Neal Lynch

Top 10 Worst NY Giants Seasons in Team History

Neal Lynch
24–36 minutes
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on Nov. 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images. Via ibtimes.com
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning against Washington at FedExField on Nov. 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images. Via ibtimes.com

The 2024 New York Giants finished with the most losses in a season in team history. But was 2024 the worst Giants season of all-time?

I’ve been on this blue and green marble for more than 4 decades. When the Giants won their first Super Bowl in January 1987, I was 6.

Since the 1986 championship season, I’ve seen 3 more Lombardi’s. But, I’ve bore witness to almost 20 losing seasons. The ’90s were rough: Ray Handley, Dan Reeves, and letting Bill Parcells slip away to settle for Jim Fassel. Yet, I’d never experienced 4 losing seasons in 5 years. Until 2017. It couldn’t possibly get worse, right?

Well, after a franchise-high 14 losses in the 2024 season (our 100th anniversary!), I’ve now had the misfortune of watching 10 losing seasons in 12 years.

To better understand the current state of Giants fans, I thought it would be appropriate to present eloquent quotes about pain and suffering:

  • “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” – Buddhist Proverb
  • “The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.”
  • “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
  • “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”
  • “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart.”
  • “Wisdom comes alone through suffering.”
  • “Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience, and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.”
  • “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths.”

Giants fans have endured the second longest and most painful stretch of football behind 1964-1980. One could argue the current era of Giants football has caused the most suffering. After all, contemporary organizations have more power and flexibility to turn around rosters quicker than the Dark Days of Yesteryear.

If the quotes above are correct, Giants fans will become wiser, stronger, and more beautiful from all this pain and suffering. So, let’s get better by breaking down the worst seasons in Giants franchise history.

I originally wrote this post after New York’s horrid 2017 season. We’ve been so abominable since then — including a disastrous 2024 — that I’ve updated my rankings.

Unlike last go-round, I decided to use Pro Football Reference’s Simple Rating System (“SRS”) to rank seasons. According to PFR, their SRS “uses a team’s point differential and strength of schedule to assign a rating to each team.”

Try to remember that when you see teams with a higher winning percentage than you’d expect on this list.

First off…

Dishonorable Mentions:

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2013 NEW YORK GIANTS

0–6 start for the first time since 1976.

First losing season since 2004.

Here’s a wacky stat: After not making the playoffs in 2013, the Giants became the first team in NFL history to have a 5-year era in which they won the Super Bowl in the third year but missed the playoffs in all other years. A nice lil’ playoff sandwich!

  • 2009 – no playoffs (bread)
  • 2010 – no playoffs (toppings)
  • 2011 – Super Bowl win (meat)
  • 2012 – no playoffs (bottomings)
  • 2013 – no playoffs (bread)

The 2013 draft class goes down as one of the worst, which is saying a lot considering recent history. Justin Pugh was an adequate starter and Johnathan Hankins held his own, but neither made the Pro Bowl. Reese traded up to snag Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, who looked inept in limited playing time.

At the time, the 0-6 start seemed like an anomaly; something we’d never ever see again.

The offense sputtered. Eli Manning had his worst season since his rookie year, leading the league in interceptions with 27.

Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks each had 100+ targets, but neither eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving. Second-year WR Rueben Randle led the team in touchdowns, but had zero sideline awareness.

The run game was non-existent as the running back position was a turnstile. Promising first round pick David Wilson got hurt and was forced to retire. The team had to bring in former Madden cover boy Peyton Hillis and bring back former starter Brandon Jacobs. Woof. Former 4th rounder Andre Brown ended up the starter and led the team in rushing yards (492).

The defense was NYG’s lone bright spot. Captain Antrel Rolle led the squad with 6 interceptions. He’d make the Pro Bowl and was Second-Team All-Pro. Justin Tuck had the team-lead in sacks with 11 in what was his last year with the team.

Not-so-fun fact: The Giants’ last win over the Eagles in Philly (as of January 2025) came in 2013. Dear God.

