2008 New York Giants season
Owner	John Mara Steve Tisch
General manager	Jerry Reese
Head coach	Tom Coughlin
Home stadium	Giants Stadium
Results
Record	12–4
Division place	1stNFC East
Playoffs	LostDivisional Playoffs (vs.Eagles) 11–23
All-Pros	6 GChris Snee(1st team) DEJustin Tuck(1st team) FBMadison Hedgecock(2nd team) TDavid Diehl(2nd team) CShaun O'Hara(2nd team) KJohn Carney(2nd team)
Pro Bowlers	7 QBEli Manning GChris Snee CShaun O'Hara DEJustin Tuck KJohn Carney PJeff Feagles LSZak DeOssie
Uniform
← 2007 Giants seasons 2009 →

The2008New York Giants season was the franchise's 84th season in theNational Football League (NFL) and their fifth under head coachTom Coughlin. The team looked to defend itsSuper Bowl XLII title along with trying to become the first team sincerival2004 New England Patriots and the first NFC team sincedivision rival1993 Dallas Cowboys to win consecutive Super Bowls . They improved upon their 10–6 record from2007, becomingNFC East 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 three of their last four games, including their first playoff game against the Eagles 23–11, ending their season. The Giants were the only NFC team from the 2007 playoffs to qualify for the 2008 playoffs.

For the first time since 1992,Michael Strahan was not on the opening day roster.

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 inSuper Bowl XXI), 1991 (following win inSuper Bowl XXV), and 2001 (following loss inSuper Bowl XXXV).

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 ofBrandon Jacobs,Derrick Ward, andAhmad Bradshaw, respectively nicknamed "Earth, Wind, and Fire." The Giants became the fifth team in NFL history withtwo players to rush for more than 1,000 yards: Jacobs (1,089) and Ward (1,025).^[1] Ward signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the season while Jacobs and Bradshaw won another Super Bowl with the Giants in2011.

On February 29, the first day of free agency, Giantsfree agentlinebackerKawika Mitchell left the team to join theBuffalo Bills,safetyGibril Wilson went to theOakland Raiders, and linebackerReggie Torbor joined theMiami Dolphins.^[2]

On March 14, free agentdefensive tackleWilliam Joseph departed to join Wilson with the Raiders.^[3]

On April 10, defensive tackleManuel Wright was released.^[4]

On June 9, 15-year veteran, and seven-timePro-Bowler,Michael Strahan retired and joined theFox NFL Sunday team.^[5][6]

On August 26, undrafted rookie free-agentTerrance Stringer was waived.^[7]

NOTES:

The Giants move up one overall position in the first round due to the forfeiture of theNew England Patriots first round draft pick.^[8]

• Giants traded RBRyan Grant to theGreen Bay Packers in exchange for a sixth round pick.^[9]
• Giants traded their 7th round pick to theKansas City Chiefs in exchange forPlacekickerLawrence Tynes in the previous season.^[10]

The Giants began their title defense in the traditionalNFL Kickoff game like previous champions when they played theWashington Redskins atGiants Stadium. Traditionally, this game is usually played on the first Thursday following Labor Day in the United States. This day fell on September 4, 2008.

On March 26, theNFL,NBC, and theRepublican National Committee agreed in principle to move the kickoff time of the opener to 7:00 pmEDT instead of 8:30 pm EDT to accommodate the2008 Republican National Convention.^[11]

NFL Kickoff game

With their Super Bowl championship title to defend, the Giants began their season in the annual kickoff game against their NFC East rivals, theWashington Redskins. In the first quarter, New York got a fast start asSuper Bowl XLII MVP QBEli Manning capped off the game's opening drive with a 1-yard TD run. Later in the quarter, kickerJohn 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 QBJason Campbell completed a 12-yard TD pass to WRSantana 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.

Coming off their divisional home win over the Redskins, the Giants flew to theEdward Jones Dome for a Week 2 duel with theSt. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood with QBEli Manning completing a 33-yard TD pass to WRPlaxico Burress. 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 WRAmani Toomer. In the fourth quarter, the Rams tried to rally as QBMarc Bulger completed a 45-yard TD pass to WRTorry Holt. Afterwards, the Big Blue pulled away with Manning's 18-yard TD pass to RBAhmad Bradshaw, DEJustin Tuck'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.

