1990 New York Giants season

1990 New York Giants season
Head coach Bill Parcells
General manager George Young
Owner Wellington Mara
Timothy J. Mara
Home field Giants Stadium
Results
Record 13–3
Division place 1st NFC East
Playoff finish Won Divisional Playoffs (Bears) 31–3
Won NFC Championship (49ers) 15–13
Won Super Bowl XXV (Bills) 20–19

The 1990 New York Giants season was one of the most successful seasons in the professional football franchise's history. The Giants, who play in the National Football Conference (NFC) of the National Football League (NFL), won their sixth championship — and second Super Bowl — in franchise history during the season. Led by linebacker Lawrence Taylor and quarterbacks Phil Simms and Jeff Hostetler, the Giants posted a 13–3 record and defeated the Chicago Bears and the two time defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers in the NFC playoffs. In Super Bowl XXV they defeated the Buffalo Bills 20–19 in Tampa Stadium, against a patriotic backdrop inspired by the recently started Gulf War. The story of the season is the subject of a recent book, When the Cheering Stops, by defensive end Leonard Marshall and CBSsports.com co-writer William Bendetson.

After making the playoffs in 1989, the Giants entered the 1990 season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, although most believed they stood little chance of preventing a threepeat by the 49ers. They began the season with a 27–20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, then won their next nine games before losing a rematch to Philadelphia 31–13 in week 12. The Giants also lost close games to the 49ers on the road and Bills at home in the regular season, before defeating both teams in playoff rematches. In Week 15 during the game against Buffalo, starting quarterback Phil Simms was injured and ultimately lost for the season with a broken foot. He was replaced by Hostetler, who won the final two regular season games prior to the playoffs. The Giants defense led the NFL in fewest points allowed (211), and the team set an NFL record by committing only 14 turnovers in the regular season.[1] After the season, six Giants were selected to the Pro Bowl.

In 2007, ESPN.com ranked the 1990 Giants' defense as the sixth-greatest in NFL history,[2] noting that the team "allowed only 13.2 points a game against a very tough schedule – they played against seven playoff teams during the regular season. Led by Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, New York's defense also came through in the playoffs, holding the Bears to just three points in the divisional playoff game. Then they allowed a tough 49ers offense just two field goals and one TD, and set up the game-winning score by forcing a late fumble to win the NFC title 15–13. In Super Bowl XXV, the Giant defense held its own against the Bills' no-huddle offense, and New York won 20–19."

Off-season

NFL Draft

The Giants had 11 selections in the 12 round 1990 NFL Draft, as opposed to the normal 12, and took running back Rodney Hampton in the first round with the #24 overall selection.[3] They took defensive end Mike Fox out of West Virginia University in the second round (#51 overall) and linebacker Greg Mark (#79 overall) out of the University of Miami in the third round.

Roster

New York Giants 1990 final roster
Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Offensive Linemen

Defensive Linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive Backs

 Special Teams
Defense
CB
Mark Collins
⋅
CB
Everson Walls
⋅
Offense
WR
Stephen Baker
⋅
LT LG C RG RT
Eric Moore William Roberts Bart Oates Bob Kratch Doug Risenberg
Jumbo Elliott ⋅ ⋅ Eric Moore ⋅
TE
Mark Bavaro
Howard Cross
WR
Mark Ingram
⋅
QB
Phil Simms
Jeff Hostetler
RB
Ottis Anderson
⋅
FB
Maurice Carthon
⋅
Special Teams
PK Matt Bahr
P Sean Landeta
KR Dave Meggett
PR Dave Meggett

Coaching staff

New York Giants 1990 coaching staff
Front Office

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

Special Teams Coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Mike Sweatman
  • Assistant Special Teams – Charlie Weis

Source:[4]