1953 NEW YORK GIANTS

Quarterback Charlie Conerly threw twice as many interceptions as he did touchdowns. Bill Mackrides threw three INTs to 1 touchdown and Arnie Galiffa tossed 5 INTERCEPTIONS in 13 ATTEMPTS!!! The only one who didn’t throw a pick was Frank Gifford. Gifford was a Pro Bowler along with Kyle Rote and Emlen Tunnell.

The Giants allowed 62 points to the Browns, the second most points surrendered in franchise history at that time. Second!

Steve Owen was fired at the end of the season. Rumors swirled that Vince Lombardi would be hired as head coach. But, the team ended up going in a different direction. Lombardi would come on as the co-offensive coordinator. And then he did a bunch of stuff after leaving the Giants, blah blah blah. Forgettable really.

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1974 NEW YORK GIANTS

Team’s worst record since 1966.

Winless in 7 home games. I remember driving home from Rhode Island (while listening to Joe Judge seal his fate in the 2021 regular season finale) and seeing a sign for the Yale Bowl. My Sat Nav system said I was damn near 2 hours from East Rutherford. Hachi mama.

Allowed the most points in the NFC (299).

18 draft picks. 0 Pro Bowlers.

The Giants fired Alex Webster and hired Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Bill Arnsparger. In his four-year tenure in Miami, the Dolphins defenses were a top-5 unit. In his 2.5 seasons with the Giants, Arnsparger’s offenses and defenses were bottom-5 groups.

Craig Morton came over from Dallas. Norm Snead would eventually go to San Fran. And it doesn’t get much more ’70 Giants than reuniting these two in ’76 for another dreadful effort. Wowza.

Big Blue had 6 losses by a touchdown or less. But, I’m sure they believed in the process and liked “the plan”.

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1979 NEW YORK GIANTS

Before the 1979 NFL Draft, new 49ers head coach Bill Walsh planned to draft Morehead State QB Phil Simms over Notre Dame QB Joe Montana. But, the Giants snagged Simms with their first pick, prompting fans to boo Phil mercilessly. Teammates nicknamed the Kentucky kid with the long blonde locks “Prince Valiant”. I like to call him a Golden God.

Simms won his first 4 starts and finished with a 6-4 record as a starter. He threw for more than 1,700 yards along with 13 touchdowns, and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team. If a Topps card is to be believed, Simms was Rookie of the Year runner-up to Cardinals RB Ottis Anderson.

Los Gigantes were 1 of 3 franchises, excluding the expansion Seahawks, to not make the playoffs during the 1970s. The Bucs, another expansion team, made the postseason in ’79. This point-deprived Giants squad actually topped Tampa in Week 6, 17-14.

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1977 NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants signed QB Joe Pisarcik to replace Craig Morton, who’d been traded to the Broncos.

Pisarcik started 11 of 14 games and threw 14 interceptions to only 4 touchdowns. But, he probably just needed an offensive line and a WR1, right? Jerry Golsteyn (real person) threw 8 INTs to only 2 TDs. Jerry’s adjusted net yards per pass attempt was -0.2. That’s impressive.

Jim Robinson led the team in receptions with… 22. How any Giants fans stayed Giants fans after the ’70s is an incredible feat. Robinson also tied for the team lead in total touchdowns with… 3.

After starting 3-3, the G-Men lost six of their next 8.

Troy Archer and John Mendenhall each had 10 sacks. Good ol’ George Martin had a pick six. How about that.

For the second straight season, LB Brad Van Pelt was the lone Giant to make the Pro Bowl.

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1948 NEW YORK GIANTS

  • Record: 4-8-0, 3rd of 5 in the NFL East
  • Coach: Steve Owen
  • Points For: 297 (24.8/g) 5th of 10
  • Points Against: 388 (32.3/g) 9th of 10
  • Expected W-L: 4.2-7.8
  • SRS: -6.51 (7th of 10),  SOS: 1.07

Charlie Conerly tossed 22 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. Gene Roberts led the ground game, but had 9 fumbles. Bill Swiacki was the top target and led the team in touchdowns.

