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2005 New York Giants season
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
The 2005 New York Giants season was the franchise's 81st season in the National Football League (NFL) and second under head coach Tom Coughlin. The Giants finished the regular season with 11–5 record and came in first place of the NFC East. However, they would be shut out at home by the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs 23–0.
Key Information
Offseason
[edit]In the 2005 offseason the Giants acquired former Steelers’ wide receiver Plaxico Burress, former Jets offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie and former Redskins linebacker Antonio Pierce as free agents. Also, during the 2005 draft, the Giants used their first pick on Louisiana State cornerback Corey Webster. They then used their next pick on Notre Dame defensive end Justin Tuck. The rest of their picks included Southern Illinois running back Brandon Jacobs and Florida State defensive end Eric Moore.
Draft
[edit]| 2005 New York Giants draft | |||||
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 43 | Corey Webster | CB | LSU | |
| 3 | 74 | Justin Tuck * | DE | Notre Dame | |
| 4 | 110 | Brandon Jacobs | RB | Southern Illinois | |
| 6 | 186 | Eric Moore | DE | Florida State | |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career | |||||
Undrafted free agents
[edit]| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Blackburn | Linebacker | Akron |
| James Butler | Safety | Georgia Tech |
| Ryan Grant | Running back | Notre Dame |
| Matt LoVecchio | Quarterback | Indiana |
| Cameron Wake | Linebacker | Penn State |
Roster
[edit]
Regular season
[edit]The Giants won their first two games of the season, against the Arizona Cardinals (42–19)[3] and a second game at the Meadowlands against the New Orleans Saints. The game was originally slated to be a home game for the Saints but had to be moved since the city of New Orleans was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, and the Louisiana Superdome was untenable after being used as an emergency shelter for locals displaced by the hurricane.[4] Despite the Saints wearing their home colors and the Saints colors and logo being painted in one of the end zones, the game was a de facto home game for the Giants who won easily, 27–10.[3] The Giants lost to the Chargers the following week, 45–23,[3] in a game which was marked by Chargers fans booing and jeering Eli Manning for refusing to play for the Chargers. Manning and the Giants rebounded the following week however, and beat the St. Louis Rams by a score of 44–24.[3]
Through eight games, Burress, in a bid to become the first Giant wideout to make the Pro Bowl in 37 years, had 45 catches and five scores. Jeremy Shockey, who had not been as effective as he was in his rookie season, also was beginning to re-emerge with 32 catches and over 500 yards receiving after eight weeks.
On October 25, 2005, beloved Giants patriarch Wellington Mara died after a brief illness, at the age of 89.[5] Mara had been involved with the Giants since he was 9 years old, when he was a ball boy for the Giants. Except a tour of duty in the military during World War II, Mara spent his entire adult life with the Giants. The New York Giants dedicated their next game to Mara, and shut out the Washington Redskins 36–0.[3] Afterwards, the Giants went on the road and defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24–6, but when they got home, lost to the Minnesota Vikings 24–21.[3] Just twenty days after Mara's death, on November 15, 2005, the other Giants Executive Officer and well-known businessman Bob Tisch died at the age of 79. He was diagnosed in 2004 with inoperable brain cancer. Tisch was a philanthropist all his life and donated considerable sums of money to charitable causes. After his diagnosis, he donated money to institutions aimed towards the research of drugs and treatments to control brain tumors.
The Giants then travelled to Seattle to play the Seahawks. With the score tied at 21, kicker Jay Feely missed three field goals that would have given the Giants the lead.[6] The Giants lost 24–21 when Seahawks kicker Josh Brown kicked a 36-yard field goal.[6] The Giants then defeated the Cowboys 17–10.[7] the Giants defense made opposing QB Drew Bledsoe go 15 of 39 for 146 yards with only one touchdown pass and two interceptions.[7] The Giants then traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and defeated the defending NFC champion Eagles 26–23.[3]
During the season, the Giants and their stadium mates, the New York Jets, announced plans for a new stadium to replace Giants Stadium for both teams. Construction of said stadium began in 2007 and continued for two years, and the venue opened in 2010 as New Meadowlands Stadium. In 2011 naming rights would be bought by MetLife.