Regular season

Week Date TV Time[a] Opponent Result Game site Attendance
1 September 9, 1990 TNT 8:15pm Philadelphia Eagles W 27–20 Giants Stadium
76,202
2 September 16, 1990 CBS 1:00pm at Dallas Cowboys W 28–7 Texas Stadium
61,090
3 September 23, 1990 NBC 1:00pm Miami Dolphins W 20–3 Giants Stadium
76,483
4 September 30, 1990 CBS 1:00pm Dallas Cowboys W 31–17 Giants Stadium
75,923
5 Bye week
6 October 14, 1990 CBS 4:15pm at Washington Redskins W 24–20 RFK Stadium
54,737
7 October 21, 1990 CBS 4:15pm Phoenix Cardinals W 20–19 Giants Stadium
76,518
8 October 28, 1990 CBS 4:15pm Washington Redskins W 21–10 Giants Stadium
75,321
9 November 5, 1990 ABC 9:00pm at Indianapolis Colts W 24–7 Hoosier Dome
58,688
10 November 11, 1990 CBS 4:15pm at Los Angeles Rams W 31–7 Anaheim Stadium
64,632
11 November 18, 1990 CBS 1:00pm Detroit Lions W 20–0 Giants Stadium
76,109
12 November 25, 1990 CBS 1:00pm at Philadelphia Eagles L 13–31 Veterans Stadium
66,706
13 December 3, 1990 ABC 9:00pm at San Francisco 49ers L 3–7 Candlestick Park
66,092
14 December 9, 1990 CBS 1:00pm Minnesota Vikings W 23–15 Giants Stadium
76,121
15 December 15, 1990 NBC 12:30pm Buffalo Bills L 13–17 Giants Stadium
66,893
16 December 23, 1990 CBS 4:15pm at Phoenix Cardinals W 24–21 Sun Devil Stadium
41,212
17 December 30, 1990 CBS 1:00pm at New England Patriots W 13–10 Foxboro Stadium
60,410
Postseason
1 Bye week
2 January 13, 1991 CBS 12:30pm Chicago Bears W 31–3 Giants Stadium
77,025
3 January 20, 1991 CBS 4:15pm at San Francisco 49ers W 15–13 Candlestick Park
66,334
4 January 27, 1991 ABC 6:25pm Buffalo Bills W 20–19 Tampa Stadium
73,813

All times in North American Eastern Time. (UTC–4 and UTC–5 during Standard Time)

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

1 234Total
Eagles 3 7010 20
• Giants 6 0147 27
  • Source:

The Giants started the season with a 27–20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite sitting out training camp and the preseason in a contract dispute, linebacker Lawrence Taylor started against the Eagles and finished with three sacks and a forced fumble.[5] The Giants defense forced three turnovers and held the Eagles to 83 rushing yards.[6] The Giants offense scored three touchdowns in a 13-minute span in the third and early fourth quarters, but head coach Bill Parcells felt its performance was lackluster overall, "Our runners didn't run the way we wanted them to. They were a little impatient. There were five or six vivid examples of cutting back too soon. You just have to give the play a chance and let it go where it's supposed to."[5]

Week 2: at Dallas Cowboys

1 234Total
• Giants 0 1477 28
Cowboys 0 700 7
  • Source:

In temperatures reaching 122 degrees on the artificial turf at Texas Stadium, the Giants played the Dallas Cowboys on September 16.[7] In a matchup featuring the Giants, who went 12–4 in 1989, and the Cowboys, who went 1–15 in 1989, the Giants dominated from the outset, and used their backup players heavily throughout the game.[7] Lawrence Taylor batted a Troy Aikman pass high into the air that he returned for a touchdown. The Giants defense held the Cowboys to 20 rushing yards and 156 yards of total offense, while their offense gained 369.[7] In addition, the Cowboys totaled only nine first downs, averaged 1.8 yards a rush attempt, and were dominated by the Giants in time of possession; 41 minutes 40 seconds to 18 minutes 20 seconds.[8] Despite the 28–7 victory, Giants center Bart Oates still felt the Giants offense could improve their play, "[w]e missed a lot of assignments. We rushed the ball O.K., but not like we did against Buffalo in preseason. Phil was pressured some. There were plenty of things we didn't do."[7]