Len Younce was 1 for 7 on field goal attempts? Astounding.

Frank Reagan had 9 interceptions while Emlen Tunnell had 7, including a pick six.

The Giants allowed 388 points in 12 games, second most in the league.

Feast your eyes on these lopsided scores:

  • October 3 at Washington L 10–41
  • October 10 at Philadelphia Eagles L 0–45
  • October 17 Chicago Cardinals L 35–63
  • November 14 Los Angeles Rams L 37–52
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1975 NEW YORK GIANTS

4th most points allowed in the NFC. 1-7 in the division.

Started 3-4 but lost their next 5, failing to score more than 14 points in each of those games. Somehow beat OJ Simpson and the Bills in Buffalo on Monday Night Football.

Craig Morton threw 16 interceptions to 11 touchdowns and had 9 fumbles. Future Eagles head coach Ray Rhodes led the team in receiving touchdowns with 6. He tied for team-high in total TDs with running backs Ron Johnson and Doug Kotar.

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1973 NEW YORK Giants

  • Record: 2-11-1, 5th of 5 in NFC East
  • Coach: Alex Webster
  • Points For: 226 (16.1/g) 20th of 26
  • Points Against: 362 (25.9/g) 22nd of 26
  • Offensive Coordinator: Joe Walton
  • Defensive Coordinator: Jim Garrett
  • Stadium: Yankee Stadium & Yale Bowl

Alex Webster‘s last season was his worst. The former Coach of the Year in 1970 saw quarterback Norm Snead throw 22 interceptions to 7 touchdowns. Yet, the passing offense put up the second most yards in the league. Webster’s kicker Pete Gogolak went 4 of 11 on field goals over 40 yards. Barf.

Tight end Bob Tucker led the team in receptions and receiving yards. Pete Athas led the team in interceptions. No All-Pros. No Pro Bowlers. I’m sure not having a permanent home stadium didn’t help.

2017 NEW YORK GIANTS

  • Record: 3-13-0, 4th of 4 in NFC East
  • Coach: Steve Spagnuolo (1-3-0) and Ben McAdoo (2-10-0)
  • Points For: 246 (15.4/g) 31st of 32
  • Points Against: 388 (24.3/g) 27th of 32
  • Offensive Coordinator: Mike Sullivan
  • Defensive Coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo

Coming off their first playoff appearance in 5 years, the 2017 Giants were considered a Super Bowl contender.

The offense got Brandon Marshall to address the offense’s red zone woes. Cut ties with expensive starters Victor Cruz and Rashad Jennings. Let Marshall Newhouse walk. Stuck with Ereck Flowers, John Jerry, and Bobby Hart. Paul Perkins was poised to become a breakout star. Shane Vereen was healthy.

The defense had Darian Thompson fully healthy. B.J. Goodson emerged as the starter in the middle. Eli Apple was expected to take another step in the right direction.

Cut to Week 5 against the Chargers. 0-4 start. All the wide receivers die. Commence tailspin. Eli benched. Streak broken. Ben McAdoo fired. Jerry Reese fired. Record number of players on IR.

Here’s what I wrote in January of 2018:

Enter new GM Dave Gettleman. See ya, Bobby Hart. Ereck Flowers benched. Goodbye, Marc Ross. Hello, #2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

  • After the horrendous 1980 season, the Giants picked the franchise’s greatest player, Lawrence Taylor, in the ’81 Draft.
  • After the brutal 1983 season, the Giants selected Carl Banks in the ’84 Draft.
  • After the trainwreck 2003 season, the Giants swapped picks to get the franchise’s greatest quarterback Eli Manning in the ’04 Draft.

Could we see another franchise player drafted in 2018? I sure af hope so.

Time to put the fret to bed, Giants fans. With Get ‘Em Gettleman as GM and a new head coach that doesn’t look like an evil version of PC Principal from South Park, the 2018 Giants will bring the organization back to its winning ways. Or, at the very least, they won’t end up on this list.

