What Is 1997 New York Giants football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1997 New York Giants finished the NFL season with a 10-5-1 record, securing a Wild Card playoff berth. They lost in the Wild Card round to the Minnesota Vikings 23-22 on December 28, 1997.

Key Facts

The 1997 New York Giants finished with a 10-5-1 regular season record
They were coached by Danny Reeves, who led the team in his first season
Quarterback Danny Kanell started 12 games, throwing for 2,444 yards and 14 touchdowns
The Giants played home games at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
They lost 23-22 to the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round on December 28, 1997

Overview

The 1997 New York Giants season marked a return to competitiveness after several down years. Under first-year head coach Danny Reeves, the team improved significantly from their 6-10 record in 1996, finishing the regular season with a 10-5-1 record. This performance earned them a Wild Card spot in the NFC playoffs, their first postseason appearance since 1993.

The Giants were led by a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, with a strong defensive unit and a developing offense. Playing their home games at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, they showed resilience throughout the season, including several close victories. Despite high hopes, their playoff run ended abruptly in the Wild Card round.

Danny Reeves was hired as head coach in 1997, replacing interim coach John Fox, and brought a disciplined, defense-first approach to the team.
The Giants started the season 6-2, their best start since 1990, fueled by strong performances from their defensive line and secondary.
Quarterback Danny Kanell took over as starter after Andy Dalton (injury) and led the offense with 2,444 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.
The defense ranked 6th in the NFL in points allowed, surrendering just 283 total points (17.7 per game) during the regular season.
Their 10-5-1 record tied them for second in the NFC East, behind the 12-4 Dallas Cowboys, securing a Wild Card berth.

Performance and Season Breakdown

The 1997 season featured a mix of offensive development and defensive consistency. While the offense struggled at times, the defense provided a foundation for success throughout the year.

Week 1: 23-17 win vs. Cardinals – The Giants opened with a solid defensive effort, forcing two turnovers and holding Arizona to under 300 total yards.
Week 7: 21-17 win vs. Eagles – A crucial divisional win where Michael Strahan recorded his first sack of the season, sparking a dominant second half.
Week 10: 31-0 loss to 49ers – The Giants suffered their worst defeat of the season, exposing weaknesses in pass protection and secondary coverage.
Week 15: 23-20 win vs. Cowboys – A dramatic victory over the division leaders, with Kanell throwing a game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes.
Week 17: 28-25 win vs. Cardinals – A narrow victory secured the Wild Card spot, with kicker Brad Daluiso making a 42-yard field goal in the final minute.
Wild Card Game: 23-22 loss to Vikings – The Giants led late, but a missed extra point and a final-minute Minnesota touchdown sealed their fate.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1997 Giants compared to other top NFC teams that season:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
New York Giants	10-5-1	323	283	Lost Wild Card
Green Bay Packers	13-3	412	248	Lost Super Bowl
San Francisco 49ers	13-3	482	303	Lost Divisional
Dallas Cowboys	12-4	360	281	Lost Divisional
Minnesota Vikings	9-7	359	312	Lost Divisional

The Giants had a better record than the Vikings, who they lost to in the playoffs, highlighting the unpredictability of postseason football. Despite allowing fewer points than Dallas and Minnesota, New York’s offense ranked only 18th in the NFL in scoring. Their defense was a strength, but inconsistent quarterback play and red-zone inefficiency limited their ceiling. The narrow playoff loss underscored how small margins decided outcomes in close games.

Why It Matters

The 1997 season was a pivotal moment in the Giants’ rebuilding timeline, setting the stage for future success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It marked the emergence of key players and the beginning of a new coaching era.

The season revitalized fan interest after years of mediocrity, boosting attendance and local media coverage at Giants Stadium.
Danny Reeves proved he could lead a team to the playoffs, earning a contract extension that lasted through 1999.
Young players like Michael Strahan and Willie McGinest gained valuable experience that contributed to future defensive dominance.
The narrow playoff loss emphasized the importance of special teams, as a missed extra point proved decisive in the final minutes.
It laid the foundation for the Giants’ Super Bowl appearance in 2000, showing progress under new leadership.
The team’s resilience in close games demonstrated mental toughness, with seven wins by seven points or fewer.

Ultimately, the 1997 New York Giants served as a bridge between eras, blending veteran presence with youthful energy. While their playoff run ended in heartbreak, the season remains a symbol of progress and renewed hope for the franchise.