On December 17, 2005, in their 27–17 home victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tiki Barber set the team's single game rushing yard record with 220 yards, breaking the previous record of 218 yards, which had been set by Gene Roberts on November 12, 1950.[8]
The Giants were able to clinch at least a wild card berth without playing when the Minnesota Vikings fell to the Baltimore Ravens 30–23 in week 16. The Giants then won the NFC East title for the first time since 2000 with a 30–21 win against the Oakland Raiders. The team's appearance in the 2005 postseason was their 27th, tied with the Cowboys and the Rams for the most ever by an NFL team.
Schedule
[edit]| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 11 | Arizona Cardinals | W 42–19 | 1–0 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | September 19 | at New Orleans Saints | W 27–10 | 2–0 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 25 | at San Diego Chargers | L 23–45 | 2–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | October 2 | St. Louis Rams | W 44–24 | 3–1 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 5 | Bye | |||||
| 6 | October 16 | at Dallas Cowboys | L 13–16 (OT) | 3–2 | Texas Stadium | Recap |
| 7 | October 23 | Denver Broncos | W 24–23 | 4–2 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 8 | October 30 | Washington Redskins | W 36–0 | 5–2 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 9 | November 6 | at San Francisco 49ers | W 24–6 | 6–2 | Monster Park | Recap |
| 10 | November 13 | Minnesota Vikings | L 21–24 | 6–3 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 20 | Philadelphia Eagles | W 27–17 | 7–3 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 12 | November 27 | at Seattle Seahawks | L 21–24 (OT) | 7–4 | Qwest Field | Recap |
| 13 | December 4 | Dallas Cowboys | W 17–10 | 8–4 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 14 | December 11 | at Philadelphia Eagles | W 26–23 (OT) | 9–4 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
| 15 | December 17 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 27–17 | 10–4 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 16 | December 24 | at Washington Redskins | L 20–35 | 10–5 | FedExField | Recap |
| 17 | December 31 | at Oakland Raiders | W 30–21 | 11–5 | McAfee Coliseum | Recap |
Playoffs
[edit]While the Giants exceeded expectations in 2005, it came at the cost of key players suffering injuries over the course of the long season. An undermanned, and then depleted Giants squad lost 23–0 to the Carolina Panthers in the wild card round.[3]
| Round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card | January 8, 2006 | Carolina Panthers (5) | L 0–23 | 0–1 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
Game summary
[edit]Week 14
[edit]Week 14: New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giants | 7 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 26 |
| Eagles | 7 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 23 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Date: December 11
- Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 38 °F (3 °C)
- Game attendance: 67,443
- Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standings
[edit]| NFC East | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
| (4) New York Giants | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 8–4 | 422 | 314 | W1 |
| (6) Washington Redskins | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 10–2 | 359 | 293 | W5 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 325 | 308 | L1 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 0–6 | 3–9 | 310 | 388 | L2 |
References
[edit]- ^ Tiki Barber plans to stay busy after retirement Archived 2007-04-03 at the Wayback Machine, NFL.com, accessed March 22, 2007.
- ^ 2005 New York Giants, pro-football-reference.com, accessed March 21, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f g h 2005 New York Giants, databasefootball.com, accessed March 16, 2007.
- ^ Maske, Mark. Saints to Play Home Opener at Giants Stadium, The Washington Post, September 3, 2005, accessed March 23, 2007.
- ^ Goldstein, Richard. Wellington Mara, the Patriarch of the N.F.L., Dies at 89, The New York Times, October 26, 2005, accessed April 17, 2007.
- ^ a b Associated Press, Three missed FGs doom Giants in OT loss to Seahawks, November 27, 2005, accessed March 21, 2007.
- ^ a b Associated Press, Giants alone atop NFC East after narrow win vs. 'Boys, December 4, 2005, accessed March 21, 2007.
- ^ Associated Press, Tiki torches Chiefs in Giants’ win, December 17, 2005, accessed March 21, 2007.