Welp, the Giants did select a great player in the 2018 NFL Draft: Saquon Barkley. I will go to my grave defending that selection. While everyone else clamored for a QB (people forget they wanted JOSH ROSEN), I was seduced by Barkley’s Herculean numbers.

*Long, drawn out sigh*

Well, Saquon struggled for most of his Giants tenure. Didn’t have a capable offensive line or a play-caller that knew how to use him. But guess who does. The oh-so-eager Eagles snatched Saquon away. The future Hall-of-Famer ran for 2,000+ yards in 2024, finishing second behind Eric Dickerson for most in a single season. PAIN.

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2019 NEW YORK GIANTS

Traded Odell Beckham, Jr. and Olivier Vernon to the Browns for Kevin Zeitler and Jabrill Peppers. We did, in fact, sign OBJ just to trade him.

Signed free agent WR Golden Tate, who was suspended for the first 4 games.

Managed to get 3 first-round draft picks: Duke QB Daniel Jones, Clemson behemoth Dexter Lawrence, and Georgia CB Deandre Baker. My god, do we suck drafting corners in the first round.

Forfeited 3rd-round selection after picking legendary CB Sam Beal in the 2018 supplemental draft

Benched Eli after 2 games.

Daniel Jones recorded the second largest comeback in NFL history by a rookie QB making their first start.

Traded for Jets DT Leonard Williams. A move that I still don’t agree with.

Former Pro Bowler and 2nd-Team All-Pro Janoris Jenkins was waived in December for calling a fan the R-word on Twitter. No, not that R-word. The other one. Not the Washington one. You got it.

Tied a franchise record 9-game losing streak with the 1976 Giants. Surely, that record will never be… never mind.

For the first time since 1995, 0 Pro Bowlers.

Pat Shurmur fired.

Dave Gettleman retained.

Eli Manning retired.

You thought that sucked? Buckle up, buttercup…

TOP 10 NEW YORK GIANTS SEASONS IN TEAM HISTORY:

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10. 2023 NEW YORK GIANTS

Coming off a year in which Brian Daboll won Coach of the Year and the team won its first playoff game since 2011, many fans thought we’d “close the gap”. The Giants must’ve thought we were talking about the quirky retail store with the catchy commercials.

GM Joe Schoen elected to sign Daniel Jones to a hefty contract that was 4 years, $160 million. He then placed the franchise tag on superstar Saquon Barkley.

Signed Pro Bowl-caliber LB Bobby Okereke from the Colts.

Traded for Raiders TE Darren Waller, who battled injuries and later retired.

Traded for Cardinals… linebacker? corner? safety? Isaiah Simmons, who saw limited playing time.

Cut free agent bust Kenny Golladay, who had 1 touchdown in 2 seasons.

Drafted a potential CB1 in Maryland Terps corner Deonte Banks.

Traded 6-round pick to Houston for cornerback Keion Crossen, who didn’t play a single down.

Drafted a seasoned center in John Michael Schmitz.

Drafted a speed demon in Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt.

Then the season started and immediately ended in the opener against Dallas, which gave us this gem:

“One of the worst losses in franchise history, the Giants became the first team in NFL history:

  • to lose a game by 40+ points
  • get out-sacked by 7 or more
  • lose 3 or more turnovers more than forced
  • have a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown
  • and throw a pick six in a single season

The Giants did all this in the same game.”

The Giants then tied the franchise record for the largest comeback win since 1949 in Week 2 vs the Cards. In that historic comeback win, Daniel Jones became the first player in NFL history to…

  • throw for 250+ yards,
  • run for 50+ yards,
  • throw 2+ pass TDs,
  • run for 1+ rushing TD,
  • and have no turnovers

…in a single half.

Our first first-half touchdown of the season came in Week 5… on a pick six.

Lost DJ for 3 weeks to a neck injury because we had a subpar guard starting at left tackle.

Against the Bills, the Giants ran 3 plays from the 1-yard line to end both halves and came away with ZERO points.

Lost to the Jets, despite having a 99.9% chance to win with <30 seconds left in regulation. Finished the game with -9 passing yards, the worst finish by an NFL team since 2021 (ALSO by the Giants).