Week 3: vs. Miami Dolphins

1 234Total
Dolphins 0 030 3
• Giants 3 7010 20
  • Source:

In the first time the Giants had played the Miami Dolphins since that team’s record 1972 season,[9] Miami held the ball for only 19 minutes and 42 seconds, and totalled only 158 yards of total offense against the Giants defense on September 23.[10] The Giants offense set the tone by holding the ball for 10 minutes and 25 seconds on the opening drive, leading to a field goal by Raul Allegre.[10] They defeated the Dolphins 20–3 in front of 76,483 fans at Giants Stadium.[10] Parcells was criticized by the local media for playing Taylor in the final moments, despite the lopsided score, after he injured his hamstring.[11] The Giants defense held the Dolphins passing game, led by eventual Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, to 119 total yards, and 3.6 yards per pass attempt.[12]

Week 4: vs. Dallas Cowboys

1 234Total
Cowboys 0 377 17
• Giants 7 10014 31
  • Source:

The Giants faced the Dallas Cowboys in week four in front of 75,923 fans at Giants Stadium.[13] The Giants defense held the Cowboys to 51 rushing yards on 20 attempts, and the Giants controlled the ball for 35 minutes and 38 seconds of the game.[14] Giants quarterback Phil Simms threw three touchdowns, and backup Jeff Hostetler ran for a 12-yard score late in the fourth quarter.[13] Although the Giants league-leading defense gave up 284 yards, 84 came on the Cowboys' final possession when the Giants played a prevent defense.[13] Simms threw touchdown passes to Mark Ingram, and Rodney Hampton, and the Giants built a 31–10 early in the fourth quarter, before pulling their starters and allowing a Dallas touchdown.[13]

Week 6: at Washington Redskins

1 234Total
• Giants 0 7143 24
Redskins 3 0107 20
  • Source:

The Giants used their bye week to allow injured players such as linebacker Carl Banks, running back Rodney Hampton, special teamer Reyna Thompson, defensive lineman Erik Howard and offensive tackle Jumbo Elliott to recover from their injuries.[15] They played the Washington Redskins in Washington D.C. the following week.[16] The Giants forced four turnovers and won despite losing the time of possession battle to the Redskins 35 minutes 28 seconds to 24 minutes 32 seconds.[16] Defensive coordinator Bill Belichick singled out free safety Greg Jackson, who had two interceptions, after the 24–20 win. "Jackson must have had 10 interceptions in practice, and if ever the cliche held true about a player playing the way he practices, it was so this week."[16]

Week 7: Vs Phoenix Cardinals

1 234Total
Cardinals 3 763 19
• Giants 7 3010 20
  • Source:

In week seven, the Giants faced the Phoenix Cardinals in front of 76,518 fans at Giants Stadium.[17] They rushed for 151 yards on 31 carries, and committed only four penalties for 24 yards.[18] Their defense held the Cardinals to 96 passing yards and 221 yards of total offense.[18] With 5 minutes 38 seconds left in the game, the Cardinals—13-point underdogs going into the game—extended their lead over the Giants to 19–10, and had knocked Simms out of the game. However, the Giants came back with a 38-yard touchdown from Jeff Hostetler to Stephen Baker, and Hostetler then led a late drive culminating in a game-winning 40-yard field goal by Matt Bahr to win 20–19.[17] The Giants responses were subdued in their locker room after the win. "It wasn't pretty," said Taylor. "But you don't ask how to win, you just win."[17]

Week 8: Vs Washington Redskins

1 2 3 4 Total
Redskins 0 3 7 0 10
Giants 0 14 0 7 21

At home in front of 75,321 fans, the Giants played the Washington Redskins in week eight.[19] Each team totaled 16 first downs, four punts, five penalties, and the margin in time of possession was less than a minute.[20] However, the Giants committed zero turnovers and forced the Redskins into three.[20] Giants cornerback Everson Walls intercepted two passes—including one that he returned for his first career touchdown—and free safety Greg Jackson intercepted another.[19] The first interception, by Walls, set up a Giants touchdown to give them a 14–0 lead in the second quarter. Jackson then intercepted a pass in the endzone in the third quarter to preserve a 14–10 lead, and Walls returned his second interception 28 yards for a touchdown that made the score 21–10 and put the game of reach in the fourth quarter.[19]

