History of the New York Giants

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The history of the New York Giants, an American football team which plays in the NFL's National Football Conference, comprises more than 80 seasons. The Giants were founded in 1925 by original owner Tim Mara in the then five-year-old NFL. Mara owned the team until his death in 1959, when it was passed on to his son Wellington. During their history the Giants have acquired six NFL championships, two of which came in Super Bowls.

In just its third season, the team finished with the best record in the league at 11–1–1 and was awarded the NFL title. In a fourteen year span from 1933 to 1946, the Giants qualified to play in the NFL championship game 8 times, winning twice. They did not win another league title until 1956, aided by a number of future Pro Football Hall of Fame players such as running back Frank Gifford, linebacker Sam Huff, and offensive tackle Roosevelt Brown. From 1958 to 1963, the Giants played in the NFL championship game 5 out of those 6 years, but failed to win. The 1958 NFL Championship game, in which they lost 23–17 in overtime to the Baltimore Colts, is widely credited with increasing the popularity of the NFL in United States.

From 1964 to 1980, the Giants registered only two winning seasons and were unable to advance to the playoffs. But from 1981 to 1990, the team qualified for the postseason seven times in ten seasons. During that period, they won Super Bowl XXI (1987) and Super Bowl XXV (1991). The team's success during the 1980s was aided by head coach Bill Parcells, quarterback Phil Simms, and Hall of Fame linebackers Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson. The Giants struggled throughout much of the 1990s as Parcells left the team and players such as Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor declined and eventually retired. They returned to the Super Bowl in 2001 losing to the Baltimore Ravens, and as of 2007 have made the playoffs in two consecutive seasons.

This article or section is part of the New York Giants history series.

History of the New York Giants

History of the New York Giants (1925-1978)

History of the New York Giants (1979-1993)

History of the New York Giants (1994-present)

Contents 1 Birth and Success: 1925-1957 2 Greatest game ever played: 1958 3 More success: 1959-1963 4 Wilderness Years: 1964-1972 5 Leaving New York: 1973-1978 6 Building of a champion: 1979-1985 7 Back on top: 1986-1990 7.1 1986: Super Bowl Champions 7.2 1987-1989 7.3 1990: Champions again 7.3.1 Super Bowl XXV 7.4 End of an era 8 After Parcells - The Handley era 8.1 1991-1992 9 Dan Reeves takes over 9.1 1993-1996 10 Jim Fassel era 10.1 1997-1999 10.2 2000: Super Bowl season 10.3 2001-2003 11 Eli Manning era: 2004-Present 11.1 Eli Manning arrives 11.2 2004 11.3 2005: NFC East champions again 11.4 2006 12 References 13 External links

[edit] Birth and Success: 1925-1957

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1925-1978)

The Giants were founded in 1925 by original owner Tim Mara with an investment of $500,^[1] and became one of the first teams of the NFL. Mara owned the team until his death in 1959; when it was passed on to his son Wellington. The Giants played their first game against All New Britain in New Britain, Connecticut, on October 5, 1925.^[2][3]

Although the Giants were successful on the field in their first season, going 8–4 in 1925,^[4] their financial status was a different story. Overhadowed by baseball, boxing, and college football, professional football was not a popular sport in 1925. The Giants were in dire financial straints until the 11th game of the season when Red Grange and the Chicago Bears came to town attracting over 70,000 fans. This pushed the Giants into financial solvency and perhaps altered the history of the franchise.^[5]

The 1927 season was a very successful one for the New York Giants, who finished 11–1–1.^[6] Their defense posted 10 shutouts in 13 games and was the best in the league.^[5] New coach Earl Potteiger led the team into a game against the Chicago Bears late in the season with first place on the line. The Giants won 13–7 in what Steve Owen called, "the toughest, roughest football game I ever played."^[7] From then on it was an easy trip to the championship,^[1] as they had a 2 game lead over the Bears by virtue of their head to head tiebreaker (note: the championship was determined by record in that era; it was not until 1933 that the NFL had a championship game).

Following a disappointing 1928 season Earl Potteiger was out and Roy Andrews in as the new coach. Before the 1929 season owner Tim Mara purchased the entire squad of the Detroit Wolverines, including star quarterback Benny Friedman, a team which had finished in third place the year before. The rosters of the two teams were combined under the Giants name and this led to immediate improvement as the Giants record soared to 13–1–1 in 1929.^[5] However, their only loss occurred in a 20–6 November game to the Green Bay Packers who by virtue of this win, and their 12–0–1 record, would go on to win the NFL title.^[5]

In 1930 there were still many who questioned the quality of the professional game, claiming the college "amateurs" played with more fight and spirit. In December 1930 the Giants played a team of Notre Dame All Stars at the Polo Grounds to raise money for the unemployed of New York City. It was also an opportunity to establish the superiority of the pro game. Knute Rockne reassembled his Four Horsemen along with the stars of his 1930 Championship squad and told them to score early, then defend. But from the beginning it was a one way contest, with Benny Friedman running for two Giant touchdowns and Hap Moran passing for another. Notre Dame failed to score. When it was all over, Coach Rockne told his team, '"That was the greatest football machine I ever saw. "I am glad none of you got hurt."^[8]

