The
2008
File:2008 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: Lehman Brothers went bankrupt following the Subprime mortgage crisis; Cyclone Nargis killed more than 138,000 in Myanmar; A scene from the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; ...
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divisio ...
season was the franchise's 84th season in the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the majo ...
(NFL) as the team looked to defend its
Super Bowl XLII
Super Bowl XLII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion ...
title. They improved upon their 10–6 record from
2007
File:2007 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Steve Jobs unveils Apple Inc., Apple's first iPhone (1st generation), iPhone; TAM Airlines Flight 3054 overruns a runway and crashes into a gas station, killing almost 200 people; Former Pakis ...
, becoming
NFC East
The National Football Conference – Eastern Division or NFC East is one of the four divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It currently has four members: the Dallas Cowboys (based in Arling ...
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
Super Bowl XXI was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the ...
), 1991 (following win in
Super Bowl XXV
Super Bowl XXV was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Buffalo Bills and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the ...
), and 2001 (following loss in
Super Bowl XXXV
Super Bowl XXXV was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Baltimore Ravens and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for ...
).
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
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
,
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
, and
Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw (born March 19, 1986) is a former American football running back. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He played college football at Marshall. He is a two-time Super Bowl champio ...
, 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). Ward signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the season while Jacobs and Bradshaw won another Super Bowl with the Giants in
2011
File:2011 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: a protester partaking in Occupy Wall Street heralds the beginning of the Occupy movement; protests against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed that October; a young man celebrates ...
.
Offseason
Player and personnel moves
Releases and injuries
On February 29, the first day of free-agency, Giants
free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player who is eligible to sign with other clubs or franchises; i.e., not under contract to any specific team. The term is also used in reference to a player who is under contract at present but who i ...
linebacker
Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and the defensive linemen. They are the "middle ground" of defenders, ...
Kawika Mitchell
Kawika Uilani Mitchell is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at University of South Florida. Mitchell was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2nd round in 2003. Mitche ...
left the team to join the
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in the Buffalo metropolitan area. The Bills compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division ...
,
safety
Safety is the state of being "safe", the condition of being protected from harm or other danger. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk.
Meanings
There are two slightly di ...
Gibril Wilson
Gibril Donald Wilson (born November 12, 1981) is a former American football safety in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.
W ...
went to the
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team that played in Oakland from its founding in 1960 to 1981 and again from 1995 to 2019 before relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan area where they now play as the Las Vegas Ra ...
, and linebacker
Reggie Torbor joined the
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member team of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team p ...
.
On March 14, free agent
defensive tackle
A defensive tackle (DT) is a position in American football that will typically line up on the line of scrimmage, opposite one of the offensive guards, however he may also line up opposite one of the tackles. Defensive tackles are typically the l ...
William Joseph departed to join Wilson with the Raiders.
On April 10, defensive tackle
Manuel Wright
Manuel Wright (born April 13, 1984) is a former American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2005 supplemental draft. Wright was also briefly signed to the Buffalo Bills and played for the N ...
was released.
On June 9, 15-year veteran, and seven-time
Pro-Bowler,
Michael Strahan
Michael T. Strahan ( ; born November 21, 1971) is an American television personality, journalist, and former professional football player. He played his entire 15-year professional career as a defensive end for the New York Giants of the Nation ...
retired and joined the
Fox NFL broadcasting team.
On August 26, undrafted rookie free-agent
Terrance Stringer was waived.
Draft Class
NOTES:
:The Giants move up one overall position in the first round due to the forfeiture of the
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East divisio ...
first round draft pick.
*Giants traded RB
Ryan Grant to the
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. It is the t ...
in exchange for a sixth round pick.
*Giants traded their 7th round pick to the
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division.
The t ...
in exchange for
Placekicker
Placekicker, or simply kicker (PK or K), is the player in gridiron football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals and extra points. In many cases, the placekicker also serves as the team's kickoff specialist or punter.
S ...
Lawrence Tynes in the previous season.