Traded Leonard Williams to the Seahawks for what turned into Tyler Nubin and a 2025 5th rounder. Big Cat’s best year was in 2020 when he was a 2-time Defensive Player of the Week in the NFC. Leo was also 6th in tackles for loss and 7th in sacks that year. Never made a Pro Bowl with Big Blue.

Lost Daniel Jones for the season to a torn ACL in Week 9 loss to the Raiders.

Our punter kicked a field goal because we ran out of healthy kickers.

Can you believe we weren’t eliminated from playoff contention until after Week 16? If our anemic offense had scored just 12 more points across 3 close games (2 vs Rams, 4 vs Jets, 6 vs Bills), we would’ve been 9-8. We would’ve won the tiebreaker over Green Bay, but not New Orleans or Seattle. Sooo, no playoffs, but fun to fantasize about.

Our offensive line allowed 85 sacks, the second highest number in a single season. You could probably pin half of those on Tommy DeVito. Fuggedaboutit. Pass the cutlets.

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9. 1971 NEW YORK GIANTS

Offense led the league in pass attempts and was third in passing yards. Couldn’t run the ball worth a darn, partner. Fran Tarkenton threw nearly twice as many INTs than TDs. Bob Tucker led the team in receptions and receiving yards. He tied for team lead in receiving touchdowns.

Defense was second worst in scoring. Willie Williams led the squad in interceptions while Fred Dryer tallied the most sacks.

The Giants were actually 4-5 midway through November before dropping the last 5 contests.

This would be the end of the Fran Tarkenton era. He made the Pro Bowl every season he was with the Giants except this one. 1971 was his worst by QB Rating. The previous season, he tied for 3rd in MVP voting.

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8. 2024 NEW YORK GIANTS

  • Eagles sign Saquon Barkley. Finished with the most rushing yards in the league and the second most rushing yards in a single season all-time. Made Pro Bowl.
  • Packers sign Xavier McKinney. Second most interceptions in the NFL. NFC Defensive Player of the Month, and NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Made Pro Bowl.
  • A’Shawn Robinson signs with the Panthers.
  • Tyrod Taylor signs with the Jets.
  • Signed Texans RB Devin Singletary to be starter, became a backup. Average PFF grades.
  • Signed Raiders tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Average PFF grades.
  • Signed Packers guard Jon Runyan, Jr. Average to below avg PFF grades.
  • Signed Seahawks QB Drew Lock to compete with Daniel Jones, was leapfrogged by Tommy DeVito. Below average PFF grades.
  • Traded for and extended Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns, who became a Pro Bowl alternate.
  • Drafted stud LSU WR Malik Nabers, the highest-graded player of the class. He set records and was a Pro Bowl alternate.
  • Drafted Minnesota Golden Gophers safety Tyler Nubin, the highest-graded player at his position. PFF gave him an above average run defense grade and an average pass coverage grade. 0 interceptions. 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble. 2nd in total tackles on the team.
  • Drafted slot corner Dru Phillipps. PFF gave him above average grades across the board. 1 interception, 1 pass defended, 2 forced fumbles.
  • Drafted big Penn State TE Theo Johnson. PFF ranked him 36 of 37 tight ends graded.
  • Drafted former wide receiver turned RB Tyrone Tracy, Jr. Despite fans crowning him as the franchise RB (myself included), PFF gave him a below average receiving grade (SO many drops) and a slightly above average rush grade.
  • Had to sign Raiders guard Greg Van Roten in late July because Evan Neal stinks. Average PFF grades for GVR.
  • Had to re-sign Adoree Jackson a week before the season started because all our corners stink. Slightly above average PFF grades in coverage.

Team appears on Hard Knocks for the first time ever. It was the show’s first season covering a team’s offseason.

The Giants became the first team to lose a game in which they scored 3 touchdowns and allowed zero. Brian Daboll couldn’t care less about kickers.

Scored our first touchdown at home in Week 6.

Andrew Thomas injured, lost for the season.

Daniel Jones first passing touchdown at home since Week 17 of 2022 season came in Week 9.