In 1934, the team defeated the previously unbeaten Chicago Bears 30–13 at the Polo Grounds on an icy field with temperatures peaking at 25 degrees. Before the game, team treasurer John Mara talked with coach Steve Owen and captain Ray Flaherty about the frozen field conditions at the Polo Grounds. Flaherty suggested the Giants wear sneakers on the frozen field, as he had played in a game under similar circumstances at Gonzaga and the sneakers proved to be effective. Mara dispatched equipment manager Abe Cohen to get as many sneakers as he could get.^[9] Due to traffic and the inability to find any athletic goods stores open on Sunday, Cohen was unable to return before the game started and the Giants, wearing conventional footwear, trailed 10 to 3 at the end of the first half.^[1] Realizing time was short, Cohen went to Manhattan College^[9]—where he had a key to the equipment and locker rooms—and returned to the Polo Grounds at halftime with nine pairs of basketball sneakers, saying that "nine pairs was all I could get." Players donned the sneakers and the Giants, after allowing the Bears another field goal late in the third period, would respond with 27 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to win their first NFL Championship game. The game would come to be known as "The Sneakers Game",^[1] and the 27 points the Giants scored in the 4th quarter set a single–quarter championship game scoring record that stood for decades. After the game offensive tackle Len Grant expressed his sincere gratitude by stating simply "God bless Abe Cohen."^[10]

The Giants were unable to repeat as champions in 1935 as they fell to the Lions 26–7 in the NFL Championship game.^[6] The Lion staked a 13–0 lead before the Giants were able to cut the lead to 13–7 in the third quarter. However the Lions defense would help their team score two late touchdowns with a blocked punt and an interception.^[6]

The Giants were so successful from the latter half of the 1930s until the United States entry into World War II, that according to one publication, "From 1936 to 1941 the New York Giants annually fielded a collection of NFL all-stars."^[11] They added their third NFL championship in 1938 with a 23–17 win over the Green Bay Packers.^[6]

The Giants made the championship game again the next year, and lost in a rematch to the Packers 31–16.^[6] They also advanced to the championship game in 1941, losing to the Bears 37–9.^[6] Both games were close early before their respective opponents went on an offensive surge to break the game open late.^[6] In 1944 the Giants reached the championship game where they faced the Green Bay Packers for the third time in ten seasons. They lost again, this time 14–7 as Ted Fritsch scored two touchdowns and the Packers defense was able to hold on to the lead despite a 4th quarter touchdown by the Giants.^[6] In 1946 the Giants again reached the Championship game, for the eighth time in 14 seasons, where they were beaten by the Sid Luckman led Bears 24–14.^[6]

The Giants won their fourth NFL Championship in 1956. Playing their home games at Yankee Stadium for the first time, the Giants won the Eastern Division with an 8–3–1 record.^[4] In the NFL Championship Game on an icy field against the Chicago Bears, the Giants wore sneakers as they had 22 years previous. They dominated the Bears winning the championship by a score of 47–7. The 1956 Giants featured a number of future Hall of Fame players, including Frank Gifford, Sam Huff and Roosevelt Brown. Equally notable, the team featured as its coordinators future Hall of Fame head coaches Tom Landry (defense) and Vince Lombardi (offense).

[edit] Greatest game ever played: 1958

Main article: NFL Championship Game, 1958

The Giants had another successful year in 1958. They tied for the Eastern Division regular season title with a 9–3 record, and played in the NFL Championship Game against the Baltimore Colts.^[12] This game, which would become known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played", is considered by many to be a watershed event in the history of the NFL.^[13] The game itself was highly competitive. The Giants got off to a quick 3–0 lead; however the Colts scored two touchdowns to take a 14–3 halftime lead.^[14]

A key defensive stop by the Giants in the third quarter would be a turning point of the game, as the Giants, who had trouble mounting many drives to that point, came back with a 95–yard drive which culminated in a touchdown, making the score 14-10.^[14] The Giants then drove again, with quarterback Charley Conerly throwing a 15–yard touchdown pass to Frank Gifford to take the lead, 17–14.^[15]

The Colts put together one last, drive with less than two minutes left. The star of this drive was receiver Raymond Berry, who caught 3 passes for 62 yards,^[14] the last one for 22 yards to the Giant 13 yard line. With seven seconds left in regulation, Steve Myhra kicked a 20–yard field goal to tie the score 17–17,^[16] sending the game to overtime for the first time in NFL history.

After winning the toss and receiving the ball, the Giants offense stalled and was forced to punt. From their own 20, the Colts drove the ball down the field, with Alan Ameche finally scoring from the one yard line to give the championship to the Colts, 23–17.^[14]

[edit] More success: 1959-1963

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1925-1978)

The Giants enjoyed a run of success over the next several years. They finished 9–3 in 1959 and faced the Colts in a championship game rematch.^[17] They lost again, this time in a far less dramatic game 31–16.^[17] Led by quarterback YA Tittle and head coach Allie Sherman, the Giants won three consecutive Eastern Division titles from 1961–1963. In 1961 they were beaten by the Packers, 37–0.^[12] In 1962, they went into the championship game with a league best 12–2 record,^[4] and a nine–game winning streak; but lost to the Packers again, 16–7.^[12]

