Tom Coughlin's 2007 Comeback Victory

Lore & Background

After a poor finish to the 2006 season, expectations for the Giants were low. Many pundits considered Eli Manning a potential draft bust, and head coach Tom Coughlin faced intense criticism. The Giants gave Coughlin a one-year contract extension, and he underwent a personality change, becoming less angry and more encouraging. The team also promoted Kevin Gilbride to offensive coordinator and hired Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator. Defensive end Michael Strahan held out for training camp but returned before the season started. The Giants lost their first regular-season game to the Dallas Cowboys 45–35.

Reader's Guide

The Giants opened the 2007 season with a 45–35 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Eli Manning threw for 312 yards and 4 touchdowns before suffering a separated shoulder in the fourth quarter. The Giants' defense struggled, allowing Tony Romo to lead the Cowboys to multiple scores. Despite a late rally, the Giants could not overcome the deficit.

Did You Know?

• They set a league record for most consecutive road wins in a single season (11), though the Super Bowl is played on a neutral field.
• This was the first season since 1997 that Tiki Barber was not on the opening-day roster.
• The 2007 Giants were the worst team to ever reach a Super Bowl based on regular-season performance, a curiosity later surpassed by the 2011 Giants.