First time since 2021 the Giants got swept by Washington, only the third time since 2011.

First time the Giants lost to all 3 divisional opponents at home in the same season since 2018.

Daniel Jones benched and released after losing to the 2-7 Panthers.

We went 8 weeks without ever having a lead. We went 11 weeks without scoring an opening drive touchdown.

Dexter Lawrence injured, lost for the season.

Theo Johnson injured, lost for season.

First team to be eliminated from playoff contention.

Defense set an NFL regular season record by going 11 straight games without an interception.

Didn’t record a successful 2-point conversion until Week 14.

A plane flew over MetLife towing a banner that read “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!”

Our WR1, Malik Nabers, didn’t score his first career touchdown at home until Week 15.

We went 6 WEEKS without a passing touchdown.

Another plane flew over MetLife with a banner that read, “Mr. Mara, enough. We won’t stop until you fire everyone.”

Drew Lock became the first Giants quarterback since Eli Manning in 2007 to throw multiple pick-sixes in a game.

Brian Daboll became the first Giants head coach to lose 14 games in a season.

Most losses in a single season in franchise history.

First ever 10-game losing streak in franchise history.

8 consecutive losses at home.

Nabers became the first Giants rookie ever to record 100 receptions in a season. He set the Giants record for most receptions in a single season and an NFL record for receptions in a season by a rookie wide receiver.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. reached 1,000 scrimmage yards on the season. Nabers and Tracy became the third rookie duo in NFL history to each have 1,000 or more scrimmage yards in a season.

The first and only game we had multiple interceptions came in Week 17.

Most points scored in a game since 2015, most points scored at home since 2012. All because we got… *checks notes*… “good quarterback play”.

Daboll’s offenses have been top 20 in points per game 3 times in 11 seasons when he has been either the coordinator or head coach.

-99 in point differential, second-worst in the NFC and 6th worst in the league

Swept by every team in their division for the first time in franchise history

1-11 record against the Eagles and Cowboys under Schoen and Daboll

Daboll’s 36.3 winning percentage ranks 181st among history’s 204 qualified coaches

John Mara decided to retain both Schoen and Daboll.

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7. 2021 NEW YORK GIANTS

  • Re-signed DT Austin Johnson.
  • Extended DE Leonard Williams after the best season of his career in 2020.
  • Signed Raiders RB Devontae Booker, who actually outperformed Saquon.
  • Signed Jags QB Mike Glennon, who was a colossal failure.
  • Signed Lions WR Kenny Golladay, who was a colossal failure.
  • Signed Titans CB Adoree’ Jackson, who didn’t live up to his contract.
  • Signed Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph, who was a colossal failure.
  • Drafted Florida Gators WR Kadarius Toney, who would be traded the next season.
  • Drafted Georgia Bulldogs LB Azeez Ojulari.
  • Drafted UCF CB Aaron Robinson.

2021 ranks among the worst drafts in Giants history.

Lost starting center Nick Gates to a horrific leg injury in Week 2 against Washington. Jones touchdown run nullified by a holding penalty. Slayton dropped a touchdown. Bogus offsides call on Dexter Lawrence on game-winning field goal.

Adoree Jackson dropped a possible game sealing interception in the end zone in Week 3 vs the Falcons. Lost captain Blake Martinez for the season to ACL tear.

Lost Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones, and Kenny Golladay in the first half of Week 4 game vs Dallas.

Lost captain Jabrill Peppers for the season to ACL tear.

Fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett after 30-10 loss to Bucs in Week 11. Daniel Jones allegedly suffered a serious injury that ended his season during this game, but played the next week vs Philly.

This marked the first time the Giants had a winning streak against the Eagles since 2007 to 2008. But, they also suffered their 8th straight road loss to the Birds.

Finished the game with -10 net passing yards, the worst by an NFL team since 1998. They also became the first team since 2009 to end a game with negative passing yards.

Just 5 receiving touchdowns by wide receivers all season. 0 by WR1 Golladay.

Xavier McKinney‘s 5 interceptions were tied for 4th most in the NFL.