They finished with an 11–3 record in 1963, and went on to face the Chicago Bears for the NFL championship. On an icy field the Giants defense played well, but the Bears newly invented zone defense intercepted YA Tittle 5 times,^[12] and battered him throughout the game.^[12] The Giants defense led by Hall of Famer Sam Huff held the Bears in check, but they lost 14–10, their 3rd straight NFL Championship Game defeat.^[12]

[edit] Wilderness Years: 1964-1972

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1925-1978)

After the 1963 season, the team fell apart quickly, finishing 2–10–2 in 1964,^[4] beginning an 18-season playoff drought. The team rebounded with a 7–7 record in 1965,^[4] before compiling a league-worst 1–12–1 record,^[18] and allowing over 500 points on defense in 1966.^[18] This season also included a 72–41 loss^[19] to the rival Washington Redskins at D.C. Stadium in the highest-scoring game in league history. Interest in the team was waning rapidly, especially with the rapid rise of the New York Jets, with their wide-open style of play and charismatic quarterback Joe Namath.

The Giants acquired Fran Tarkenton from the Minnesota Vikings before the 1967 season and quickly showed improvement. They finished 7–7 in both the 1967 and 1968 seasons.^[4] Notably, in 1968, one of Tarkenton's favorite targets, wide receiver Homer Jones made the Pro Bowl. Through the 2006 season, no other Giants receiver has been selected for the Pro Bowl—a drought of 38 seasons.

During the 1969 preseason, the Giants lost their first meeting with the Jets, 37–14, at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut.^[20] Following the game, Wellington Mara fired coach Allie Sherman^[21] and replaced him with former Giants fullback Alex Webster. On opening day of the 1969 regular season, Tarkenton led the Giants to a 24–23 victory over his former team, the Vikings, by throwing two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. The Giants finished 6–8 in the 1969 season.^[4]

In 1970 the Giants showed marked improvement. After an 0–3 start the Giants rebounded and finished with a 9–5 record,^[22] just missing the playoffs by losing their final game to the Los Angeles Rams. Tarkenton had his best season as a Giant, and made the Pro Bowl. Additionally, running back Ron Johnson also made the Pro Bowl and ran for 1,027 yards,^[22] becoming the first Giant ever to gain 1,000 yards rushing in a season.

In 1971, Johnson missed most of the season with a knee injury, and the Giants dropped to 4–10,^[4] resulting in Tarkenton being traded back to the Vikings. The Giants rallied somewhat the following season to finish 8–6,^[4] behind veteran journeyman quarterback Norm Snead (acquired in the trade for Tarkenton), who led the league in passing and had his best season.^[23] After the 1972 season however, the Giants would suffer one of the worst prolonged stretches in their history.

[edit] Leaving New York: 1973-1978

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1925-1978)

Desiring their own home stadium, in the early 1970s the Giants reached an agreement with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to play their home games at a new, state-of-the-art, dedicated football stadium.^[5] The stadium, which would be known as Giants Stadium, was to be built at a new sports complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.^[5]

As the complex was being built, and their current home at Yankee Stadium was being renovated, they would be without a home for three years.^[5] Their final full season at Yankee Stadium was 1972. After playing their first two games there in 1973,^[5] the Giants played the rest of their home games in 1973, as well as all of their home games in 1974, at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut.^[5] This was done primarily out of a desire to have their own home field, as opposed to having to share Shea Stadium with the Jets. However, between access problems, neighborhood issues, the fact that the Yale Bowl was not ideally suited for pro football (the stadium did not have lights, nor does it have lights today), the age of the stadium (it was built in 1914) and the lack of modern amenities, the Giants reconsidered their decision and ultimately agreed to share Shea Stadium with the Jets for the 1975 season.^[5] The Giants left Yale Bowl after losing all seven home games played there in the 1974 season and compiling a home record of 1-11 over that two year stretch.

One of the bright spots in this era was the play of tight end Bob Tucker who, from 1970 through part of the 1977 seasons was one of the top tight ends in the NFL. Tucker amassed 327 receptions, 4322 yards and 22 touchdowns during his years as a Giant.

Despite their new home and heightened fan interest, the Giants still played subpar in 1976 and 1977. In 1978, the Giants started the year 5-6^[24] and played the Eagles at home with a chance to solidify their playoff prospects. However, the season imploded on November 19, 1978, in one of the most improbable finishes in NFL history. Playing their arch rival the Philadelphia Eagles the Giants were leading 17-12 and had possession of the ball with only 30 seconds left.^[25] They had only to kneel the ball to end the game, as the Eagles had no time outs.^[25]

However, instead of kneeling the ball, offensive coordinator Bob Gibson ordered Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik to hand the ball off to fullback Larry Csonka. Csonka was unprepared to receive the handoff,^[25] and the ball rolled off his hip and bounced free. Eagles safety Herman Edwards picked up the loose ball and ran, untouched, for a score, giving the Eagles an improbable 19-17 victory.^[25] This play is referred to as "The Miracle in the Meadowlands" among Eagles fans, and "The Fumble" among Giants fans.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Gibson was fired, and the Giants lost three out of their last four games^[24] to finish out of the playoffs for the 15th straight season, leading them to let coach John McVay go as well. However, following the 1978 season came the steps that would, in time, lead the Giants back to the pinnacle of the NFL.

