giants were the last team to have a chance to end the Patriots' shot at a perfect season (not including playoffs). The Giants ended up losing a thrilling 38-35 contest to the Patriots, in which the Patriots set numerous offensive records while becoming the first ever 16-0 team in the regular season. Tom Brady set a single season record for TD passes, Randy Moss set a record for TD receptions, and the Patriots as a whole set a record for most points scored. Eli Manning played well, completing 22 of 32 passes for 251 yards while throwing 4 touchdowns and 1 interception, the lone interception of the game. The Giants led 28-16 in the third quarter, the Patriots' largest deficit this season. Also, Brandon Jacobs reached 1,000 yards rushing after gaining 67 yards on the ground on 15 carries. With the loss, the Giants ended the regular season at 10-6, with a playoff game set on January 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game was set to be played in Florida.

Postseason

Main article: NFL playoffs, 2007–08

NFC Wild Card Game: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	0	14	3	7	24
Buccaneers	7	0	0	7	14

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Game Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game Weather: 70 °F (21 °C) (Sunny)
• TV announcers: (FOX) Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color commentator), Pam Oliver (sideline reporter) and Chris Myers (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• Game Attendance: 65,621

The Giants ended their postseason skid with a 24-14 victory over the #4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Eli Manning won his first career playoff game and Tom Coughlin won his first playoff game with the Giants. The Giants got off to a rough start, at the end of the first quarter they trailed 7-0 and had gained only -2 yards on offense. But the Giants responded with a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead heading into halftime. At the start of the second half, Micheal Spurlock of the Bucs fumbled the kickoff return, which was recovered by Corey Webster. The Giants were able to get a field goal off of the ensuing drive, extending their lead to 17-7. Later in the quarter, Webster intercepted a pass from Jeff Garcia in the endzone. In the fourth quarter, Manning threw a touchdown pass to Amani Toomer for a 24-7 lead. Garcia would lead the Bucs down the field on their next possession for a touchdown, but the damage had been done as the Bucs lost the game 24-14 after Garcia threw another interception late in the fourth quarter. Manning's final stat line was impressive: 20 of 27 for 185 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.

With the win, the Giants improved their overall record to 11-6.

NFC Divisional Game: at Dallas Cowboys

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	7	7	0	7	21
Cowboys	0	14	3	0	17

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

• Game Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
• Game Weather:59 °F (15 °C) (Clear)
• TV announcers: (FOX) Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color commentator), Pam Oliver (sideline reporter) and Chris Myers (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Peter Morelli
• Game Attendance: 63,660

The Giants advanced to the NFC Title Game for the first time since 2000 with a 21-17 victory over the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys. The Giants were able to overcome very long, time consuming drives by the Cowboys in the win. Eli Manning had another good game, completing 12 out of 18 passes for 163 yards and throwing 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Both of his TD passes were caught by veteran receiver Amani Toomer. Though the Giants and Cowboys were tied at 14-14 heading into halftime, the second half was all about defense as both teams totaled 10 points in the second half. Tony Romo attempted to lead the Cowboys down the field for a potential game-winning drive with a minute and a half left in the game, but he threw an interception in the Giants' endzone to R.W. McQuarters with 9 seconds remaining. Manning kneeled on the next play and the Giants were headed to Green Bay to play the Green Bay Packers on January 20 for the NFC Championship and a spot in Super Bowl XLII. With the big win over Dallas, the Giants improved their overall record to 12-6, with a game set the following week against the Packers, who are 14-3 after a 42-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round.

NFC Championship Game: at Green Bay Packers

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Giants	3	3	14	0	3	23
Packers	0	10	7	3	0	20

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Game Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
• Game Weather: −1 °F (−18 °C) (Clear)
• TV announcers: (FOX) Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color commentator), Pam Oliver (sideline reporter) and Chris Myers (sideline reporter)
• Referee: Terry McAulay
• Game Attendance: 72,740

After their big win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants traveled to Lambeau Field to face the second-seeded Green Bay Packers on a freezing night. The Giants got on the board first with kicker Lawrence Tynes getting a 29-yard field goal. The Giants kept the ball for most of the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter, the Packers defense shut the Giants' passing game down, so the Giants settled for another Tynes field goal at 11:41 left in the half. The Giants led 6-0. On the first play of the Packers' next drive, Brett Favre threw a 90-yard TD pass to Donald Driver, who had beaten blown coverage down the right sideline, and the Packers led 7-6. At 1:30 left in the half, Packers kicker Mason Crosby kicked a 36-yard field goal to give the Packers a 10-6 lead.

The Giants got the ball first in the 3rd quarter, and had a successful drive that ended with a Brandon Jacobs 1-yard TD run. The Giants led 13-10. In the next Packers drive, after a Sam Madison penalty, Brett Favre threw a 12-yard TD pass to tight end Donald Lee. The Packers led 17-13. The Giants responded in their next drive with a Ahmad Bradshaw 4-yard TD run. The Giants led 20-17 at 2:12 left in the 3rd quarter. At 11:46 left in the game, Packers kicker Mason Crosby hit a 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 20-20.