External links
[edit]2005 New York Giants season
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The 2005 New York Giants season was the 81st in the franchise's history in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Tom Coughlin; the team compiled an 11–5 record, clinched the NFC East division title—their first since 2000—and earned a playoff berth as the No. 3 seed in the conference, only to suffer a shocking 23–0 shutout loss to the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round at Giants Stadium.[1][2]
The Giants began the season with a strong 6–2 start, highlighted by a 44–24 win over the St. Louis Rams in Week 4 and an emotional 36–0 shutout of the rival Washington Redskins in Week 8 honoring the late co-owner Wellington Mara, who had passed away the previous day, culminating in a 'Duke' chant in the locker room after the victory,[3][4] but endured a midseason stumble with losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks—interrupted by a win over the Philadelphia Eagles—to fall to 7–4. They rebounded decisively, winning four of their final five games—including an overtime victory against the Philadelphia Eagles and a 17–10 win over the Dallas Cowboys—to secure the division, capped by a 30–21 road win over the Oakland Raiders in Week 17 where running back Tiki Barber rushed for a career-high 234 yards and a franchise-record 95-yard touchdown run.[5]
Offensively, the Giants ranked third in the NFL in scoring with 422 points (26.4 per game) and fourth in total yards (5,787), powered by Barber's Pro Bowl and All-Pro campaign in which he set a Giants single-season rushing record with 1,860 yards on 357 carries (5.2 yards per attempt) and led the league with 2,390 yards from scrimmage, while adding 530 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns.[6][2] Quarterback Eli Manning, in his first full season as the starter after being drafted first overall in 2004, appeared in all 16 games, passing for 3,762 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a 75.9 passer rating, with wide receiver Plaxico Burress providing key production through 1,214 receiving yards and seven scores.[7][1] Defensively, New York allowed 314 points (19.6 per game, 14th in the NFL) and forced 37 turnovers, with defensive end Osi Umenyiora emerging as a star by leading the team with 12 sacks.[1] Despite the promising regular season that restored optimism after a 6–10 mark in 2004, the playoff debacle exposed vulnerabilities, particularly Manning's inexperience under pressure, setting the stage for future development in a competitive NFC East.[1][2]
[12][9]
Initial evaluations highlighted Webster's ball skills and recovery from injury as key to bolstering the secondary, Tuck's explosiveness off the edge as a complement to existing ends like Michael Strahan, Jacobs' unique physical profile for a lead back role, and Moore's upside as a rotational defender. Accorsi expressed particular enthusiasm for Jacobs, viewing him not merely as a goal-line option but as a versatile runner capable of wearing down defenses. All four rookies signed their standard four-year rookie contracts shortly after the draft, with Webster receiving the highest signing bonus at approximately $1.9 million, ensuring they reported to rookie minicamp without holdouts.[9][13]
Manning threw for 3,762 yards and 24 touchdowns in his debut full season as the primary signal-caller.[7]
Running Backs
Barber's league-leading performance highlighted the backfield's productivity, while Jacobs, a fourth-round draft pick, contributed as a change-of-pace option in his debut year.
Wide Receivers
Burress and Toomer formed a veteran tandem, combining for over 1,800 receiving yards, with Moss providing speed off the bench as a second-round selection.[1]
Tight Ends
Shockey, a Pro Bowl talent, recorded 65 receptions for 891 yards in 15 games before his late-season ankle injury sidelined him for the finale.[33]
Offensive Linemen
The line, featuring four starters who appeared in at least 14 games, provided solid protection and run blocking for the offense's 2,311 total rushing yards.[1]
Strahan and Umenyiora anchored the pass rush, with Umenyiora's 14.5 sacks ranking second in the NFL, while the interior provided run support.[31]
Linebackers
Pierce led the corps with 89 tackles, directing a unit that focused on stopping the run effectively in the NFC East.