[edit] Building of a champion: 1979-1985

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1979-1993)

The Giants made the decision to hire a General Manager following the 1978 season. ^[26] However, the search grew contentious and severely fractured the relationship between owners Wellington and Tim Mara.^[26] Finally, the Maras asked NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to step in with a recommendation.^[26] Rozelle recommended George Young,^[27] who worked in personnel for the Miami Dolphins and had been an assistant coach for the Baltimore Colts. Young was hired;^[27] however the rift between the Maras lasted for several years.^[28]

Young then hired Ray Perkins as head coach, and drafted unknown quarterback Phil Simms from Morehead State University to the surprise of many.^[29] The Giants continued to struggle, finishing 6–10 and 4–12 in 1979 and 1980.^[4] With the second overall draft pick in the 1981 draft, the Giants drafted linebacker Lawrence Taylor. The impact that Taylor had on the Giants' defense was immediate.^[30] He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press, becoming to date the only rookie to ever win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His arrival raised the Giants linebacker corps—which already included future Hall of Famer Harry Carson and Brad Van Pelt—into one of the NFL's best. It also predicated the Giants transformation from allowing 425 points in 1980 to 257 in 1981.^[30] The Giants went 9–7,^[31] and defeated the Eagles in the first round of the playoffs 27–21.^[31] They then lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers 38–24.^[31]

In the strike shortened 1982 season, the Giants lost their first two games before the strike and their first game upon returning.^[32] They then won their next three games to even their record at 3–3.^[32] However, they lost their next two games to effectively knock themselves out of the playoffs, despite defeating the Eagles in the season finale.^[32] Lawrence Taylor remained a bright spot however, again winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Perkins left the Giants after the 1982 season to become head coach of the University of Alabama. George Young chose Bill Parcells, the Giants' defensive coordinator, as the team's new head coach.

Parcells first year proved difficult. In his first major decision, he selected Brunner over Simms at quarterback. At first it appeared that Parcells' decision was justified, especially after a 27–3 victory over the Green Bay Packers gave the Giants a 2–2 record after 4 games.^[33] However, the Giants then lost all but one of their final 12 games.^[33] Parcells ignored fans' protests and stuck with Brunner for most of the year, although Jeff Rutledge saw considerable late–season action.^[34] Finally, in a game against the Eagles, he brought Simms back to thunderous fan applause, only to see him suffer a season–ending hand injury. Despite their record the Giants were competitive in many of their losses and Young ignored calls to fire Parcells.

Phil Simms won the starting job back for the 1984 season and Brunner was released. The Giants experienced a resurgence in the 1984 season, highlighted by a midseason stretch where they won 5 out of 6 games.^[35] Despite losing their last two games to finish 9–7 the Giants still made the playoffs. In the first round, they defeated the Los Angeles Rams 16–13 before losing, 21–10, to the eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers.^[35] Simms threw for 4,044 yards in 1984,^[35] making him the first Giant to ever reach the 4,000 yards passing in a season.

The Giants continued their success by going 10–6 in 1985.^[36] The Giants defense carried the team and led the NFL in sacks with 68.^[37] They won their first round playoff game, 17–3 over the defending champion 49ers.^[37] In the divisional playoffs they were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears 21–0.^[36]

Many of the players that would play key roles on the Giants Super Bowl teams emerged in 1985. Joe Morris emerged as the feature back on the Giants, running for 1,338 yards,^[36] scoring 21 touchdowns^[36] and making the Pro Bowl. Rookie receiver Lionel Manuel led the Giants with 49 catches,^[36] and tight end Mark Bavaro, another rookie, had 37 catches.^[36] Simms threw every pass for the Giants for the second consecutive season, and passed for over 3,800 yards.^[36] Defensive end Leonard Marshall also recorded 15.5 sacks during the season.^[36]

[edit] Back on top: 1986-1990

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1979-1993)

[edit] 1986: Super Bowl Champions

The Giants entered the 1986 season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.^[38] They had their first test in a Monday Night game against the defending Eastern division champion Dallas Cowboys. The Giants played well at Texas Stadium, but lost the opener, 31–28.^[39] The Giants, however, would win their next 5 in a row and 14 of their last 15,^[39] to finish the season with an impressive 14–2 record.^[39]

In a Monday Night Football game at San Francisco in December, the Giants overcame a 17–0 halftime deficit to win 21–17.^[40] One of the more memorable and inspiring plays of the season occurred during that game. Here is a description of the play taken from a Monday Night Football broadcast in 2005: "On Dec. 1 1986...with the Giants trailing, (Mark) Bavaro catches an innocent pass from Phil Simms over the middle. It takes nearly seven 49ers defenders to finally drag him down, some of which are carried for almost 20 yards, including future Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. Bavaro’s inspiring play jump starts the Giants, who win the game and eventually the Super Bowl."^[41]

The defense set the tone for the 1986 Giants, allowing only 236 points during the season, 2nd fewest in the NFL.^[42] Lawrence Taylor was the standard bearer, and set a single–season team record with 20.5 sacks. Taylor was so dominant that in addition to winning an unprecedented third NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award he was named NFL MVP by the Associated Press.

