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2007 New York Giants season

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2007 New York Giants season
Head coachTom Coughlin
Home fieldGiants Stadium
Results
Record10–6
Division place2nd NFC East
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs (Buccaneers) 24–14
Won Divisional Playoffs (Cowboys) 21–17
Won NFC Championship (Packers) 23–20
Won Super Bowl XLII (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 and in second place in the NFC East, 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 as the #5 seed, and beat the #4 seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9–7), the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys (13–3), and the #2 seed Green Bay Packers (13–3) to become the National Football Conference representative in Super Bowl XLII. There, they defeated the heavily favored and previously undefeated 18–0 New England Patriots and spoiled their perfect season.[1] 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, and the very first NFC wild card to accomplish the feat. They were the third team in history to win three road playoff games en route to a Super Bowl and set a league record for most consecutive road wins in a single season (11), though the Super Bowl is played on a neutral field rather than an opponent's stadium. It was the 7th league championship season for the New York Giants and their first since they won Super Bowl XXV in 1991.

2007 marked the third consecutive season that the Giants made the playoffs, which was only the second time that had happened since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 (New York accomplished this feat in 1984, 1985, and 1986 and won the Super Bowl in the last of those three years). Tom Coughlin joined Bill Parcells (who led the team to the playoffs five times), Steve Owen, and Allie Sherman as the only head coaches in the history of the team to lead the Giants to the postseason three consecutive years. The Giants season is widely regarded as one of the greatest cinderella stories in professional sports history. In fact, based on regular season performance, the 2007 New York Giants were the worst team to ever reach a Super Bowl,[2] a curiosity later surpassed when the 2011 New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI to become the first team with a negative point differential to win a Super Bowl.[3]

Offseason

Giants 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[4]

Draft Class

Main article: 2007 NFL Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 20 Aaron Ross Cornerback Texas
2 51 Steve Smith Wide Receiver USC
3 81 Jay Alford Defensive Tackle Penn State
4 116 Zak DeOssie Outside Linebacker Brown
5 153 Kevin Boss Tight End Western Oregon
6 189 Adam Koets Offensive Tackle Oregon State
7 224 Michael Johnson Safety Arizona
250 Ahmad Bradshaw Running Back Marshall

NOTES:

The Giants were awarded an additional seventh-round pick (#250 overall) as a compensatory selection.

Training camp photos

Schedule

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 at 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 at 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] at 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 at 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][5] Fox at 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 at Chicago Bears W 21–16 Soldier Field Recap
14 December 9 1:00 p.m. Fox at 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 at 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 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 24–14 Raymond James Stadium Recap
2[h] January 13 4:30 p.m. Fox at Dallas Cowboys W 21–17 Texas Stadium Recap
3[i] January 20 6:30 p.m. Fox at Green Bay Packers W 23–20 Lambeau Field Recap
4[j] February 3 6:30 p.m. Fox vs 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.

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

Roster

Depth chart

Regular season

Week 1: at Dallas Cowboys

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 6 10 31635
Cowboys 3 14 141445

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

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 as the Giants began the season at 0–1.

It would be the only road loss for the Giants in the season.

Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Packers 0 7 72135
Giants 0 10 3013

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The Giants playing defense against the Packers

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 3 0 71424
Redskins 7 10 0017

at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

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 an 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.

The Giants on defense at Washington

With the Giants staring at a 14-point deficit, and an 0–2 start to their season, the Giants came out strong to start the second half. In the third quarter, QB Eli Manning finally got the Giants offense turned around and RB Reuben Droughns would score on a 1-yard TD run to cut the lead in half.

In the fourth quarter, Droughns rushed again for a 1-yard touchdown, while Manning completed a 33-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress, giving the Giants a startling 24–17 lead against the home team.