Defensive Backs
The secondary intercepted 17 passes as a group but struggled against the pass at times.[1]
Feely handled kicking duties with 30 field goals, while Feagles averaged 42.1 yards per punt in his veteran role.[1][34]
The preseason provided opportunities to assess rookies and integrate key players, such as quarterback Eli Manning, who saw limited snaps across the games due to a cautious approach by the coaching staff.[36]
The full schedule and results are compiled from official NFL records.[44]
The Giants led the division in points scored (422) while allowing the second-fewest points (314), highlighting their balanced performance that propelled them to the top.[49]
As the NFC East champions, the Giants earned a playoff berth and the No. 4 seed in the NFC, hosting the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round after tiebreakers among the three 11–5 division winners (Giants, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers), all of whom had 9–3 conference records, placed them fourth.[51] The Redskins, as the No. 6 seed, also qualified as a wild card, while the Cowboys and Eagles missed the postseason.[51]
Offseason
2005 NFL Draft
The 2005 NFL Draft for the New York Giants was significantly impacted by a blockbuster trade executed the previous year on draft day 2004 with the San Diego Chargers to acquire quarterback Eli Manning. In that deal, the Giants surrendered their rights to quarterback Philip Rivers (the No. 4 overall pick in 2004), a 2004 third-round selection (used by the Chargers on kicker Nate Kaeding), and three future first-round picks (2005, 2006, and 2007), allowing them to select Manning with the No. 1 overall pick after he was initially drafted by San Diego and refused to play there.[8] This transaction, orchestrated by general manager Ernie Accorsi, was aimed at securing a long-term successor to veteran quarterback Kerry Collins, positioning Manning as the franchise's future leader despite the high cost in draft capital, which left the Giants without a first-round choice in 2005.[9] Accorsi's draft strategy in 2005 emphasized addressing defensive deficiencies to complement the young Manning-led offense, particularly by adding pass-rushing depth and secondary coverage, as the team entered the year with only four total selections starting from the second round. With limited picks due to the prior trade, Accorsi prioritized high-upside players who could contribute immediately or develop into starters, focusing on athletic traits over immediate need-filling in other areas. The Giants made no trades during the 2005 draft itself, instead selecting based on their board's evaluations of best available talent aligned with defensive needs.[9][10] Three of the Giants' 2005 NFL Draft picks—Corey Webster, Justin Tuck, and Brandon Jacobs—would later become key contributors to the team's Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011.[11] The Giants' selections in the 2005 NFL Draft were as follows:| Round | Overall Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 43 | Corey Webster | CB | LSU | Selected for shutdown coverage potential despite prior knee injury. |
| 3 | 74 | Justin Tuck | DE | Notre Dame | Pass-rush specialist with 24.5 college sacks, recovering from ACL tear. |
| 4 | 110 | Brandon Jacobs | RB | Southern Illinois | Power back with rare size-speed combination at 267 pounds. |
| 6 | 186 | Eric Moore | DE | Florida State | Developmental pass rusher with quick first step, value pick despite injury history. |
Free agency and transactions
In the 2005 offseason, the New York Giants focused on bolstering their defense and offensive line through free agency, signing several key unrestricted free agents to multi-year deals while re-signing core players to maintain depth. The team prioritized defensive leadership and pass protection, addressing weaknesses from the prior season's 6-10 record. A marquee addition was linebacker Antonio Pierce, signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Washington Redskins on March 3, 2005, to a six-year contract worth $26 million, including a $6.5 million signing bonus. Pierce quickly emerged as a defensive captain, anchoring the linebacker corps and contributing to improved run defense. The Giants also acquired wide receiver Plaxico Burress from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a six-year, $25 million deal, providing a proven deep threat for new quarterback Eli Manning. To strengthen the offensive line, right tackle Kareem McKenzie was signed from the New York Jets on a seven-year contract worth $37.5 million, including a $12.5 million signing bonus, solidifying the right side of the line. Kicker Jay Feely joined from the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year contract, adding reliability to the special teams unit.