Coming off their road win over the Rams, the Giants went home for a Week 3 interconference duel with theCincinnati Bengals. In the first quarter, the G-Men trailed early as Bengals kickerShayne Graham kicked a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York responded with RBBrandon Jacobs getting a 1-yard TD run. Cincinnati replied with RBChris Perry getting a 25-yard TD run, yet the Giants managed to tie the game with kickerJohn 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 QBCarson Palmer completing a 17-yard TD pass to WRT.J. Houshmandzadeh. New York reclaimed the lead with QBEli Manning completing a 4-yard TD pass to TEKevin Boss 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.

• 
  New York on offense in week 3
• 
  Eli Manning in the shotgun
• 
  Manning passing against Cincinnati
• 
  New York huddle against Cincinnati
• 
  The Bengals on offense at New York
• 
  The Giants offensive line
• 
  A New York 2nd down play
• 
  Carson Palmer is sacked

Coming off their bye week, the Giants stayed at home for a Week 5 duel with theSeattle Seahawks. The game was notable for the fact that WRPlaxico Burress was suspended for this game, due to a minor internal conflict.

In the first quarter, the Giants drew first blood as QBEli Manning completed a 32-yard TD to WRDomenik Hixon. The Seahawks responded with kickerOlindo Mare getting a 30-yard field goal. Afterwards, New York increased its lead with RBBrandon Jacobs getting a 3-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Giants continued its run with kickerJohn 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 WRSinorice Moss, along with Carney nailing a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York completed its domination as backup QBDavid 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'sSuper Bowl XXV 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, infive games.

Coming off their dominating home win over the Seahawks, the Giants flew toCleveland Browns Stadium for a Week 6 interconference duel with theCleveland Browns 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 kickerPhil Dawson got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants took the lead as RBBrandon Jacobs got a 7-yard TD run. Cleveland regained the lead as RBJamal Lewis got a 4-yard TD run, along with QBDerek Anderson completing a 22-yard TD pass to TEDarnell Dinkins. The Giants closed out the half with QBEli Manning completing a 3-yard TD pass to WRPlaxico Burress.

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 WRBraylon Edwards and CBEric 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.

Hoping to rebound from their Monday Night road loss to the Browns, the Giants went home for a Week 7 duel with theSan Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, New York drew first blood as RBBrandon Jacobs got a 26-yard TD run. The 49ers responded with kickerJoe Nedney 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 QBJ.T. O'Sullivan completing a 30-yard TD pass to WRJosh Morgan. The Giants would close out the half with kickerJohn Carney getting a 21-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, New York added onto their lead as QBEli Manning completed a 6-yard TD pass to WRPlaxico Burress. The 49ers would reply as CBNate Clements 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 DEJustin Tuck 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.

Coming off their home win over the 49ers, the Giants flew toHeinz Field for a Week 8 interconference duel with thePittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Steelers RBMewelde Moore got a 32-yard TD run. The G-Men would respond with kickerJohn 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 QBBen Roethlisberger completing a 65-yard TD pass to WRNate 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 LBJames Harrison (who took over the Steelers' long snapper position after their normal long snapperGreg Warren was injured during the game) accidentally snapped the ball high over punterMitch Berger and it rolled into the back of the endzone for a safety. Afterwards, New York finished its rally as QBEli Manning completed a 2-yard TD pass to TEKevin Boss.

With the win, the Giants improved to 6–1.

Coming off their huge road win over the Steelers, the Giants went home for a Week 9 NFC East duel against the rivalDallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood as QBEli Manning completed a 13-yard TD pass to TEKevin Boss and a 5-yard TD pass to WRSteve Smith. In the second quarter, the Cowboys responded with CBMike Jenkins returning an interception 23 yards for a touchdown. New York would end the half with Manning completing an 11-yard TD pass to WRAmani Toomer.

In the third quarter, the Giants increased their lead as RBBrandon Jacobs got a 12-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Dallas tried to rally as QBBrooks Bollinger completed an 8-yard TD pass to WRTerrell Owens. Afterwards, New York pulled away as RBDerrick Ward got a 17-yard TD run.

With the win, the Giants improved to 7–1.