In the game's final moments, Washington found first and goal at the Giants 1-yard line. New York's defense then proceeded to make a goal-line stand as they stopped RB Ladell Betts from getting into the end zone on 4th down during the final seconds of the game. This goal line stand was known as the initial catalyst of the Giants' Super Bowl season.

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

Week 4: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 0 033
Giants 0 7 9016

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 7 10 7024
Giants 0 7 141435

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 14 7 01031
Falcons 10 0 0010

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

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.[6]

Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 7 2615
Giants 6 13 7733

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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 (London)

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 3 10 0013
Dolphins 0 0 3710

at Wembley Stadium, London, England

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.

A giant Giants jersey is unfurled on the field at Wembley Stadium

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 10 7731
Giants 7 10 0320

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 3 7 3316
Lions 0 0 3710

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vikings 14 10 31441
Giants 7 0 3717

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 7 01421
Bears 7 6 3016

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 6 10016
Eagles 7 0 3313

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 come back 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 13 6022
Giants 0 3 7010

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 17 02138
Bills 14 0 7021

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

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
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 13 71538
Giants 7 14 7735

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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 national networks (CBS, NBC, and NFL Network) with an additional 1.2 million viewers seeing the game on local NY and MA networks. 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. There was disagreement surrounding coach Tom Coughlin's decision to play all his starters, some of them playing injured, notably Plaxico Burress who had an ankle injury and missed most of practice during the end of the season and the Giants postseason run. A Giant win would have no effect in the playoffs the following Sunday, as the Giants had earned the #5 seed as a wildcard and Dallas had won the division with the best record in the NFC. By playing his starters, he risked losing additional players on an already banged up roster playing against a heavily favored Patriots team, which was playing for the history books to go undefeated in the regular season.

The Giants were playing for pride and momentum, and nobody had realized at the time that this game eventually became the preview of the season's Super Bowl Super Bowl XLII. The Giants were the final 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.

Playoffs

Main article: 2007–08 NFL playoffs

NFC Wild Card Game: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 14 3724
Buccaneers 7 0 0714

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 7 7 0721
Cowboys 0 14 3017

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

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 not expected to win, or even give the Cowboys much difficulty, having lost both regular season games to the Cowboys. The Giants would have to deal with a hostile crowd as Cowboys with the best record in the NFC had gained home field advantage throughout the playoffs. This meant the Cowboys had 2 weeks of rest to prepare for a team they played twice a year, while the lower seeded Wildcard Giants had to play against Tampa Bay in the Wildcard round of the playoffs. Dallas played ball control offense, a strategy the Giants are usually known for. The Cowboys won the battle for time of possession, having possession for far longer than the Giants. With a quick score, the Giants were able to overcome very long, time consuming drives by the Cowboys in the win. Eli Manning had another good game, completing 66% of his passes with 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. Giants bruising running back Brandon Jacobs scored the winning touchdown, overpowering a goal line stand by the Cowboys defense. As hated rivals in a hostile stadium, Jacobs continued running with the ball in the end zone and hit the playclock loudly, but avoided the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that the celebration would earn today. It didn't look like the winning touchdown, as there was still over 13 minutes left in the 4th quarter and Giants only led by 4 points, but the 4th quarter turned into a clock killing scoreless battle of opposing defenses. Bending without breaking, yardage had been allowed without points for either side. As the game reached its closing minutes, the Cowboys had possession with a final chance to win. Tony Romo began to lead the Cowboys down the field for a potential game-winning drive with a minute and a half left in the game. They successfully got to scoring position, although only a touchdown could win it with a 4-point deficit. In desperation, with time running out, Romo threw an interception in the Giants' endzone to R.W. McQuarters with 9 seconds remaining. Manning kneeled on the next play, winning a huge unexpected upset of the heavily favored #1 seed Cowboys. 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. However, The Cowboys were considered the team widely expected to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, and the NFC championship game was expected to be played in Dallas, not Greenbay, as the Packers had earned the #2 seed. This was because the Packers had lost to the Cowboys during the regular season. With the big win over Dallas, the Giants had suddenly changed all expectations, and improved their overall record to 12–6. This set a matchup the following week against the also heavily favored Packers, who were 14–3 after a 42–20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round, and additionally had soundly defeated the Giants in New York in week 2, 35–13.