Week 9: At Indianapolis Colts

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

at Hooiser Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Giants improved to 8–0 with a 24–7 win over the Indianapolis Colts in front of 56,688 in the Hoosier Dome.[21] The Giants defense held the Colts to 11 first downs, 181 total yards, and 55 rushing yards.[22] Simms completed 17 of 21 for 172 yards, with no touchdowns, one interception. Simms' interception ended a streak of 150 passes without an interception.[21] Defensive end Leonard Marshall sacked Colts quarterback Jeff George twice, Dave Duerson returned a fumble for a touchdown, and the Giants defense held George to 160 yards passing on 37 pass attempts.[21] The Giants controlled the game from the start, ending the first half leading 17–0, and ahead of the Colts 206 to 45 in total yards, 13 to 1 in first downs, and 20:57 to 9:03 in time of possession.[21]

Week 10: At Los Angeles Rams

1 2 3 4 Total
Giants 3 7 7 14 31
Rams 0 0 7 0 7

at Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim, California

The Giants traveled to California to face the Los Angeles Rams on November 11. They defeated the Rams 31–7 in front of 64,632 fans in Anaheim Stadium, led by Simm's efficient passing.[23][24] Going into the game the Rams had beaten the Giants three times in two years,[23] including eliminating the Giants in the 1989 playoffs. Although the Giants defense was only able to sack Rams quarterback Jim Everett twice, they forced him into 17 of 36 passing for 186 yards, zero touchowns, and three interceptions.[24] "It's hard to sack him," Belichick said.[24] "But we kept the pressure on. We had the same coverage we used the last eight years. Nothing radically different."[24]

Week 11: Vs Detroit Lions

1 2 3 4 Total
Lions 0 0 0 0 0
Giants 7 13 0 0 20

The Giants defeated the Detroit Lions 20–0 in week 11 to improve their record to 10–0, and set a franchise record for wins to start to a season.[25] Simms threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to receiver Mark Ingram in the second quarter to run the score to 17–0. After the Giants kicked a field goal to make the score 20–0, the teams played a scoreless second half.[26] The shutout was the Giants defense first of the season, and coach Parcells commented, "[t]he defense played very well. The offense played well when I let them. We played conservatively in the second half. We played pretty much error-free. We didn't do anything stupid."[26]

Week 12: At Philadelphia Eagles

1 2 3 4 Total
Giants 7 6 0 0 13
Eagles 7 7 3 14 31

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Giants were dealt their first 1990 regular season loss in a 31–13 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 25 to set their record at 10–1.[27] The Eagles broke open a close game by scoring two touchdowns in 22 seconds in the fourth quarter.[28] The game was marked by several scuffles and after the game some of the Giants players complained of the tactics used by the Eagles.[29] The Eagles amassed 179 rushing yards and 405 total yards, and punted the ball just twice in the victory.[30] Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham rushed for 66 yards while completing 17 of 31 passes for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.[29] Taylor, who recorded three sacks and seven tackles in the Giants season opening victory over the Eagles,[5] was held to one tackle in the loss.[29]

Week 13: At San Francisco 49ers

1 2 3 4 Total
Giants 0 3 0 0 3
49ers 0 7 0 0 7

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

The San Francisco 49ers matched the Giants with their own 10–0 start in the 1990 season. Although both teams lost in week 12 to stand at 10–1, their week 13 matchup was still highly anticipated. The game took place in front of 66,092 fans at Candlestick Park.[31] The 49ers scored the only touchdown of the game in the second quarter on a 23-yard pass from Joe Montana to John Taylor. With four minutes left, they stopped the Giants on four passes from the 49ers' 9-yard line and went on to win, 7–3, after which 49ers safety Ronnie Lott and Simms had a heated verbal exchange.[32] The Giants defense performed well in the loss. They held the 49ers to 152 passing yards, 88 rushing yards,[33] and limited All-Pro Wide receiver Jerry Rice to one reception for 13 yards.[31] 49ers defensive end Charles Haley recorded five tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in the victory.[34]