Coming off their home win over the Cowboys, the Giants flew toLincoln Financial Field for a Week 10 NFC East duel with thePhiladelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Eagles WRDeSean Jackson got a 9-yard TD run. The Giants responded with QBEli Manning completing a 17-yard TD pass to WRPlaxico Burress, along with kickerJohn 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 TEKevin Boss. Philadelphia responded with QBDonovan McNabb completing a 10-yard TD pass to WRJason Avant. New York answered right back as Carney got a 26-yard field goal. The Eagles would close out the half as kickerDavid Akers got a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Philadelphia took the lead as McNabb completed a 7-yard TD pass to WRHank Baskett. The Giants replied with RBBrandon Jacobs 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 WRKevin Curtis. Big Blue's defense managed to prevent any possible comeback, preserving the lead.

With the win, the Giants improved to 8–1.

Coming off their divisional road win over the Eagles, the Giants went home for a Week 11 interconference duel with theBaltimore Ravens. In the first quarter, the G-Men drew first blood as RBBrandon Jacobs got two 1-yard TD runs (with a failed PAT on the latter). In the second quarter, New York increased their lead as QBEli Manning completed a 1-yard TD pass to TEDarcy Johnson. The Ravens would respond with kickerMatt Stover getting a 38-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Baltimore tried to rally as QBJoe Flacco completed a 10-yard TD pass to FBLe'Ron McClain. The Giants would answer with CBAaron Ross returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, New York pulled away as kickerLawrence Tynes nailed a 19-yard field goal.

With the win, the Giants improved to 9–1.

Coming off their home win over the Ravens, the Giants flew to theUniversity of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 12 duel with theArizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Cardinals kickerNeil Rackers got a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded with RBDerrick Ward getting a 1-yard TD run. Arizona would answer with RBTim Hightower getting a 4-yard TD run (with a failed extra-point attempt). New York replied with kickerJohn 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 QBEli Manning completed a 12-yard TD pass to WRAmani Toomer.

In the third quarter, the G-Men increased their lead as Manning completed a 2-yard TD pass to FBMadison 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 TEKevin Boss. Following an interception by Terrell Thomas, John Carney got a 27-yard field goal. Arizona would respond with QBKurt Warner completing a 5-yard TD pass to WRAnquan Boldin, 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.

On Friday, November 28, 2008, Giants wide receiverPlaxico Burress 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.^[12] 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.^[13] 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.^[14]

Burress would later be released by the Giants on April 3, 2009.^[15]

Coming off their road win over the Cardinals, the Giants flew toFedex Field for a Week 13 NFC East rematch with theWashington Redskins. In the first quarter, New York scored first as QBEli Manning completed a 40-yard TD pass to WRAmani Toomer, along with kickerJohn 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 WRDevin Thomas getting a 29-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, New York began to pull away as RBBrandon Jacobs 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.

Philadelphia would score first in the game with a 51-yardDavid Akers field goal. Then in the second quarter, the EaglesBrian Westbrook 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 byKevin Dockery for a Giants touchdown. That cut the lead to 10–7.

Early in the third quarter,Donovan McNabb foundBrian Westbrook 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 fromEli Manning toDarcy 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.

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 was sidelined with a knee injury, crippling New York's running game;Derrick Ward started in his place.

The Cowboys scored first, on a 34-yard touchdown pass fromTony Romo toPatrick Crayton early in the second quarter. The Giants answered with a 34-yardJohn Carney field goal on the ensuing drive. The next scoring came in the fourth quarter, when Romo threw fullbackDeon Anderson his first career touchdown. On the Cowboys' next drive, deep in their own territory,Mathias Kiwanuka 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, andTashard Choice's 38-yard touchdown run with 2:24 to play sealed the victory for the Cowboys.Eli Manning 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 of2007, and fell to 11–3.

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-yardJohn Carney field goal. Carolina responded by scoring a touchdown on their first drive, a thirteen-yard run byDeAngelo Williams.

The Giants scored on their second drive as well, going 74 yards in 13 plays and ending with aBrandon Jacobs 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 fromJake Delhomme toMuhsin Muhammad. Williams' touchdown came two plays afterSteve Smith 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 threw a short touchdown toKevin Boss 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 toDomenik Hixon. Carolina then drove down the field and faced fourth and five from the Giants 32-yard line, butJohn 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 driveDerrick Ward 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.