In the Giants' next drive, after not converting for a 1st down, the Giants were at 4th and 5. The Giants failed to convert, however a Packers penalty gave the Giants a 1st down. Later, after failing to convert on another 3rd down, the Giants went for a field goal. At 6:49 left in the game, Lawrence Tynes missed a 43-yard field goal attempt. Both offenses were shut down for the remainder of the game. The Giants had the ball in the last two minutes of the game. The Giants tried to kill time and get in field goal range for Tynes. At 0:04 left in the game, Tynes missed a game-winning 36-yard field goal.

The Giants and Packers went into overtime with the game tied at 20-20. The Packers won the coin toss and got the ball first. However, two plays into the Packers' drive, Giants cornerback Corey Webster intercepted a Brett Favre pass, which gave the Giants the ball in Packer territory. The Giants failed to convert on 3rd down and decided to go for the field goal. At 12:29 left in OT, Lawrence Tynes hit a 47-yard field goal and the Giants became the 2007 NFC Champions. The Giants beat the Packers, 23-20. The win also marked the Giants' 10th straight road win.

The New York Giants were headed to Super Bowl XLII to face the 2007 AFC Champions New England Patriots on February 3, 2008.

Super Bowl XLII: vs. New England Patriots

Main article: Super Bowl XLII

	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	3	0	0	14	17
Patriots	0	7	0	7	14

• Game Time: 6:31 p.m. EST/4:31 p.m. MST
• Game Weather: Dome
• TV announcers: (FOX) Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color commentator), Pam Oliver and Chris Myers (sideline reporters).
• Referee: Mike Carey
• Game Attendance: 71,101

Two weeks after their NFC Championship victory over the Packers, the Giants flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium for Super Bowl XLII against the undefeated AFC Champions, the New England Patriots, in a rematch of Week 17.

In the first quarter, New York delivered the first punch with kicker Lawrence Tynes nailing a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Patriots responded with RB Laurence Maroney getting a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. After a scoreless third quarter, the G-Men regained the lead with QB Eli Manning completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR David Tyree. New England retook the lead with QB Tom Brady completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss. Afterwards, with only 2 minutes and 40 seconds left, Manning led his Giants from their own 17-yard line all the way to the Patriots' 13-yard line, featuring a 4th down conversion (a one yard run by Brandon Jacobs on 4th and inches) and even Eli escaping a sure-fire sack & completing a 32-yard pass to Tyree, where he would hook up with WR Plaxico Burress for the game-winning TD pass. The defense after that didn't even allow a single yard, as Brady was sacked once and threw 3 incomplete passes, turning the ball over on downs.

File:Giants at the white house.jpg

The Giants visiting the White House in honor of their Super Bowl victory on April 30 2008.

With the win, the Giants finished their championship season with an overall record of 14-6. They became the third team (after the 1993 Cowboys and 2001 Patriots) to win the Super Bowl after beginning the season 0-2 and were the first NFC Wild Card to win the Super Bowl. The victory also gave them their 11th-straight road win (an NFL record).

Eli Manning was named the game's MVP after completing 19 of 34 passes for 255 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception; a majority of his offense came in the decisive fourth quarter, completing nine of 14 passes for 152 yards and both touchdowns. The defense had a stellar performance, sacking Patriots QB Tom Brady five times.

Coach Tom Coughlin became the third oldest head coach to win the Super Bowl (61 years and 156 days).

Eli and Peyton Manning became the first brother QBs to become back-to-back Super Bowl winners and Super Bowl MVPs

Season facts

• The New York Giants lost to the Dallas Cowboys (twice), Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots in the regular season but defeated them all in the post-season.
• Peyton and Eli Manning are the first brothers to be named MVP of the Super Bowl and at the same position.
• The New York Giants trailed in all four postseason games, coming back to win all four. The Giants trailed in the fourth quarter in 2 out of the 4 games.
• The New York Giants played the New England Patriots at the end of the pre-season, regular season, and post-season (Super Bowl XLII) during the 2007 season.
• Ended the season with an 11 road game winning streak including playoffs (Notes: the Week 5 game vs. the Jets was considered a "home" game for the Giants; the Week 8 game in London vs. the Dolphins and Super Bowl XLII in Arizona were both considered "away" games for the Giants).
• One of only few teams to start 0-2 and win super bowl
• Ruined what would have been the 2nd undeafeated season. The 1st being the 1972 dolphins.

Super Bowl XLII DVD

The official DVD of Super Bowl XLII was released on February 26, 2008. The DVD covered the entire 2007 New York Giants season, as well as special features including the NFL Network postgame commentary, the halftime show in its entirety, the Media Day highlights, the NFC Divisional Game and NFC Championship Game highlights, profiles on Mathias Kiwanuka and Tom Coughlin, and features on Eli Manning and Michael Strahan.

References

Preceded by 2006 New York Giants season

New York Giants

Succeeded by 2008 New York Giants season