Week 14: Vs Minnesota Vikings

1 2 3 4 Total
Vikings 5 7 3 0 15
Giants 3 7 0 13 23

The Giants hosted the Minnesota Vikings in week 14.[27] Led by Taylor, who recorded 12 tackles and two sacks,[35] the Giants defense held the Vikings to 132 passing yards.[36] Taylor also forced a fumble by Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon and pressured Gannon into an interception by Gary Reasons at the Viking 17-yard line, which positioned Matt Bahr for the game-clinching 18-yard field goal.[35] In addition, Taylor gave several inspirational speeches to his teammates. "He told us: 'I'm going to start playing the way we're supposed to play. If anybody wants to come along, fine,' " inside linebacker Steve DeOssie said. "He changed our attitude."[35] The Giants won 23–15 to improve to 11–2.[27] Prior to this game, Parcells had been hospitalized for kidney stones.

Week 15: Vs Buffalo Bills

1 2 3 4 Total
Bills 7 7 0 3 17
Giants 7 3 3 0 13

In what would turn out to be a preview of Super Bowl XXV, the Giants lost at home to the Buffalo Bills 17–13 in week 15.[27] The game was played in inclement weather, which caused 10,295 no-shows at Giants Stadium.[37] They led the Bills in total yards (313 to 264), rushing yards (157 to 65), first downs (20 to 13) and time of possession (37 minutes 59 seconds to 22:01), but lost nonetheless.[37] Simms broke his foot during the game, causing him to miss the remainder of the season, and was replaced by Jeff Hostetler, who had engineered the Giants' week seven 4th quarter comeback versus Phoenix. The Bills built a 14–10 second quarter lead behind 74 and 78 yard touchdown drives. The teams alternated field goals to make the score 17–13. However, the Giants could not score in the fourth quarter despite mounting drives to the Bills' 18 and 23 yard lines.[37] This was Lionel Manuel's last game as a Giant, as he was waived afterwards.[38]

Week 16: At Phoenix Cardinals

1 2 3 4 Total
Giants 3 7 7 7 24
Cardinals 0 7 7 7 21

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

The Giants played the Phoenix Cardinals in Tempe, Arizona in week 16.[27] Their defense allowed 452 yards,[39] and Cardinals quarterback Timm Rosenbach threw for three touchdowns and set a new career high with 381 yards passing.[40] The Giants noticed in the week leading up to the game that teams had success running with their fullback against the Cardinals, and in the game, Giants' fullback Maurice Carthon set a career high with 67 rushing yards on 12 carries.[40] They also installed several plays to take advantage of quarterback Jeff Hostetler's scrambling ability.[40] Hostetler threw for 191 yards and ran for 31 in his first start of the season.[41] The Giants held on to win 24–21 when two of the Cardinals fourth quarter drives resulted in interceptions and their final drive was ended by a Taylor sack.[27] The win clinched the NFC's #2 seed (over the Chicago Bears) and first-round bye for the playoffs.

Week 17: At New England Patriots

1 2 3 4 Total
Giants 10 3 0 0 13
Patriots 0 10 0 0 10

at Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts

The Giants travelled to Massachusetts to face the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium in week 17.[27] The game was a de facto home game, as many Giants fans made the trip up to Foxborough to sell the stadium out.[42] The game had no playoff implications for the Giants, who could not surpass the 49ers for the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Giants rushed for a season high yards 213 yards, led by Hostetler's 82 yards on 10 carries.[43] The Patriots' Jason Staurovsky missed a potential game-tying 42-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, and Hostetler then ran a 30-yard bootleg on a key third down play to allow the Giants to run out the clock and secure the victory 13–10.[43]

