2008 New York Giants

The 2008 New York Giants season is the 84th season for New York and the 89th of the National Football League (NFL). The Giants attempt to improve upon their 10-6 record from 2007, defend their Super Bowl title, and build upon their NFL-best active road win record of 11 consecutive away game victories.

Releases and injuries
On February 29, the first day of free-agency, Giants free agent linebacker Kawika Mitchell left the team to join the Buffalo Bills, safety Gibril Wilson went to the Oakland Raiders, and linebacker Reggie Torbor joined the Miami Dolphins.

On March 14, free agent defensive tackle William Joseph departed to join Wilson with the Raiders.

On April 10, defensive tackle Manuel Wright was released.

On June 9, fifteen year veteran, seven-time pro-bowler, Michael Strahan retired and joined the FOX NFL broadcasting team.

Signings
On February 7, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo withdrew his name from consideration for the Washington Redskins head coach vacancy and signed a reported 3-year, $6 million contract to remain with the Giants. .

On February 12, punter Jeff Feagles, was signed to a two-year contract to remain with the Giants. . The previous day, kicker Lawrence Tynes was re-signed to a new five year contract.

On March 3, the team signed Pro Bowl safety Sammy Knight to a three-year contract.

On March 12, former Carolina Panthers quarterback David Carr signed on with the team.

On March 13, linebacker Danny Clark, who played under Tom Coughlin with the Jacksonville Jaguars, was signed to a two year contract.

On March 14, halfback Derrick Ward re-signed with the Giants to a one-year contract.

On March 25, offensive guard Rich Seubert re-signed to a three-year extension on his contract.

On May 8, offensive tackle David Diehl re-signed to a two-year extension on his contract.

On May 12, safety James Butler re-signed to a one-year contract.

On June 2, New Orleans Saints defensive end Renaldo Wynn signed to one-year contract.

On June 2, offensive guard Chris Snee was signed to a six-year contract extension.

2008 Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft was held April 26 to April 27.


 * Note: The Giants move up one overall position in the first round due to the forfeiture of the New England Patriots first round draft pick.
 * Giants traded RB Ryan Grant to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a sixth round pick.
 * Giants traded their 7th round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Placekicker Lawrence Tynes.

Regular season
The Giants will begin their title defense in the traditional NFL Kickoff game like previous champions when they play the Washington Redskins at Giants Stadium. During the game, the Giants are expected to unveil the championship banner and receive their championship rings. Traditionally, this game is usually played on the first Thursday following Labor Day in the United States. This day falls on September 4 in 2008.

On March 26, the NFL, NBC, and the Republican National Committee agreed in principle to move the kickoff time of the opener to 7:00 pm EDT instead of 8:30 pm EDT to accommodate the 2008 Republican National Convention.

Week 1: vs. Washington Redskins
at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
 * Game time: 7:00 PM EDT
 * Game weather: 85°F (Cloudy & Humid)
 * Game attendance: 79,742
 * Referee: Ed Hochuli
 * TV announcers: (NBC): Al Michaels, John Madden, & Andrea Kremer

With their Super Bowl championship title to defend, the Giants began their season in the annual kickoff game against their NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins. In the first quarter, New York got a fast start as Super Bowl XLII MVP QB Eli Manning capped off the game's opening drive with a 1-yard TD run. Later in the quarter, kicker John 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 QB Jason Campbell completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Santana 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.