Staff
Final roster
2008 season
Preseason schedule
Regular season
The Giants began their title defense in the traditional
NFL Kickoff game
The National Football League Kickoff game, along with related festivities, marks the official start of the National Football League (NFL) regular season. A single game is held, preceded by a concert and other ceremonies. This first game of the se ...
like previous champions when they played the
Washington Redskins
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) ...
at
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium (sometimes referred to as Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands or The Swamp) was a stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The venue was open from 1976 to 2010, and it primarily hosted spo ...
. 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
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American English-language commercial broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, its headquarters are l ...
, and the
Republican National Committee
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is a U.S. political committee that assists the Republican Party of the United States. It is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican brand and political platform, as well as assisting in ...
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
The 2008 Republican National Convention took place at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, from September 1, through September 4, 2008. The first day of the Republican Party's convention fell on Labor Day, the last day of the popul ...
.
Standings
Week 1: vs. Washington Redskins
;
NFL Kickoff game
The National Football League Kickoff game, along with related festivities, marks the official start of the National Football League (NFL) regular season. A single game is held, preceded by a concert and other ceremonies. This first game of the se ...
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
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) ...
. In the first quarter, New York got a fast start as
Super Bowl XLII
Super Bowl XLII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion ...
MVP QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
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
Jason S. Campbell (born December 31, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college footbal ...
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
Coming off their divisional home win over the Redskins, the Giants flew to the
Edward Jones Dome
The Dome at America's Center is a multi-purpose stadium used for concerts, major conventions, and sporting events in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Previously known as the Trans World Dome from 1995 to 2001 and the Edward Jones Dom ...
for a Week 2 duel with the
St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood with QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
. 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
Amani Askari Toomer (born September 8, 1974) is a former American football wide receiver and punt returner who played his entire career for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He registered over 1,000 receiving yards each ...
. In the fourth quarter, the Rams tried to rally as QB
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger (; born April 5, 1977) is a retired American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons, primarily with the St. Louis Rams. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth r ...
completed a 45-yard TD pass to WR
Torry Holt
Torry Jabar Holt (born June 5, 1976) is a former professional American football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons. He was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and retired with the 10th most rec ...
. Afterwards, the Big Blue pulled away with Manning's 18-yard TD pass to RB
Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw (born March 19, 1986) is a former American football running back. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He played college football at Marshall. He is a two-time Super Bowl champio ...
, DE
Justin Tuck
Justin Lee Tuck (born March 29, 1983) is a former American football defensive end. He played college football at Notre Dame, and was drafted by the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL) in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, ...
'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
Coming off their road win over the Rams, the Giants went home for a Week 3 interconference duel with the
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati. The Bengals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The club's home ...
. In the first quarter, the G-Men trailed early as Bengals kicker
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham (born December 9, 1977) is an American football coach and former placekicker. Graham played 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Virginia Tech. He made his professional debut in Ma ...
kicked a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York responded with RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
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
Carson Hilton Palmer (born December 27, 1979) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals. He played college football at ...
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR
T.J. Houshmandzadeh. New York reclaimed the lead with QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE
Kevin Boss
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLII over the ...
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.
File:Giants on offense vs Bengals 2008-09-21.jpg, New York on offense in week 3
File:Giants Bengals 1.jpg, Eli Manning in the shotgun
File:Giants Bengals 2.jpg, Manning passing against Cincinnati
File:Giants Bengals 3.jpg, New York huddle against Cincinnati
File:Giants Bengals 4.jpg, The Bengals on offense at New York
File:Giants2.jpg, The Giants offensive line
File:Snee.jpg, A New York 2nd down play
File:Carson Palmer sacked by NY Giant.jpg, Carson Palmer
Carson Hilton Palmer (born December 27, 1979) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals. He played college football at ...
is sacked
Week 5: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Coming off their bye week, the Giants stayed at home for a Week 5 duel with the
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle. The Seahawks compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) West, which they rejoined in 2002 a ...
. The game was notable for the fact that WR
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
was suspended for this game, due to a minor internal conflict.
In the first quarter, the Giants drew first blood as QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completed a 32-yard TD to WR
Domenik Hixon
Domenik Hixon (born October 8, 1984) is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college foot ...