Standings

NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) New York Giants 13 3 0 .813 7–1 10–2 335 211 W2
(4) Philadelphia Eagles 10 6 0 .625 5–3 9–3 396 299 W3
(5) Washington Redskins 10 6 0 .625 4–4 7–5 381 301 W1
Dallas Cowboys 7 9 0 .438 2–6 6–8 244 308 L2
Phoenix Cardinals 5 11 0 .313 2–6 3–9 268 396 L3

Playoffs

The Giants finished the regular season having committed an NFL record low 14 turnovers, and their defense led the league in fewest points allowed (211).[44] Following the season, six Giants—defensive lineman Erik Howard, center Bart Oates, offensive guard William Roberts, linebackers Pepper Johnson and Lawrence Taylor, and special teamer Reyna Thompson—were selected to the Pro Bowl.[45]

NFC Divisional Playoff: Vs Chicago Bears

1 234Total
Bears 0 300 3
• Giants 10 777 31

The Giants defeated the Chicago Bears 31–3 at home in the NFC Divisional playoff game on January 13, 1991.[27] Ottis Anderson rushed for 80 yards on 21 carries,[46] and the Giants rushed for 194 yards overall, and dominated the Bears in time of possession; 38 minutes and 22 seconds to 21 minutes and 38 seconds.[47] Parcells at the suggestion of Belichick used a four-man defensive line most of the game—as opposed to their traditional 3-4 defense—confusing the unprepared Bears who had trouble with their blocking assignments.[46][48] The Giants were 4 for 4 on fourth down plays and converted 6 of 14 third downs.[46] The Giants defense stopped the Bears on the goal line on a fourth down attempt in the second quarter,[48] and held Bears quarterback Mike Tomczak to 17 of 36 passing for 205 yards, and two interceptions, and running back Neal Anderson to a season-low 19 yards on 12 carries.[46] Hostetler threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third.

NFC Championship Game: At San Francisco 49ers

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

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

The Giants advanced to face the two-time defending champion San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game on January 20, 1991 in front of 65,750 fans at Candlestick Park.[49] The game was a rematch of the 7–3 49ers win one month earlier. The teams alternated field goals in the first and second quarter to make the score 6–6 at halftime. Less than five minutes into the third quarter 49ers Joe Montana threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to receiver John Taylor to give the 49ers a 13–6 lead.[49] A Giants' field goal made the score 13–9 at the end of the third quarter. With 9:42 remaining in the game, Leonard Marshall sacked Montana and knocked him from the game due to several injuries.[49] The Giants got the ball back, but were stopped on a key third down and one. On fourth down, Parcells called a fake punt, which resulted in a long run by Gary Reasons to set up another Giants' field goal, making the score 13–12. The 49ers gained possession of the ball and attempted to run out the clock, but nose tackle Erik Howard made a key play, fighting through a double-team to knock the ball out of running back Roger Craig's possession. Lawrence Taylor caught the fumble in mid-air, which gave the ball to the Giants at their own 43-yard line. Hostetler completed passes to Bavaro and Baker which took them to the San Francisco 24-yard line.[50] Matt Bahr then made his fifth field goal from the 25-yard line a few plays later as time expired, giving the Giants a 15–13 victory.[51]

Super Bowl XXV

1 2 3 4 Total
Bills 3 9 0 7 19
Giants 3 7 7 3 20

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Main article: Super Bowl XXV

Super Bowl XXV took place amidst a background of war and patriotism in front of 73,813 fans at Tampa Stadium, in Tampa, Florida.[52] The Gulf War had begun less than two weeks previous and the nation rallied around the Super Bowl as a symbol of America. Adding to the patriotism was Whitney Houston's stirring rendition of the National Anthem, which became known as one of the greatest renditions in Super Bowl history.[53] The game lived up to the stirring Anthem, as it went down as the most competitive Super Bowl in history.[54] The Giants got off to a quick 3–0 lead.[55] However, the Bills scored the next 12 points, on a field goal, a touchdown by backup running back Don Smith, and a safety after Jeff Hostetler was sacked in the end zone by Bruce Smith, to give the Bills a 12–3 lead.[55] The Giants then ran a drive that took nearly 8 minutes,[55] and culminated in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Hostetler to Stephen Baker making the score 12–10 at halftime.[56]