The Giants hosted the 49ers in the Divisional Playoffs and won easily, 49–3.^[39] They then shut out the Redskins 17–0 in the NFC Championship Game at Giants Stadium.^[39] The Giants went on to play the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI in front of 101,063 fans at the Rose Bowl.^[12] After falling behind 10–9 at halftime,^[43] the Giants defeated the Broncos 39–20.^[39] Quarterback Phil Simms was named MVP after completing 22 of 25 (88%) of his passes—a Super Bowl record.^[12]

[edit] 1987-1989

The Giants lost their first two games of the 1987 season before the 1987 NFL Players Strike. Unlike the players strike five years previous, NFL owners made a decision to go forward with replacement players. The Giants lost all three replacement games, putting their record at 0–5^[44] before the strike was over and the regular players returned. Though the Giants went a respectable 6–4 over their final 10 games,^[44] they finished out of the playoffs at 6–9.^[44] Bright spots for the season included tight end Mark Bavaro, who led the team in catches with 55, and three of the Giants linebackers making the Pro Bowl - Lawrence Taylor, Carl Banks and Harry Carson.^[45]

The Giants 1988 season got off to a rough start with an offseason scandal involving Lawrence Taylor. Taylor had abused cocaine violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and was suspended for the first four games of the season. Taylor's over the edge lifestyle was becoming an increasing concern for fans and team officials. However after his return Taylor played like his usual dominant self, recording 15.5 sacks in 12 games. The intense worry and scrutiny would prove to be for naught as for the rest of his career Taylor avoided suspension and passed his drug tests.

Predictably the Giants started the season struggling. Taylor's absence, combined with a difficult early schedule had them alternating wins and losses through their first six games.^[46] However with Taylor back and playing well, they were able to win their next four games.^[46] After two straight losses,^[46] the Giants won their next three games^[46] to set up a win–or–go–home game against the New York Jets in the season finale. The Jets defeated the Giants 27–21.^[46] When the 49ers lost to the Rams the following night, the Giants were out of the postseason despite a 10–6 record.^[46]

The Giants started the 1989 season 8–1 and did not allow more than 24 points in any game.^[47] After suffering through a 1–3 stretch,^[47] the Giants rallied to win their final three games^[47] to secure the second best record in the NFC at 12–4.^[48] Heading into the final week of the regular season against the Los Angeles Raiders, division rival Philadelphia lost a crucial game in New Orleans, opening up a chance at the NFC East Title. The Giants defeated the Raiders and clinched the division with a 34–17 victory.^[47][48] They lost their divisional playoff game in overtime to the Rams 19–13.^[47] The highlight of the game was wide receiver Flipper Anderson catch of the game winning touchdown pass. Anderson caught the pass and made a long run to the endzone, silencing the crowd in attendance. The 1989 season saw free agent acquisition Ottis Anderson rush for 1,023 yards and caught 28 passes.^[47] Dave Meggett also emerged as a threat on third downs and special teams, catching 34 passes for 531 yards^[47] and making the Pro Bowl.

[edit] 1990: Champions again

The Giants won their first 10 games of the 1990 season,^[49] setting a record for the best start in the team's history. The San Francisco 49ers also got off to a strong start, matching the Giants with their 10–0 start. Although bost teams lost their next game, their week 13 matchup was still eagerly anticipated. The Giants held the 49ers vaunted offense to only 7 points. However, they scored only 3, and suffered their second straight loss 7–3.^[49]

The Giants won the following week against the Minnesota Vikings before facing the Buffalo Bills in their regular season home finale. Despite holding the Bills' powerful offense to 17 points and dominating them in time of possession,^[50] the Giants lost 17–13, for their third loss in four games.^[49] To compound the Giants' problems, Phil Simms went down with an injury that would sideline him for the rest of the year. His replacement, Jeff Hostetler, was an unproven career backup who had only thrown 68 passes in his NFL career.

The Giants recovered to beat the Cardinals and Patriots, securing a 13–3 record,^[49] and the playoff bye as the NFC's second seed. The Giants defeated the Chicago Bears, 31–3 in the divisional playoff round,^[49] setting up a rematch with the 49ers in San Francisco for the NFC Championship. As they had in Week 12, the Giants defense held San Francisco's offense in check. In the game's waning moments Erik Howard caused a Roger Craig fumble,^[51] and Lawrence Taylor recovered it. The Giants drove down the field, and in the game's last play, Bahr hit a 42–yard field goal to defeat the 49ers 15–13.^[52]

The win set up another rematch, this time in the Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills.

[edit] Super Bowl XXV

Main article: Super Bowl XXV

Super Bowl XXV took place amidst a background of war and patriotism.^[12] The Persian Gulf War had begun less than two weeks previous and the nation rallied around the Super Bowl as a symbol of America. The Giants got off to a quick 3–0 lead,^[53] however, the Bills scored the next 12 points, giving them a 12–3 lead. The Giants responded by running a nearly 8 minute drive,^[53] which culminated in a 14 yard touchdown pass from Hostetler to Stephen Baker, bringing them to within 12–10 at halftime.^[53]