. The Seahawks responded with kicker
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare (born June 6, 1973) is a former American football placekicker. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at MacMurray College and Syracuse. Mare, who was se ...
getting a 30-yard field goal. Afterwards, New York increased its lead with RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
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
Sinorice Travonce Moss (born December 28, 1983) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2006 NFL Dra ...
, 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
Super Bowl XXV was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Buffalo Bills and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the ...
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
Coming off their dominating home win over the Seahawks, the Giants flew to
Cleveland Browns Stadium
FirstEnergy Stadium is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, primarily for American football. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college a ...
for a Week 6 interconference duel with the
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland. Named after original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, they compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conferenc ...
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
Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is a former American football placekicker. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2012 and holds their franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010. He pl ...
got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants took the lead as RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
got a 7-yard TD run. Cleveland regained the lead as RB
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis (born August 26, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. He played college football at Tennessee and was s ...
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
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
.
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
Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Michigan, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was recognize ...
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
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
The San Francisco 49ers (also written as the San Francisco Forty-Niners) are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 49ers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's Nationa ...
. In the first quarter, New York drew first blood as RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
got a 26-yard TD run. The 49ers responded with kicker
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney (born March 22, 1973) is a former American football placekicker. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996. H ...
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
Joshua Lewis Morgan (born June 20, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech. He also played for the Was ...
. 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
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
. The 49ers would reply as CB
Nate Clements
Nathan D. Clements (born December 12, 1979) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Ohio State. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 21st overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, and a ...
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
Justin Lee Tuck (born March 29, 1983) is a former American football defensive end. He played college football at Notre Dame, and was drafted by the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL) in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, ...
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
Coming off their home win over the 49ers, the Giants flew to
Heinz Field for a Week 8 interconference duel with the
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. Founded in , the Steel ...
. 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
Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Sr. (; born March 2, 1982), nicknamed "Big Ben", is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football ...
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
Mitchell Shannon Berger (born June 24, 1972) is a Canadian former American football punter. He played college football at Colorado and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 1994 NFL Draft.
Berger has also been a mem ...
and it rolled into the back of the endzone for a safety. Afterwards, New York finished its rally as QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE
Kevin Boss
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLII over the ...
.
With the win, the Giants improved to 6–1.
Week 9: vs. Dallas Cowboys
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
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divis ...
. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood as QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completed a 13-yard TD pass to TE
Kevin Boss
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLII over the ...
and a 5-yard TD pass to WR
Steve Smith Stephen, Steve, Stevie, or Steven Smith may refer to:
Academics
* Steve Smith (political scientist) (born 1952), British international relations theorist and senior university manager
* Stephen Smith (journalist) (born 1956), American journalist, ...
. 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
Amani Askari Toomer (born September 8, 1974) is a former American football wide receiver and punt returner who played his entire career for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He registered over 1,000 receiving yards each ...
.
In the third quarter, the Giants increased their lead as RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
got a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas tried to rally as QB
Brooks Bollinger
Brooks Michael Bollinger (born November 15, 1979) is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. He also was a member of the Florida Tusk ...
completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR
Terrell Owens
Terrell Eldorado Owens (; born December 7, 1973), nicknamed T.O., is an American football wide receiver for the Knights of Degen of Fan Controlled Football (FCF). He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Regar ...
. Afterwards, New York pulled away as RB
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
got a 17-yard TD run.
With the win, the Giants improved to 7–1.
Week 10: at Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off their home win over the Cowboys, the Giants flew to
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is an American football stadium located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It serves as the home stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and the Temple Owls football team of Temple University. ...
for a Week 10 NFC East duel with the
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team play ...
on Sunday Night Football. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Eagles WR
DeSean Jackson
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986) is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the California Golden Bears, where he was recognized as a con ...
got a 9-yard TD run. The Giants responded with QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
, 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
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLII over the ...
. Philadelphia responded with QB
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and ...
completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR
Jason Avant
Jason ( ; ) was an ancient Greek mythological hero and leader of the Argonauts, whose quest for the Golden Fleece featured in Greek literature. He was the son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcos. He was married to the sorceress Medea. He wa ...
. New York answered right back as Carney got a 26-yard field goal. The Eagles would close out the half as kicker
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Washington Redski ...