Missed the postseason for the fifth consecutive year.

6 consecutive losses by double digits for the first time in franchise history. Second time in franchise history the Giants lost 13 games.

0 Pro Bowlers.

First time the Giants had been swept by Washington since 2011. Joe Judge became the first Giants head coach to lose 13 games in a season.

Judge was fired.

Dave Gettleman “retired”.

6. 2003 NEW YORK GIANTS

  • Record: 4-12-0, 4th of 4 in the NFC East
  • Coach: Jim Fassel
  • Points For: 243 (15.2/g) 30th of 32
  • Points Against: 387 (24.2/g) 29th of 32
  • Expected W-L: 4.0-12.0
  • SRS: -8.56 (31st of 32),  SOS: .44
  • Defensive Coordinator: Johnny Lynn

The 2002 Giants went 10-6 and made the playoffs as a dangerous Wild Card then blew a monster lead to the 49ers. The team released Matt Bryant after that circus-like last play / botched call in the Wild Card game. Bryant went on to become an all-time great kicker for the Falcons. The hangover from that ludicrous loss permeated the 2003 season.

A 4-4 start that saw two overtime wins (Washington and Jets) and a completely avoidable overtime loss to the Cowboys. Followed by 8 straight losses to round out the season.

Kerry Collins struggled (throwing more interceptions than touchdowns) then got hurt then got shown the door. Jesse Palmer showed why he belongs on television seducing Bachelorettes.

Michael Strahan was an All-Pro Pro Bowler but the rest of the defense stunk out loud.

On the bright side, the poor finish allowed the Giants to secure their franchise QB in the 2004 NFL Draft. GM Ernie Accorsi traded first-round draft pick Philip Rivers to the Chargers for their first overall pick Eli Manning. I’d say the trade paid off, though some have argued Rivers might’ve won more games with NY.

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5. 1980 NY Giants

Drafted CB Mark Haynes with the 8th overall pick. He’d be a 3-time Pro Bowler (1982-1984), a 2-time First Time All Pro and a 2-time Second Team All Pro.

Earnest Gray set a single-game franchise record for touchdown receptions. His team-leading 10 touchdown receptions were accompanied by 52 catches for 777 yards.

In his second year, Phil Simms threw 15 touchdown passes to 19 interceptions (3rd most in his career) in 13 games. Phil’s 48% completion percentage, 58.9 QB rating, and 4.39 average yards per attempt were all career worsts. Sixth round pick Scott Brunner didn’t fare any better, throwing 4 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

New York’s leading rusher was Billy Taylor, who ran for 580 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Handful of blowout losses. Lots of passes, not a lot of yards. Put it this way, punter Dave Jennings was an All-Pro Pro Bowler.

On defense, Mike Dennis led the defense with five interceptions. DE Gary Jeter was tops in sacks on the team with 10.

Linebacker Brad Van Pelt made the Pro Bowl, his last of 5 selections. Van Pelt had 3 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries to notch a Second Team All Conference nod.

The defense was horrendous against the run but middle of the road against the pass. The silver lining to this season was it resulted in the Giants drafting Lawrence Taylor.

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4. 1965 NEW YORK GIANTS

  • Record: 7-7-0, 2nd of 7 in the NFL East
  • Coach: Allie Sherman
  • Points For: 270 (19.3/g) 10th of 14
  • Points Against: 338 (24.1/g) 10th of 14
  • Expected W-L: 5.2-8.8
  • SRS: -10.30 (13th of 14),  SOS: -5.44
  • Defensive Coordinator: Pop Ivy

Y. A. Tittle retired after the 1964 season.

In July, Allie Sherman signed a 10-year contract, at $50,000 per year. He’d be fired in 1969.

Traded for Colts quarterback Earl Morrall. Morrall started every game, throwing 22 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He also orchestrated 2 fourth quarter comebacks and 2 game-winning drives.

Drafted Auburn Tigers RB Tucker Frederickson. The first overall pick led the team in rushing with 659 yards and in rushing touchdowns with 5. He’d make the Pro Bowl for his efforts.