The Giants received the second half kickoff and mounted one of the most memorable drives in Super Bowl and NFL history. The opening drive ran for over 9 minutes^[53] (a Super Bowl record) and culminated in a 1 yard touchdown run by Ottis Anderson, giving the Giants a 17–12 lead.^[53] By this time, the Giants strategy to handle the Bills offense had become clear: keep them off the field. Indeed, the Giants two touchdown drives consumed over 17 minutes.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Bills' Thurman Thomas ran for a 31–yard touchdown that put the Bills back in front, 19-17.^[53] A few possessions later, the Giants drove down to the Bills 4 yard line and kicked a 21–yard field goal which gave them a 20–19 lead.^[53] Both teams exchanged possessions before the Bills began one final drive, driving down to the Giants 30 yard line to set up what would be a potentially game–winning 47 yard field goal attempt by Scott Norwood. In what would become the game's signature moment, Norwood's attempt missed wide right, and the Giants won their second Super Bowl, 20–19.^[53]

The Giants set a Super Bowl record for time of possession in the process with a mark of 40:33,^[12] and Ottis Anderson was named MVP of the game after rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown.^[12]

[edit] End of an era

The 1990 season and Super Bowl win marked the end of an era for the Giants. Shortly after the win, defensive coordinator Bill Belichick left to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Parcells also decided to leave the Giants in the spring of 1991 to pursue a career in broadcasting. In addition, there was an ownership change in what had been one of the most stable front offices in professional sports. In February 1991, after years of feuding with Wellington Mara, Tim Mara sold his 50% interest in the team to Bob Tisch for a reported $80 million.^[54] This marked the first time since their inception in 1925 that the Giants had not been wholly owned and controlled by the Mara family.

[edit] After Parcells - The Handley era

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1979-1993)

Following the departure of Parcells and Belichick—whom many people saw as the likely successor to Parcells—the surprise choice as head coach was offensive coordinator Ray Handley. Handley, however, was a somewhat reluctant coach, certainly not as passionate and revered as Parcells had been.

[edit] 1991-1992

As with Parcells eight years previous, one of Handley's first major decisions as head coach involved replacing Phil Simms as starting quarterback. Jeff Hostetler, who had led the Giants to a win in the Super Bowl, was named Opening Day starting quarterback. Though the Giants would win their opening game in an NFC Championship Game rematch against the San Francisco 49ers 16–14,^[55] they would lose three out of their next four games to drop to 2–3.^[55] Though they would rally and finish the season 8–8,^[55] and Simms would reclaim his starting job later in the year, the excitement that had surrounded the Giants the previous year was gone. One of the few promising young players on the team to emerge in 1991 was second–year running back Rodney Hampton, who led the Giants in rushing with 1,059 yards, while also catching 43 passes.^[55]

Through the 1991 season it was clear that the team's core players on defense had aged quickly, and the new players brought in were not up to the standards the Giants under Parcells had come to expect. This deterioration continued in 1992, when Lawrence Taylor ruptured his achilles tendon in the team's tenth game,^[56] and the Giants promptly lost six out of their last seven games to finish the year 6–10.^[57] The defense continued its free fall, finishing 26th in the league in points allowed after leading the league in that category in 1990. Handley, who had become highly unpopular with both players and fans, seemed completely overwhelmed and was fired after the end of the regular season.

[edit] Dan Reeves takes over

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1979-1993)

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1994-present)

Handley's replacement would be Dan Reeves, the successful former head coach of the Denver Broncos who led the Broncos to three Super Bowls in four years, one against the Giants. After his dismissal from the Broncos, Reeves took the unusual step of lobbying heavily for the job. Especially after being publicly rebuffed by a number of candidates,^[58] George Young was pleased that someone with Reeves's credentials clearly wanted the job.

[edit] 1993-1996

The impact Reeves had was immediate. As Bill Parcells had done in 1984, Reeves named Phil Simms as his starting quarterback. The defense returned to form and allowed more than 20 points only once all season.^[59] With two games to go, the Giants were 11–3^[59] and appeared poised for an Eastern Division championship and a first round bye. However, they were upset by Phoenix, 17–6,^[59] in the next to last week of the season, setting up a winner–take–all game against the Dallas Cowboys in the season finale. Though the Giants played well, it was Emmitt Smith's memorable performance with a separated shoulder that led the Cowboys to a 16–13 overtime win,^[60] giving the Cowboys a sweep of the season series.^[59] Despite the loss, the Giants made the playoffs as a Wild Card and won their first round matchup 17–10 over the Minnesota Vikings.^[59] However, the Giants were then soundly defeated by the San Francisco 49ers 44–3.^[59] Simms played in all 16 games, completing nearly 62% of his passes, and throwing for over 3,000 yards, and 15 touchdowns.^[59] Simms, Hampton, offensive linemen Jumbo Elliot and center Bart Oates all made the Por Bowl.^[61] In addition, Reeves was named Coach of the Year by the Associated Press.^[1] After the season, Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms, the two biggest figures of the late 1980s early 1990s Giants teams retired.

Before the 1994 season Reeves named Dave Brown, who had been a No. 1 supplemental draft choice in 1991, as the Giants' new starting quarterback. Though Brown led the Giants to wins in their first three games of the season,^[62] the Giants lost their next 7 in a row to drop to 3–7.^[62] However, they recovered and won their last six games of the season to finish 9–7.^[62] During this stretch they never allowed more than 20 points in a game. Standout players included Rodney Hampton, who had his 4th straight 1,000 yard rushing season;^[63] linebackers Jessie Armstead and Michael Brooks, and second-year defensive lineman Michael Strahan.