The Giants received the second half kickoff and mounted a record-setting drive, during which they converted on five third down plays. The opening drive ran for over 9 minutes[55] (a Super Bowl record) and culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Ottis Anderson, giving the Giants a 17–12 lead.[56] The signature play of the drive came on a third down play, when Giants receiver Mark Ingram appeared about to be tackled well short of a first down. However, Ingram evaded several tacklers, and dragged one defender just enough to get the Giants the first down, and kept the drive alive. 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.[56]

The Bills struck back quickly. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Thurman Thomas ran for a 31-yard touchdown that put the Bills back in front, 19–17.[56] A few possessions later, the Giants drove down to the Bills 4 yard line, but were unable to score a touchdown and had to settle for a 21-yard field goal by Matt Bahr that gave the Giants a 20–19 lead.[56] Both teams exchanged possessions before the Bills began one final drive. The Bills drove 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. Just before the kick, ABC showed a graphic indicating that, on grass that season, Norwood had only made 3–of–7 field goals from at least 40 yards, and that the 47-yarder would be Norwood's longest ever on grass. A few moments later, in what became the game's signature moment, Norwood's attempt missed wide right, and the Giants won their second Super Bowl in five years, 20–19.[56]

The Giants set a Super Bowl record for time of possession with a mark of 40:33,[52] and Ottis Anderson was named MVP of the game after rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown.[52]