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
Henry Randall Baskett III (born September 4, 1982) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.
A native of Clovis, New Mexico, Ba ...
. The Giants replied with RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
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
Coming off their divisional road win over the Eagles, the Giants went home for a Week 11 interconference duel with the
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The team plays its ...
. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood as RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
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
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE
Darcy Johnson. The Ravens would respond with kicker
Matt Stover
John Matthew Stover (born January 27, 1968) is a former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons, primarily with the Baltimore Ravens. After five seasons for the Cleveland Browns, he was amon ...
getting a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore tried to rally as QB
Joe Flacco
Joseph Vincent Flacco (born January 16, 1985) is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football, Delaware after transferring from Pi ...
completed a 10-yard TD pass to FB
Le'Ron McClain. The Giants would answer with CB
Aaron Ross
Aaron Jermaine Ross (born September 15, 1982) is a former American football cornerback. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He won Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI with the Giants, twice over the ...
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
Coming off their home win over the Ravens, the Giants flew to the
University of Phoenix Stadium
A university () is an institution of higher (or tertiary) education and research which awards academic degrees in several academic disciplines. Universities typically offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In the United States, th ...
for a Week 12 duel with the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division, and play th ...
. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Cardinals kicker
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers (born August 16, 1976) is a former American football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons. He played college football for the University of Illinois. Rackers was drafted by ...
got a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded with RB
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
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
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR
Amani Toomer
Amani Askari Toomer (born September 8, 1974) is a former American football wide receiver and punt returner who played his entire career for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He registered over 1,000 receiving yards each ...
.
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
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLII over the ...
. Following an interception by Terrell Thomas, John Carney got a 27-yard field goal. Arizona would respond with QB
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene Warner (born June 22, 1971) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals. His career, which saw him ascend f ...
completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Kenmile Boldin Sr. (; born October 3, 1980) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida State University and was drafted by the Arizona Ca ...
, 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
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
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. 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. 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.
Burress would later be released by the Giants on April 3, 2009.
Week 13: vs. Washington Redskins
Coming off their road win over the Cardinals, the Giants flew to
Fedex Field
FedExField (originally Jack Kent Cooke Stadium) is an American football stadium located in Summerfield, Maryland, east of Washington, D.C. The stadium is the home of the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). From 2004 un ...
for a Week 13 NFC East rematch with the
Washington Redskins
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) ...
. In the first quarter, New York scored first as QB
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
completed a 40-yard TD pass to WR
Amani Toomer
Amani Askari Toomer (born September 8, 1974) is a former American football wide receiver and punt returner who played his entire career for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He registered over 1,000 receiving yards each ...
, 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
Devin Thomas (born November 15, 1986) is a former American football wide receiver. After playing college football for Michigan State, he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played for the Redskin ...
getting a 29-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, New York began to pull away as RB
Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
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
Philadelphia would score first in the game with a 51-yard
David Akers
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Washington Redski ...
field goal. Then in the second quarter, the Eagles
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is a former American football running back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft ...
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
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and ...
found
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is a former American football running back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft ...
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
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
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
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
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
was sidelined with a knee injury, crippling New York's running game;
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
started in his place.
The Cowboys scored first, on a 34-yard touchdown pass from
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
to
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton (born April 7, 1979) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and the San Diego Chargers. He played college football at Northwestern Oklahoma State.
Early ...
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
Deon Terry Anderson (born January 27, 1983) is a former American football fullback in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He pla ...
his first career touchdown. On the Cowboys' next drive, deep in their own territory,
Mathias Kiwanuka
Mathias Kagimu Kiwanuka (born March 8, 1983) is a former American football defensive end. He was originally drafted 32nd overall in the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football at Boston College. He earned two Super Bowl rings with the Giants ...
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
Tashard J. Choice (born November 20, 1984) is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts. He played college football at Georgia T ...
's 38-yard touchdown run with 2:24 to play sealed the victory for the Cowboys.
Eli Manning
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
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
File:2007 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Steve Jobs unveils Apple Inc., Apple's first iPhone (1st generation), iPhone; TAM Airlines Flight 3054 overruns a runway and crashes into a gas station, killing almost 200 people; Former Pakis ...