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 andBrandon Jacobs,Kevin Boss,Aaron Ross, andBarry Cofield 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 aRyan Longwell field goal and a 67-yard touchdown run byAdrian Peterson 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 asDavid Carr hitDomenik Hixon 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 fromTarvaris Jackson toBernard Berrian 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, 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. HalfbackDerrick Ward 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 two1,000-yard running backs.

• 1 – Signed defensive endJerome McDougle
• 1 – Signed defensive tackleJeremy Clark to practice squad
• 1 – Signed defensive endWallace Gilberry to practice squad
• 1 – Signed offensive tackleNa'Shan Goddard to practice squad
• 1 – Signed wide receiverMarcus Monk to practice squad
• 1 – Signed cornerbackGeoffrey Pope to practice squad
• 1 – Signed offensive guardKurt Quarterman to practice squad
• 1 – Signed quarterbackAndre Woodson to practice squad
• 1 – Signed corerbackRashad Barksdale (Chiefs) to practice squad
• 1 – Placed defensive tackleRodney Leisle on waivers
• 2 – Placed defensive tackleRodney Leisle on reserve/injured
• 2 – Signed tight endEric Butler to practice squad
• 2 – Released cornerbackGeoffrey Pope from practice squad
• 8 – Signed wide receiverTaye Biddle (Detroit) to practice squad
• 8 – Released wide receiverMarcus Monk from practice squad
• 11 – Signed defensive tackleLeger Douzable (Vikings) to practice squad
• 11 – Released offensive guardKurt Quarterman from practice squad
• 23 – Released tight endEric Butler from practice squad
• 24 – Suspended wide receiverPlaxico Burress for 2 weeks
• 24 – Activated wide receiverTaye Biddle from practice squad
• 24 – Signed wide receiverJohn Broussard to practice squad

• 7 – Placed wide receiverTaye Biddle on waivers
• 7 – ReleasedJohn Broussard from practice squad
• 9 – Signed wide receiverTaye Biddle to practice squad
• 21 – Signed offensive tackleCliff Louis to practice squad
• 21 – Released cornerbackRashad Barksdale from practice squad
• 23 – Signed cornerbackRashad Barksdale to practice squad
• 23 – Released quarterbackAndre Woodson from practice squad
• 27 – Signed quarterbackAndre Woodson to practice squad
• 27 – Released offensive tackleCliff Louis from practice squad

• 5 – Signed offensive tackleCliff Louis to practice squad
• 5 – Released defensive endWallace Gilberry from practice squad
• 29 – Placed safetySammy Knight on injured reserve
• 29 – Activated defensive tackleJeremy Clark from practice squad

• 2 – Signed safetyTravonti Johnson to practice squad
• 3 – Suspended wide receiverPlaxico Burress for rest of season
• 3 – Activated defensive tackleLeger Douzable from practice squad
• 3 – Offensive tackleNa'Shan Goddard claimed bySeattle Seahawks
• 3 – Signed offensive guardMike Fladell to practice squad
• 3 – Signed wide receiverMicah Rucker (Chiefs) to practice squad
• 16 – Placed running backReuben Droughns on injured reserve
• 16 – Signed wide receiverDerek Hagan (Dolphins)
• 17 – Placed linebackerJonathan Goff on injured reserve
• 17 – Signed linebackerEdmond Miles (Dolphins)
• 29 – Wide receiverPlaxico Burress's suspension lifted, placed on reserve/injured
• 30 – Placed cornerbackSam Madison on injured reserve
• 30 – Activated cornerbackRashad Barksdale from practice squad
• 30 – Signed linebackerRich Scanlon
• 30 – Placed linebackerEdmond Miles on waivers
• 31 – Signed wide receiverPaul Raymond (Lions) to practice squad

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 #6Philadelphia Eagles, in Round 3 of 2008's series.

New York got the early first quarter lead as kickerJohn Carney got a 22-yard field goal. The Eagles would respond with quarterbackDonovan McNabb 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 kickerDavid Akers 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 endBrent Celek, 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 toNew Meadowlands Stadium in2010 after missing the playoffs in2009. 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, thus making it ascorigami.^[16][17]

• List of New York Giants seasons

• 2008 NFL season by team
• New York Giants seasons
• NFC East championship seasons
• 2008 in sports in New Jersey
• 21st century in East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Meadowlands Sports Complex

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