[14][15][16][16][17][18] The Giants retained several of their own free agents to preserve continuity. Backup quarterback Jesse Palmer was re-signed on March 21, 2005, to a two-year, $1.5 million contract, serving as a veteran presence behind Manning before his release on September 3, 2005. Fullback Jim Finn agreed to a five-year extension, ensuring blocking support for the running game. Among restricted free agents, the team tendered and re-signed linebacker Nick Greisen and safety Jack Brewer to one-year deals, maintaining linebacker and secondary depth without significant cost.[19][20][21] The Giants lost notable talent in free agency, including quarterback Kurt Warner, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, and wide receiver Ike Hilliard, released to manage the salary cap before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These departures created opportunities for younger players but highlighted the need for reinforcements in the passing game. Post-draft, the Giants signed 21 undrafted free agents on May 2, 2005, with several contributing to the final roster and bolstering depth in the linebacker corps and secondary. Linebacker Chase Blackburn from Akron and safety James Butler from Georgia Tech earned spots on the 53-man roster, providing special teams versatility and defensive backups; Blackburn handled long-snapping duties, while Butler saw action in 16 games. These moves enhanced team depth without draft capital, particularly at linebacker where Pierce's arrival paired with emerging talent to improve overall defensive cohesion.[9][22][23]Personnel
Coaching staff
The 2005 New York Giants coaching staff was led by head coach Tom Coughlin in his second season with the team, following a 6-10 record in 2004.[1] Coughlin emphasized strict discipline throughout the year, including a policy of fining players for tardiness to meetings—requiring arrival five minutes early—which helped foster accountability amid the team's transition to a more structured environment, ultimately guiding the Giants to an 11-5 regular-season record and the NFC East title.[1] Offensive coordinator John Hufnagel retained his role from the previous year, overseeing a balanced but run-oriented scheme that propelled running back Tiki Barber to a league-leading 1,860 rushing yards and supported the Giants' third-ranked scoring offense at 26.4 points per game.[24][1] Defensive coordinator Tim Lewis also returned from 2004, directing a 4-3 alignment that ranked 14th in the NFL in points allowed (314 total, 19.6 per game) and contributed to the unit's effectiveness against the run.[24][25] The staff exhibited notable stability, with both coordinators and several position coaches carrying over from the prior season, enabling continuity in strategy despite minor adjustments to address the 2004 shortcomings.[26] Key assistants included quarterbacks coach Kevin Gilbride, who worked closely with rookie Eli Manning to build his fundamentals and decision-making, laying groundwork for Manning's future growth under the Giants.[27] Running backs coach Jerald Ingram focused on the ground game's execution, while tight ends coach Mike Pope handled blocking and receiving schemes. Special teams coordinator Mike Sweatman managed coverage and return units, contributing to the team's overall operational efficiency.[24][28]| Position | Coach Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Tom Coughlin |
| Offensive Coordinator | John Hufnagel |
| Defensive Coordinator | Tim Lewis |
| Quarterbacks Coach | Kevin Gilbride |
| Running Backs Coach | Jerald Ingram |
| Wide Receivers Coach | Mike Sullivan |
| Offensive Line Coach | Pat Flaherty |
| Tight Ends Coach | Mike Pope |
| Defensive Line Coach | Mike Waufle |
| Linebackers Coach | Bill Sheridan |
| Secondary Coach | Ron Milus |
| Special Teams Coordinator | Mike Sweatman |
Roster
The 2005 New York Giants entered the season with a 53-man roster blending established veterans and promising rookies, emphasizing a potent rushing attack and a disruptive pass rush on defense. The team featured first-year starter Eli Manning at quarterback, who led the offense through all 16 regular-season games after being named the full-time starter in the preseason.[29] Key contributors included running back Tiki Barber, who paced the NFL with 1,860 rushing yards, and defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, who combined for 26 sacks (Strahan 11.5, Umenyiora 14.5).[6][30][31] The roster also contended with injuries, notably tight end Jeremy Shockey missing one game late in the season due to a sprained ankle.[32]Offense