, and fell to 11–3.
Week 16: vs. Carolina Panthers
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
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
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
Jake Christopher Delhomme (; born January 10, 1975) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). Delhomme played college football at Louisiana, then known as the University of Southwestern Louisiana ...
to
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II (; born Melvin Darnell Campbell Jr. May 5, 1973) is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Muhammad played college football for ...
. Williams' touchdown came two plays after
Steve Smith Stephen, Steve, Stevie, or Steven Smith may refer to:
Academics
* Steve Smith (political scientist) (born 1952), British international relations theorist and senior university manager
* Stephen Smith (journalist) (born 1956), American journalist, ...
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
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
threw a short touchdown to
Kevin Boss
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLII over the ...
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
Domenik Hixon (born October 8, 1984) is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college foot ...
. 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
Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
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
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
Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
,
Kevin Boss
Kevin Michael Boss (born January 11, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Western Oregon University. With the Giants, he won Super Bowl XLII over the ...
,
Aaron Ross
Aaron Jermaine Ross (born September 15, 1982) is a former American football cornerback. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He won Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI with the Giants, twice over the ...
, and
Barry Cofield
Barry Joseph Cofield, Jr. (born March 19, 1984) is a former American football defensive tackle who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted in the fourth round by the New York Giants in the 2006 NFL Draft and has ...
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
field goal and a 67-yard touchdown run by
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Lewis Peterson (born March 21, 1985) is an American football running back who is a free agent. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in football history. He played college football at Oklahoma, where he set the ...
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
Domenik Hixon (born October 8, 1984) is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college foot ...
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
Tarvaris D'Andre Jackson (April 21, 1983 – April 12, 2020) was an American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Jackson played college football for both Alabama State and Arkansas. He played professionally for the ...
to
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian (born December 27, 1980) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State.
Berrian also played for the Minnes ...
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
Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son ...
, 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
Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
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
*1 – Signed defensive end
Jerome McDougle
*1 – Signed defensive tackle
Jeremy Clark
Jeremy Terrell Clark (born September 6, 1983) is a former American football defensive end. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at the Alabama.
Clark has also been a member ...
to practice squad
*1 – Signed defensive end
Wallace Gilberry
Wallace Gilberry (born December 5, 1984) is a former American football defensive end. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Alabama.
Gilberry has also played for the Kansas Cit ...
to practice squad
*1 – Signed offensive tackle
Na'Shan Goddard
Na'Shan Goddard (born April 23, 1983) is a former American football offensive tackle. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at South Carolina. He is now the offensive line coach a ...
to practice squad
*1 – Signed wide receiver
Marcus Monk
Marcus Monk (born April 26, 1986) is a former professional American football wide receiver and a former professional basketball player. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football a ...
to practice squad
*1 – Signed cornerback
Geoffrey Pope to practice squad
*1 – Signed offensive guard
Kurt Quarterman
Kurt Quarterman (born October 5, 1983) is a former American football guard. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions in the United Football League in 2012. He played college football at the University of Louisville.
High school career
...
to practice squad
*1 – Signed quarterback
Andre Woodson
Andre' Chandler Woodson, Jr. (born April 25, 1984) is a former American football quarterback and coach. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Woodson played collegiately at the University of Kentucky. He f ...
to practice squad
*1 – Signed corerback
Rashad Barksdale
Rashad Emmanuel Unique Barksdale (born May 11, 1984) is a former American football cornerback of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at ...
(
Chiefs) to practice squad
*1 – Placed defensive tackle
Rodney Leisle
Rodney Allen Leisle (born February 5, 1981 in Fresno, California) is a former American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He attended Ridgeview High School in Bakersfield ...
on waivers
*2 – Placed defensive tackle
Rodney Leisle
Rodney Allen Leisle (born February 5, 1981 in Fresno, California) is a former American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He attended Ridgeview High School in Bakersfield ...
on reserve/injured
*2 – Signed tight end
Eric Butler
Eric Dudley Butler (7 May 1916 – 7 June 2006) was an Australian political activist and journalist, who in 1946 founded the far-right Australian League of Rights, which he led until 1992. He was known as a staunch anti-communist and virulent ...
to practice squad
*2 – Released cornerback
Geoffrey Pope from practice squad
*8 – Signed wide receiver
Taye Biddle
RaTavious Anton "Taye" Biddle (born February 27, 1983) is an American football wide receiver. He was previously with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent ...