Season Facts

Awards and honors

See also

References

  1. ↑ Later broken by the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins in 2008 with 13, and then again by the New England Patriots in 2010, with only 10.
  2. ↑ The List: Best NFL defense of all-time, 2007
  3. ↑ Draft History: New York Giants, NFL.com/history, accessed May 17, 2007.
  4. ↑ Archer, Todd. "Two of a kind: Parcells, Coughlin see eye to eye", Dallas Morning News, October 8, 2004.
  5. 1 2 3 Litsky, Frank. FOOTBALL; (sic) Marshall Struggles to Regain Job, The New York Times, September 15, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  6. ↑ Box Score Eagles Vs Giants 9/9/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Litsky, Frank. Key Backup Players Keep Giants Fresh, The New York Times, September 18, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  8. ↑ Box Score Giants Vs Cowboys 9/16/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 24, 2007.
  9. ↑ New York Giants v Miami Dolphins
  10. 1 2 3 Litsky, Frank. Giants Smother Dolphins, The New York Times, September 24, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  11. ↑ Anderson, Dave. of the Times; Why Was L. T. Playing?, The New York Times, September 24, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  12. ↑ Box Score Dolphins Vs Giants 9/23/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Litsky, Frank. Giants Dispatch Cowboys To Go 4–0, The New York Times, October 1, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  14. ↑ Box Score Cowboys Vs Giants 9/30/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 24, 2007.
  15. ↑ Litsky, Frank. Giants Welcome a Needed Rest, The New York Times, October 2, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  16. 1 2 3 Eskenazi, Gerald. Redskin Turnovers Make the Difference, The New York Times, October 15, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  17. 1 2 3 Litsky, Frank. Giants Find a Way to Win, 20–19, The New York Times, October 22, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  18. 1 2 Box Score Cardinals Vs Giants 10/21/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  19. 1 2 3 Litsky, Frank. The Beating Goes On as 7–0 Giants Thwart Redskins, The New York Times, October 29, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  20. 1 2 Box Score Redskins Vs Giants 10/28/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 24, 2007.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Litsky, Frank. PRO FOOTBALL; Colts No Obstacle at All as Giants Reach 8–0, The New York Times, November 6, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  22. ↑ Box Score Giants Vs Colts 11/5/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  23. 1 2 Litsky,Frank. Giants Brush Rams Aside, The New York Times, November 12, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  24. 1 2 3 4 Stevenson, Samantha. Giants' Pressure Foils Everett, The New York Times, November 12, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  25. ↑ Litsky, Frank. Giants Stay Perfect, The New York Times, November 19, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  26. 1 2 Eskenazi, Gerald. Simms Finds Time For Pass of the Day, The New York Times, November 19, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1990 New York Giants, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  28. ↑ Litsky, Frank. Eagles Slam Giants' Express, The New York Times, November 26, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  29. 1 2 3 Anderson, Dave. Sports of The Times; Giants Lose Their Poise, Too, The New York Times, November 26, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  30. ↑ Box Score Giants Vs Eagles 11/26/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  31. 1 2 Litsky, Frank PRO FOOTBALL; Showdown Becomes Shutdown as 49ers Win, The New York Times, December 4, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  32. ↑ Smith, Timothy W. Pro Football; Players Try to Minimize Lott's and Simms's Brief Encounter, The New York Times, October 29, 1993, accessed October 29, 2007.
  33. ↑ Box Score Giants Vs 49ers 12/3/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 29, 2007.
  34. ↑ Martinez, Mike. PRO FOOTBALL; Haley's Recovery Disables The Giants, The New York Times, December 4, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  35. 1 2 3 Anderson, Dave. Cancel L.T.'s Rocking Chair, The New York Times, December 10, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  36. ↑ Box Score Vikings Vs Giants 12/9/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  37. 1 2 3 Litsky, Frank. PRO FOOTBALL; Tough Day for Giants and Quarterbacks, The New York Times, December 16, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  38. ↑ Giants Waive Manuel, Citing a Bad Attitude - NYTimes.com
  39. ↑ Box Score Giants Vs Cardinals 12/23/1990, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  40. 1 2 3 Litsky, Frank. PRO FOOTBALL; Hostetler Is Solid; Defense Has Holes, The New York Times, December 25, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  41. ↑ Martinez, Michael. Hostetler Pleased After Fine Day's Work, The New York Times, December 24, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  42. ↑ Anderson, Dave. Sports of The Times; Scrambles and a Super Dream, The New York Times, December 31, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  43. 1 2 Litsky, Frank. Sluggish Giants Hold Off Patriots, The New York Times, December 31, 1990, accessed March 25, 2008.
  44. ↑ Neft, Cohen, and Korch. pg. 914
    *1990 NFL Standings, Stats and Awards, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  45. ↑ 1990 New York Giants, pro-football-reference.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  46. 1 2 3 4 Mitchell, Fred. It's 4th and long gone for Bears, Chicago Tribune, January 13, 1991, accessed May 24, 2007.
  47. ↑ Box Score Bears Vs Giants 1/13/1991, databasefootball.com, accessed May 23, 2007.
  48. 1 2 Pervin. pg. 92
  49. 1 2 3 Neft, Cohen, and Korch. 934
  50. ↑ Pervin. pg. 92–3
  51. ↑ Schwartz. pg. 174
  52. 1 2 3 Championship Games 1950–present, giants.com, accessed May 20, 2007.
  53. ↑ Harris, Elliot. Noteworthy, Chicago Sun-Times, September 2, 2003, accessed May 27, 2007.
  54. ↑ By definition, as the result of the game was a one point difference, it was the most competitive Super Bowl in history.
  55. 1 2 3 4 Neft, Cohen, and Korch. pg. 935
  56. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Super Bowl XXV, NFL.com/history, accessed May 23, 2007.

Sources

  • Neft, David S., Cohen, Richard M., and Korch, Rick. The Complete History of Professional Football from 1892 to the Present. New York: St. Martin's Press. 1994 ISBN 0-312-11435-4
  • Pervin, Lawrence A. Football's New York Giants: A History. McFarland 2009 ISBN 0-7864-4268-9
  • Schwartz, John. Tales from the New York Giants Sideline, Sports Publishing LLC, 2004 ISBN 1-58261-758-9
  • Sprechman, Jordan and Shannon, Bill. This Day in New York Sports, Illinois: Sports Publishing LLC. 1998 ISBN 1-57167-254-0

External links

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