The offensive unit was built around a strong ground game and reliable receiving options, with starters providing consistency and rookies adding depth. Quarterbacks| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Eli Manning | Starter (all 16 games) |
| Tim Hasselbeck | Backup |
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Tiki Barber | Starter (led NFL in rushing yards) |
| Brandon Jacobs | Rookie power back/reserve |
| Derrick Ward | Reserve |
| Chad Morton | Reserve/return specialist |
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Plaxico Burress | No. 1 receiver/starter |
| Amani Toomer | Starter/slot receiver |
| Sinorice Moss | Rookie reserve |
| Tim Carter | Reserve |
| David Tyree | Reserve |
| Willie Ponder | Reserve |
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Jeremy Shockey | Starter |
| Visanthe Shiancoe | Reserve |
| Sean Berton | Reserve |
| Matt Kranchick | Reserve |
| Player | Position | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Petitgout | LT | Starter |
| David Diehl | LG | Starter |
| Shaun O'Hara | C | Starter |
| Chris Snee | RG | Starter |
| Kareem McKenzie | RT | Starter |
| Rich Seubert | G | Reserve |
| Jason Whittle | C/G | Reserve |
| Bob Whitfield | T | Reserve |
| Lewis Kelly | G | Reserve |
Defense
The defense relied on a veteran front four for pressure and a mix of experience and youth in the secondary, allowing 19.6 points per game overall.[1] Defensive Line| Player | Position | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Strahan | DE | Starter (11.5 sacks) |
| Osi Umenyiora | DE | Starter (14.5 sacks) |
| Kendrick Clancy | DT | Starter |
| William Joseph | DT | Starter |
| Fred Robbins | DT | Reserve |
| Justin Tuck | DE | Reserve/rookie |
| Damane Duckett | DE | Reserve |
| Adrian Awasom | DE | Reserve/rookie |
| Eric Moore | DE | Reserve |
| Kenderick Allen | DT | Reserve |
| Ryan Kuehl | DT | Reserve |
| Player | Position | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Antonio Pierce | MLB | Starter |
| Reggie Torbor | OLB | Starter |
| Nick Greisen | ILB | Starter |
| Chase Blackburn | LB | Reserve |
| Carlos Emmons | OLB | Reserve |
| Alonzo Jackson | LB | Reserve |
| Kevin Lewis | LB | Reserve |
| Jay Foreman | LB | Reserve |
| Barrett Green | LB | Reserve |
| Roman Phifer | LB | Reserve |
| Marcus Lawrence | LB | Reserve |
| Player | Position | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Will Allen | CB | Starter |
| Curtis DeLoatch | CB | Starter |
| Gibril Wilson | SS | Starter |
| Brent Alexander | FS | Starter |
| Corey Webster | CB | Reserve/rookie |
| Will Peterson | CB | Reserve |
| James Butler | S | Reserve |
| Shaun Williams | S | Reserve |
| Frank Walker | CB | Reserve |
| Terrell Buckley | CB | Reserve |
Special Teams
| Player | Position | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jay Feely | K | Kicker |
| Jeff Feagles | P | Punter |
Preseason
Schedule
The New York Giants entered the 2005 preseason with a schedule designed to build depth and evaluate personnel ahead of the regular season. They played four games, finishing with a 3-1 record while scoring 83 points to their opponents' 55.[35]| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 13 | Cleveland Browns | Away (Cleveland, OH) | L 14–17 |
| 2 | August 20 | Carolina Panthers | Home (East Rutherford, NJ) | W 27–21 |
| 3 | August 26 | New York Jets | Home (East Rutherford, NJ) | W 15–14 |
| 4 | September 1 | New England Patriots | Away (Foxborough, MA) | W 27–3 |
Key developments
The 2005 preseason served as a critical period for the New York Giants to integrate their draft picks and free agents into the team's schemes under head coach Tom Coughlin, fostering competition and evaluation across the roster while building operational cohesion ahead of the regular season.[37] A highlight was quarterback Eli Manning's performance against the Carolina Panthers on August 20, where he completed 3 of 9 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Amani Toomer and a short pass to David Tyree who took it 90 yards for a score, demonstrating poise and arm strength that bolstered his confidence as the team transitioned to him as the starter.[38][39] Injuries posed challenges, notably tight end Jeremy Shockey sustaining a hamstring strain during early August training camp practices, which caused him to miss several sessions and limited his participation in the initial preseason week, though he returned for subsequent games; this setback disrupted his rhythm and carried minor implications into the regular season preparation.