(
Detroit
Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at t ...
) to practice squad
*8 – Released wide receiver
Marcus Monk
Marcus Monk (born April 26, 1986) is a former professional American football wide receiver and a former professional basketball player. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football a ...
from practice squad
*11 – Signed defensive tackle
Leger Douzable (
Vikings
Vikings ; non, víkingr is the modern name given to seafaring people originally from Scandinavia (present-day Denmark, Norway and Sweden),
who from the late 8th to the late 11th centuries raided, pirated, traded and se ...
) to practice squad
*11 – Released offensive guard
Kurt Quarterman
Kurt Quarterman (born October 5, 1983) is a former American football guard. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions in the United Football League in 2012. He played college football at the University of Louisville.
High school career
...
from practice squad
*23 – Released tight end
Eric Butler
Eric Dudley Butler (7 May 1916 – 7 June 2006) was an Australian political activist and journalist, who in 1946 founded the far-right Australian League of Rights, which he led until 1992. He was known as a staunch anti-communist and virulent ...
from practice squad
*24 – Suspended wide receiver
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
for 2 weeks
*24 – Activated wide receiver
Taye Biddle
RaTavious Anton "Taye" Biddle (born February 27, 1983) is an American football wide receiver. He was previously with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent ...
from practice squad
*24 – Signed wide receiver
John Broussard
John Benjamin Broussard (born December 18, 1983) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at San Jose State.
Broussard was a ...
to practice squad
October
*7 – Placed wide receiver
Taye Biddle
RaTavious Anton "Taye" Biddle (born February 27, 1983) is an American football wide receiver. He was previously with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent ...
on waivers
*7 – Released
John Broussard
John Benjamin Broussard (born December 18, 1983) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at San Jose State.
Broussard was a ...
from practice squad
*9 – Signed wide receiver
Taye Biddle
RaTavious Anton "Taye" Biddle (born February 27, 1983) is an American football wide receiver. He was previously with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent ...
to practice squad
*21 – Signed offensive tackle
Cliff Louis
Clifford Louis (born August 24, 1984) is a retired gridiron football guard and offensive tackle who is currently a retired. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Morgan State.
Lo ...
to practice squad
*21 – Released cornerback
Rashad Barksdale
Rashad Emmanuel Unique Barksdale (born May 11, 1984) is a former American football cornerback of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at ...
from practice squad
*23 – Signed cornerback
Rashad Barksdale
Rashad Emmanuel Unique Barksdale (born May 11, 1984) is a former American football cornerback of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at ...
to practice squad
*23 – Released quarterback
Andre Woodson
Andre' Chandler Woodson, Jr. (born April 25, 1984) is a former American football quarterback and coach. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Woodson played collegiately at the University of Kentucky. He f ...
from practice squad
*27 – Signed quarterback
Andre Woodson
Andre' Chandler Woodson, Jr. (born April 25, 1984) is a former American football quarterback and coach. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Woodson played collegiately at the University of Kentucky. He f ...
to practice squad
*27 – Released offensive tackle
Cliff Louis
Clifford Louis (born August 24, 1984) is a retired gridiron football guard and offensive tackle who is currently a retired. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Morgan State.
Lo ...
from practice squad
November
*5 – Signed offensive tackle
Cliff Louis
Clifford Louis (born August 24, 1984) is a retired gridiron football guard and offensive tackle who is currently a retired. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Morgan State.
Lo ...
to practice squad
*5 – Released defensive end
Wallace Gilberry
Wallace Gilberry (born December 5, 1984) is a former American football defensive end. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Alabama.
Gilberry has also played for the Kansas Cit ...
from practice squad
*29 – Placed safety
Sammy Knight
Sammy D. Knight, Jr. (born September 10, 1975) is a former American football safety. He played college football at USC and was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997. Knight was also a member of the Miami Dolphins, K ...
on injured reserve
*29 – Activated defensive tackle
Jeremy Clark
Jeremy Terrell Clark (born September 6, 1983) is a former American football defensive end. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at the Alabama.