NFC Championship Game: at Green Bay Packers

Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Giants 3 3 140323
Packers 0 10 73020

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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 an 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 Giants victory was the first championship win over the Packers since 1938. The Packers have a 4–2 record over the Giants in NFL/NFC Championship series. The win also marked the Giants' 10th straight road win and their 4th straight NFC Championship victory.

The New York Giants were headed to Super Bowl XLII to face the 2007 AFC Champions New England Patriots whom were undefeated at 18–0. on February 3, 2008.

Super Bowl XLII: vs. New England Patriots

Main article: Super Bowl XLII
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 3 0 01417
Patriots 0 7 0714

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

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.

After calling tails to win the coin toss, the Giants started the game with the longest opening drive in Super Bowl history, a 16-play, 77-yard march that consumed 9 minutes, 59 seconds and featured four third-down conversions, the most ever on a Super Bowl opening drive. But New England halted the drive at their own 14-yard line, where 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.

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). Punter Jeff Feagles was the oldest player to play in a Super Bowl, let alone win one.

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. In fact, the Minnesota Vikings are the only team that defeated the Giants during the regular season that the Giants hadn't also scored a win against in either the regular or post-season.
  • Of the New York Giants 10 victories the combined record of all teams were 60–100 (.375).
  • Of the New York Giants 10 victories 7 games were against teams below .500 that had a combined record of 35–77 (.313).
  • Of the New York Giants 10 victories 3 games were against teams above .500 that had a combined record of 25–23 (.521).
  • Of the New York Giants 6 losses the combined record of all teams were 51–29 (.638).
  • Of the New York Giants 4 post-season victories the combined record of all opponents (including playoffs) were 54–13 (.806).
  • The New York Giants combined regular season opponents records were 102–106 (.490).
  • The New York Giants total regular and post-season opponents (TB 9–7, playoffs only: GB 1–0 & NE 2–0) records were 114–113 (.502).
  • 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 post-season games, coming back to win all four. The Giants trailed in the fourth quarter in 2 out of the 4 games.
  • The Giants NFC Championship victory was their first win over the Packers in the playoffs since 1938. The Packers have a 4–2 record over the Giants in NFL/NFC Championship series.
  • 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. This marks the third time that the Giants played a team that they would later face in the Super Bowl. Their record is 1–2 against these opponents in the regular season and 3–0 in the Super Bowl.
  • Ended the season with an 11-game road winning streak including playoffs. (the Week 8 game in London vs. the Dolphins and Super Bowl XLII in Arizona were both considered "away" games for the Giants. The Week 5 game vs. the Jets in Giants Stadium was considered a "home" game for the Giants.)
  • Prevented the Patriots from achieving what would have been the second undefeated season, and the first 19–0 season. (The first was the 1972 Miami Dolphins, although they finished 17–0)
  • Had only one starting Pro Bowler (Osi Umenyiora), fewest among Super Bowl champs.
  • All of their post-season games were announced by Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, due to each game being the perceived "marquee matchup" for Fox's coverage slate, along with the network holding broadcast rights for Super Bowl XLII.

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.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WT&p_theme=wt&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1254F82075980050&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM
  2. ^ http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3210952
  3. ^ http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2011.htm
  4. ^ Schwartz, Paul (2007-05-04). "Gibril Can't Play It Safe". New York Post. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  5. ^ "Week 11 (November 18) Game Time Changes" (Press release). New York Giants. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2007-10-25.
  6. ^ Mike Reynolds (2007-10-24). "ESPN's 'Monday Night Football' Ratings Hit Record Low". Variety (Multichannel News). Retrieved 2007-10-25.
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