[40] Roster battles intensified, with rookie running back Brandon Jacobs, a fourth-round draft pick, impressing in limited opportunities—such as 12 carries for 73 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1—showcasing his power and speed to secure a backup role behind Tiki Barber.[37][41] Similarly, undrafted free agent safety James Butler earned a roster spot through standout defensive contributions, including multiple sacks in exhibition games that highlighted his versatility and tackling ability in the secondary competition.[22][42] Special teams received particular emphasis from coordinator Mike Sweatman, who introduced refined coverage units focused on improving kickoff and punt returns; these adjustments were tested and refined during the preseason contests, contributing to better field position management.[43] The Giants concluded preseason with a 3-1 record, gaining momentum from three consecutive victories after an opening loss, which instilled optimism for the regular season despite areas needing polish like pass protection and turnover creation.[35]Regular season
Schedule and results
The 2005 New York Giants regular season consisted of 16 games, including a Week 5 bye, with home games played at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.[44]| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 11, 2005 | Arizona Cardinals | W | Home (Giants Stadium) | 42–19 | Fox |
| 2 | September 19, 2005 | New Orleans Saints | W | Away (Giants Stadium) | 27–10 | ABC (Monday Night Football); game relocated from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina[45][46] |
| 3 | September 25, 2005 | San Diego Chargers | L | Away | 23–45 | ESPN (Sunday Night Football)[46] |
| 4 | October 2, 2005 | St. Louis Rams | W | Home (Giants Stadium) | 44–24 | Fox |
| 5 | October 10, 2005 | Bye | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | October 16, 2005 | Dallas Cowboys | L | Away | 13–16 (OT) | Fox |
| 7 | October 23, 2005 | Denver Broncos | W | Home (Giants Stadium) | 24–23 | CBS[46] |
| 8 | October 30, 2005 | Washington Redskins | W | Home (Giants Stadium) | 36–0 | Fox |
| 9 | November 6, 2005 | San Francisco 49ers | W | Away | 24–6 | Fox |
| 10 | November 13, 2005 | Minnesota Vikings | L | Home (Giants Stadium) | 21–24 | Fox |
| 11 | November 20, 2005 | Philadelphia Eagles | W | Home (Giants Stadium) | 27–17 | Fox |
| 12 | November 27, 2005 | Seattle Seahawks | L | Away | 21–24 (OT) | Fox |
| 13 | December 4, 2005 | Dallas Cowboys | W | Home (Giants Stadium) | 17–10 | Fox |
| 14 | December 11, 2005 | Philadelphia Eagles | W | Away | 26–23 (OT) | Fox |
| 15 | December 17, 2005 | Kansas City Chiefs | W | Home (Giants Stadium) | 27–17 | CBS (Saturday game)[46] |
| 16 | December 24, 2005 | Washington Redskins | L | Away | 20–35 | Fox (Saturday game) |
| 17 | December 31, 2005 | Oakland Raiders | W | Away | 30–21 | ESPN (Saturday Night Football)[46] |
Season summary
The 2005 New York Giants compiled an 11-5 regular season record, capturing the NFC East division title and earning a playoff berth under head coach Tom Coughlin. The campaign featured a blend of offensive firepower led by running back Tiki Barber and a resurgent defense anchored by pass rusher Osi Umenyiora, though inconsistencies in the passing game and injury setbacks tempered the team's momentum. Despite these challenges, the Giants demonstrated resilience, overcoming an uneven start to mount a division-clinching surge in the final weeks.[1] The Giants opened with a 3-2 mark through six weeks, securing decisive victories over the Arizona Cardinals (42-19 in Week 1) and New Orleans Saints (27-10 in Week 2), powered by Barber's ground attack, before a 45-23 thrashing by the San Diego Chargers in Week 3 laid bare the secondary's vulnerabilities against quarterback Drew Brees' aerial assault. A Week 4 rout of the St. Louis Rams (44-24) provided a rebound, but after their bye, an overtime defeat to the Dallas Cowboys (16-13 in Week 6) dropped them to 3-2, underscoring early defensive lapses in coverage and run support.[47] A mid-season pivot propelled the Giants forward, as they navigated a 6-2 stretch from Weeks 7 through 14 that included gritty wins like a 24-23 thriller against the Denver Broncos (Week 7) and a commanding 36-0 shutout of the Washington Redskins (Week 8), followed by a 24-6 decision over the San Francisco 49ers (Week 9). Quarterback Eli Manning, in his first full year as starter across all 16 games, contributed to the turnaround with improved decision-making amid a season total of 3,762 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, though the aerial offense often leaned on Barber's league-second-best 1,860 rushing yards to sustain drives. Defensively, the unit gelled around Umenyiora's NFC-leading 14.5 sacks and a stout front that limited opponents to 3.9 yards per carry, fostering turnovers and field position advantages.