Clark has also been a member ...
from practice squad
December
*2 – Signed safety
Travonti Johnson
Travonti Johnson (born May 9, 1984) was an American football safety. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at UCF.
Early life
Johnson attended Dr. Michael M. Krop High School in Mi ...
to practice squad
*3 – Suspended wide receiver
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
for rest of season
*3 – Activated defensive tackle
Leger Douzable from practice squad
*3 – Offensive tackle
Na'Shan Goddard
Na'Shan Goddard (born April 23, 1983) is a former American football offensive tackle. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at South Carolina. He is now the offensive line coach a ...
claimed by
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle. The Seahawks compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) West, which they rejoined in 2002 a ...
*3 – Signed offensive guard
Mike Fladell to practice squad
*3 – Signed wide receiver
Micah Rucker
Micah Rucker (born January 4, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Eastern Illinois.
College
Rucker started his colleg ...
(
Chiefs) to practice squad
*16 – Placed running back
Reuben Droughns
Reuben Droughns (; born August 21, 1978) is a retired American football running back. After playing college football at the University of Oregon, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
During his nine year ...
on injured reserve
*16 – Signed wide receiver
Derek Hagan
Derek Steven Hagan Jr. (born September 21, 1984) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State University. Hagan has also pr ...
(
Dolphins
A dolphin is an aquatic mammal within the infraorder Cetacea. Dolphin species belong to the families Delphinidae (the oceanic dolphins), Platanistidae (the Indian river dolphins), Iniidae (the New World river dolphins), Pontoporiidae (t ...
)
*17 – Placed linebacker
Jonathan Goff
Jonathan Goff (born December 12, 1985) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Vanderbilt. He ...
on injured reserve
*17 – Signed linebacker
Edmond Miles (
Dolphins
A dolphin is an aquatic mammal within the infraorder Cetacea. Dolphin species belong to the families Delphinidae (the oceanic dolphins), Platanistidae (the Indian river dolphins), Iniidae (the New World river dolphins), Pontoporiidae (t ...
)
*29 – Wide receiver
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress (born August 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 12 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth ove ...
's suspension lifted, placed on reserve/injured
*30 – Placed cornerback
Sam Madison
Samuel Adolphus Madison, Jr. (born April 23, 1974) is an American football coach and former cornerback. He is the cornerbacks coach and pass game specialist for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as th ...
on injured reserve
*30 – Activated cornerback
Rashad Barksdale
Rashad Emmanuel Unique Barksdale (born May 11, 1984) is a former American football cornerback of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at ...
from practice squad
*30 – Signed linebacker
Rich Scanlon
Richard James Scanlon (born December 23, 1980 in Oradell, New Jersey) is an American football linebacker. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Syracuse.
Scanlon has also played ...
*30 – Placed linebacker
Edmond Miles on waivers
*31 – Signed wide receiver
Paul Raymond (
Lions
The lion (''Panthera leo'') is a large cat of the genus '' Panthera'' native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; ad ...
) to practice squad
Playoffs
NFC Divisional Round: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
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
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team play ...
, 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
Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and ...
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
David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Washington Redski ...
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
Brent Steven Celek (; born January 25, 1985) is an American football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Cincinnati and was drafted by the Eagles in the ...
, 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
MetLife Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, 5 mi (8 km) west of New York City. Opened in 2010 to replace Giants Stadium, it serves as the home for the New York Giants and ...
in
2010
File:2010 Events Collage New.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2010 Chile earthquake was one of the strongest recorded in history; The Eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland disrupts air travel in Europe; A scene from the opening ceremony of ...
after missing the playoffs in
2009
File:2009 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: The vertical stabilizer of Air France Flight 447 is pulled out from the Atlantic Ocean; Barack Obama becomes the first African American to become President of the United States; Protests ...
. 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.
Only score in history
Statistics
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Defensive
Kicking
Punting
See also
* List of New York Giants seasons
References
{{2008 NFL season by team
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divisio ...
New York Giants seasons
NFC East championship seasons
New York Giants season
21st century in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Meadowlands Sports Complex