In 1995 the Giants regressed and finished the season with a 5–11 record.^[4] Much of the blame for the Giants' poor performance was placed on quarterback Dave Brown. Brown did not inspire fans' or teammates confidence and put up lackluster numbers. Though the Giants defense still played well, and Michael Strahan and Jessie Armstead were emerging as elite defensive players, the Giants inspired tepid interest league–wide and sent no players to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year.^[64]

The Giants suffered through another poor season in 1996, finishing 6–10.^[5] Though Brown again started every game for the Giants he turned in one of the worst seasons of a starting quarterback in 1996, throwing for only 12 touchdowns against 20 interceptions.^[65] The Giants offense was one of the worst in the NFL and, unlike in previous years, the defense was unable to carry the team. After having only one playoff appearance in 4 seasons, Reeves was fired as the Giants Head coach.^[66]

[edit] Jim Fassel era

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1994-present)

[edit] 1997-1999

The Giants hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordiantor Jim Fassel as their head coach before the 1997 season. One of Fassel's first decisions was to name inexperienced Danny Kanell as the starting quarterback. After an opening day win against Philadelphia the Giants lost their next three games,^[67] including close losses to the Baltimore Ravens and St. Louis Rams. The Giants went on to win their next 5 in a row,^[67] finished the season at 10–5–1,^[67] and hosted a first–round game against the Minnesota Vikings.^[67] Despite outplaying the Vikings for most of the game, the Vikings came back in the 4th quarter, and kicked a late field goal to defeat the Giants, 23–22.^[67] Following the season George Young left the Giants. He was replaced by Ernie Accorsi, a veteran General Manager who had successful stints building the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns.^[68]

The Giants regressed in 1998, finishing the season at 8–8.^[5] The Giants strength during the season was their defense, which featured two Pro Bowlers in Armstead and Strahan. However, the offense continued to be a disappointment. Dave Brown had finally been released and replaced by Kanell and Kent Graham. However, neither quarterback provided Pro Bowl caliber play. Prior to the 1999 season the Giants signed quarterback Kerry Collins. Collins had been the first–ever draft choice of the Carolina Panthers and in his second season led them to the NFC Championship game. However, problems with alcohol abuse, conflicts with his teammates, and questions about his character led to his release from the Panthers. Although many people seriously questioned the wisdom of Accorsi and the Giants giving Collins a $16.9 million contract,^[69] Accorsi was confident in Collins abilities.^[69]

The 1999 season saw many strong individual performances by the Giants, especially on offense. Tiki Barber emerged as a solid pass–catching running back, catching 66 passes on the year.^[70] Amani Toomer also had a breakout season, accumulating over 1100 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns,^[70] and Ike Hilliard finished just shy of 1000 yards receiving.^[70] The defense rebounded, ranking 11th in the league and sending Armstead and Strahan, once again, to the Pro Bowl. Though the Giants stood at 7–6 and poised for a playoff berth,^[70] they lost their final three games, and missed the playoffs again.^[70]

[edit] 2000: Super Bowl season

The 2000 season was considered a make-or-break year for Fassel. The conventional wisdom was that Fassel needed to have a strong year and a playoff appearance to save his job. After two back–to–back losses at home against St. Louis and Detroit, the Giants fell to 7–4^[71] and their playoff prospects were in question. At a press conference following the Giants' loss to Detroit, Fassel guaranteed that "[t]his team will be in the playoffs."^[5] The Giants responded, winning the next week's game against Arizona and the rest of their regular season games to finish the season 12–4^[71] and earn a bye as the NFC's top seed.

The Giants won their first playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, 20–10.^[71] In the NFC Championship game they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 41–0,^[71] in one of the most lopsided games in championship game history. The Giants then played the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV. Though the Giants kept the game close early, and went into halftime down only 10–0,^[5] the Ravens dominated the second half. The Ravens defense harassed Kerry Collins all game long, resulting in Collins turning in one of the worst playoff performances in history, completing only 15 of 39 passes for 112 yards and 4 interceptions.^[72]

The Ravens won the game 34–7 in one of the most lopsided Super Bowls in history.^[5] The Giants only score came on a Ron Dixon kickoff return for a touchdown.^[5] On the very next kickoff, the Ravens' Jermaine Lewis would also return a kickoff for a score.^[5]

[edit] 2001-2003

The Giants were unable to build on their Super Bowl success in 2001, finishing the season 7–9^[73] and out of the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Kerry Collins continued to have success as the Giants' starting quarterback, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 19 TD's.^[73] The 2002 season was marked by the arrival of rookie tight end Jeremy Shockey. Collins had one of the best seasons of his career, throwing for over 4,000 yards,^[74] and Tiki Barber rushed for 1,386 yards and caught 69 passes for 597 yards.^[74] In addition, Strahan set an NFL record by recording 22.5 sacks during the season.^[75] The Giants started the season 6-6,^[74] but won their last 4 games to finish 10–6 and qualify for the playoffs.^[74]