Joe Morrison had the most receptions on the team, but Homer Jones had a team-high 709 receiving yards and 6 touchdown grabs.

On the other side of the ball, Spider Lockhart and Dick Lynch each had four interceptions. Jim Katcavage was the team’s sack leader with 5.5.

Frederickson and tackle Rosey Brown made the Pro Bowl.

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3. 1947 NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants drafted 30 players. Only 4 made the roster. Among those drafted were future Hall of Famers Tom Landry and Art Donovan. Neither played for the G-Men in ’47. Big John Cannady from Indiana University did, though. The 2-time Pro Bowl linebacker / center played in the first ever Pro Bowl, just not in ’47.

Paul Governali handled most of the passing, throwing 16 picks to 14 touchdowns. He ended up with a QB rating of 58.8 and led the team to 1 fourth quarter comeback and 1 game-winning drive.

Gene Roberts led the team in touches, on and off the field. J to the K about that off-field comment.

Ray Poole led the team in total touchdowns. He would later be the inspiration for Deadpool. Also, J to the K.

Ken Strong went 2 for 5 on field goal attempts. More like Ken Weak.

Frank Reagan had 10 interceptions, returning them for 203 yards, both tops in the league. Reagan also had the longest pass in the NFL, an 88-yarder to George Franck.

The team scored the second fewest points while allowing the second most points in the league.

Tim Mara had a payroll of $286,000, which was thrice the total of the 1945 roster.

The Giants finished with the worst record in the NFL. Talk about value.

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2. 1964 New York Giants

  • Record: 2-10-2, 7th of 7 in the East
  • Coach: Allie Sherman
  • Points For: 241 (17.2/g) 13th of 14
  • Points Against: 399 (28.5/g) 14th of 14
  • Defensive Coordinator: Andy Robustelli
  • Stadium: Yankee Stadium

Traded 4-time Pro Bowler and 2nd-Team All Pro linebacker Sam Huff to Washington. That move was called one of the most controversial and shocking trades in team history.

This was Big Blue’s first losing season since 1953. Worst record in the league.

It would be Y.A. Tittle‘s last season of football and it was one of his worst. The 38-year-old tossed 22 picks to 10 touchdowns and fumbled 11 times.

Tight end Aaron Thomas led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns en route to the Pro Bowl. Homer Jones only played in 3 games.

Pro Bowl cornerback Erich Barnes returned an interception and fumble for touchdowns. DE Jim Katcavage had 13.5 sacks. CB Dick Lynch (sadly, no relation) led the squad in interceptions with 4. DB Clarence Childs had 5 fumble recoveries, which is wild.

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1. 1966 New York Giants

  • Record: 1-12-1, 8th of 8 in the East
  • Coach: Allie Sherman (1-12-1)
  • Points For: 263 (18.8/g) 12th of 15
  • Points Against: 501 (35.8/g) 15th of 15
  • Defensive Coordinator: Pop Ivy
  • Stadium: Yankee Stadium

WHEW! Glad I wasn’t alive to lay eyes on this debacle.

The 12 losses set a single-season team record that lasted until 2017.

Home Jones ranked 4th league-wide in receiving yards (1,044) and tied for 6th in receiving touchdowns (8).

The only positive on defense was Spider Lockhart, who had six picks, tying him for 4th most in the NFL.

This team surrendered the most points in NFL history for a 14-game season. They are the only team in history to give up 500 points in a 14-game season.

In late November, the Giants played the highest-scoring game in NFL history, losing to the Washington Redskins, 72–41[8] and making them the last team until the 2023 Denver Broncos to surrender at least 70 points in a regular season game

The worst Giants defense of all-time. That grade-F swiss cheese unit allowed 72 points to Washington, 52 to Dallas, 55 to the Rams, 49 to Cleveland, and 47 to Pittsburgh.

***

In the original post, published in January 2018, I wrapped up with a hopeful message. Now, in January 2025, I can’t bring myself to have that same optimism. I’m already preparing to re-write this post in January 2026.

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