[47][48] The late push solidified their playoff positioning, highlighted by a 26-23 overtime triumph at the Philadelphia Eagles (Week 14) and a 17-10 home win over the Cowboys (Week 13), culminating in four victories across the final six contests to claim the East at 11-5 despite a 35-20 setback to Washington (Week 16). Injuries compounded challenges, notably a late sprained ankle that sidelined tight end Jeremy Shockey for the Week 17 finale against Oakland (30-21 win), diminishing tight end productivity and forcing reliance on other receivers. The secondary's depth was continually tested post-Chargers, contributing to sporadic coverage breakdowns but ultimately yielding a top-10 scoring defense at 19.6 points allowed per game.[47][1][32]Postseason
Wild Card playoff game
The New York Giants hosted the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card playoff game on January 8, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking their first home postseason appearance since 2000. The Panthers dominated with a 23–0 shutout victory, the Giants' first playoff shutout since a 21–0 loss to the Chicago Bears in the 1985 NFC Divisional round. Attendance was 79,378, and the game was broadcast nationally on FOX. This loss ended the Giants' season with an overall record of 11–5, despite their first-place finish in the NFC East. The Giants' offense struggled immensely, managing just 132 total yards and committing five turnovers, including three interceptions thrown by rookie quarterback Eli Manning in his playoff debut. Manning completed 10 of 18 passes for 113 yards but was sacked four times and failed to lead any scoring drives, contributing to the team's inability to sustain momentum. Running back Tiki Barber, who had rushed for 1,860 yards during the regular season, was limited to 13 carries for 41 yards, averaging a meager 3.2 yards per attempt, as the Panthers' defense stuffed the run game early and often. Defensively, the Giants allowed the Panthers to accumulate 335 total yards, including 223 rushing yards led by DeShaun Foster's 27 carries for 151 yards. Wide receiver Steve Smith was a standout for Carolina, catching 10 passes for 84 yards and a 22-yard touchdown reception from Jake Delhomme in the second quarter, while also scoring on a 12-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter to extend the lead to 17–0. The Panthers capitalized on the Giants' turnovers, with two interceptions setting up field goals by John Kasay in the fourth quarter to seal the 23–0 final. Carolina forced the Giants' five turnovers without committing any of their own, showcasing superior ball security and opportunistic play. Post-game analysis highlighted criticism of head coach Tom Coughlin's conservative play-calling, particularly in the second half when the Giants attempted a comeback but managed only short gains and stalled drives. Running back Tiki Barber publicly stated that Coughlin had been "outcoached," pointing to the Panthers' effective adjustments and the Giants' lack of aggressive strategy as key factors in the lopsided defeat. The shutout exposed vulnerabilities in both the Giants' offensive line and secondary, ending what had been a promising season on a disappointing note.Standings
NFC East division
The 2005 NFC East division was won by the New York Giants, who finished with an 11–5 record, securing first place and the division title ahead of the Washington Redskins' 10–6 mark.[49] The Dallas Cowboys placed third at 9–7, while the Philadelphia Eagles finished last at 6–10.[49] No tiebreakers were required within the division, as the Giants maintained a one-game lead over the Redskins entering the final week and improved to 11–5 with a 30–21 victory over the Oakland Raiders, while the Redskins defeated the Eagles 31–20 to reach 10–6.[50] The final NFC East standings are summarized below:| Team | W | L | T | Pct | PF | PA | Home | Road | Div | Conf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Giants | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 422 | 314 | 7–1 | 4–4 | 4–2 | 9–3 |
| Washington Redskins | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 359 | 293 | 5–3 | 5–3 | 3–3 | 8–4 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 325 | 308 | 5–3 | 4–4 | 2–4 | 7–5 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 310 | 388 | 2–6 | 4–4 | 3–3 | 5–7 |