In the playoffs they built a seemingly insurmountable 38–14 lead against the 49ers.^[76] However, the 49ers rallied, scoring a field goal and three touchdowns which gave them a 39–38 lead with a minute left in the game.^[76] Collins then drove the Giants down to the 49ers 23-yard line with six seconds to play, setting up what would be a potential 41-yard game winning field goal.^[76] However, 40–year–old long snapper Trey Junkin—who had just been signed for this playoff game—snapped the ball low and punter Matt Allen could not spot the ball properly for the attempt.^[76] Allen picked the ball up and threw an unsuccessful pass downfield to offensive lineman Rich Seubert as time expired and the Giants lost 39–38.^[76]

The Giants started the 2003 season 4–4,^[77] but lost their final 8 games, to finish the season 4–12.^[77] With two games remaining in the season, Fassell requested a meeting with team management, and asked, if he was to be fired, that they do so now rather than wait until the end of the season.^[78] Management complied with his request, and formally fired Fassel on (or around) Dec. 17, 2003. However, they let him coach the final two games of the season.^[78]

[edit] Eli Manning era: 2004-Present

Main article: History of the New York Giants (1994-present)

[edit] Eli Manning arrives

Main article: Rivers-Manning Trade

After a brief search, Accorsi hired former Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin to be the Giants new Head Coach. Coughlin was considered a hard-nosed disciplinarian, in stark contrast to the departed Fassel whose lenient style was often criticized in his last seasons with club. Before the season, Accorsi coveted Eli Manning, brother of Peyton and son of Archie, in the 2004 NFL Draft. Manning, who had indicated before the draft that he did not want to play for the Chargers (who drafted him #1 overall),^[79] forced a trade to the Giants.^[79] After the trade, Kerry Collins made it known that he did not want to stay with the Giants given the team's drafting of a new franchise quarterback and was released. The team later signed veteran quarterback Kurt Warner. The plan was for Warner to serve as the starting quarterback in the interim, while Manning was groomed to ultimately take over the starting job.

[edit] 2004

After losing to the Eagles in the 2004 season opener, the Giants, with Warner at quarterback, won 5 of their next 6 games to go 5–2.^[80] They subsequently lost two close games, to the Bears and Cardinals, to drop to 5–4.^[80] Coughlin then announced that Eli Manning would be the starter for the rest of the season. Manning struggled in his first 4 starts, and the Giants did not score more than 14 points in any game.^[80] However, Manning did much better in narrow losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, teams who were playing extremely well at the time. The Giants won their final game of the year against rival Dallas, to finish the season 6–10.^[80] A top performer for the Giants in 2004 was Tiki Barber who established a personal career high in rushing yardage with 1518 yards;^[80] he also had 52 catches and a total of 15 touchdowns—13 rushing, 2 receiving.^[80]

[edit] 2005: NFC East champions again

In the 2005 off–season the Giants acquired former Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress as a free agent. They won their first two games of the 2005 season,^[81] then alternated wins and losses through the next four games to stand at 4–2 after 6 games.^[81] On October 25, 2005, Giants patriarch Wellington Mara died after a brief illness at the age of 89.^[5] The Giants honored Mara by shutting out their NFC East Rival Washington Redskins 36-0 on October 30, 2005.^[81] Just twenty days after Mara's death, on November 15, 2005, the other Giants Executive Officer Bob Tisch died at the age of 79. The New York Giants honored Tisch by defeating fellow NFC East Rival Philadelphia Eagles 27–17 on November 20, 2005.^[81] The Giants then lost 24–21 to the Seattle Seahawks, as kicker Josh Brown kicked a 36–yard game winning field goal, and beat the Cowboys the following week to improve their record to 7–2.^[81] On December 17, 2005, in their 27–17 home victory against the Kansas City Chiefs,^[81] Tiki Barber set a new team single game rushing yard record with 220 yards.^[82]

The Giants were able to clinch a wild card berth without playing when the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Baltimore Ravens 30–23 one day later.^[81] The Giants then won the NFC East title for the first time since the 2000 season with a 30–21 win against the Oakland Raiders.^[81] They hosted the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs and were shut-out 23-0.^[81] After the game, Tiki Barber expressed his displeasure about Tom Coughlin's gameplan. However, the two looked at game film together and worked out their differences.

On September 29, 2005, the Giants, Jets and the New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority, announced an agreement to build a new stadium, which is projected to be ready for the 2009 season.

[edit] 2006

Main article: 2006 New York Giants season

The Giants regressed to an 8–8 season in 2006. The season featured inconsistent play, criticism of the coaching by the media and players, and inconsistent play from Eli Manning.^[83] The Giants won five consecutive games following a 1–2 start^[84] to gain a two game advantage in the NFC Eastern Division, but then key injuries to the offense and defense took its toll. Frustrations with the lack of production and with head coach Tom Coughlin began to surface as the Giants lost six of seven in the second half the season.^[84] One of the team's most disappointing losses was a 24–21 defeat to Tennessee, in which the team surrendered a 21 point fourth quarter advantage. Following a season ending win at Washington, the Giants claimed a wildcard birth in the NFC playoffs, but were defeated in the first round by Philadelphia.^[84]

Tiki Barber led the Giants with 1,662 yards and over 2,000 yards from scrimmage,^[85] Eli Manning threw for 3,244 yards and 24 touchdowns^[86] and Jeremy Shockey led the team in receptions.^[86] Defensively the team struggled all season long with pass defense (28th in the league) and with gaining a consistent pass rush.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• giants.com/history