Stat: Giants 2007 Passer Rating Differential Worst of Any Champion, Ever

The relatively new passer rating differential statistic is pretty amazing — out of two tries since the stats inception it has basically predicted the last 2 Superbowl champions based on who has the best offensive passing attack. But when it comes to the Giants beating the Patriots in 2007, that feat truly was a spectacular victory over all the statistical odds as well. Check out the linked article below:

Clipped from: sportsillustrated.cnn.com (share this clip)

An interesting read and a pretty amazing statistic, one that highlights some of the great dynasties in NFL history. Clearly one of the most dominant offenses in the the last 15 years was the 1999 St. Louis Rams, they are right up at the top of the list as one of the best teams ever to grace the field along with the 49ers of the late 80’s. But one thing it’s not so good at is figuring out when a young quarterback like Eli Manning decides to turn that invisible corner… stop making mistakes, and lead his team to victory backed by an absolutely stellar defense.

The article says:

"Miami famously rolled to a Super Bowl title without a single blemish. The hard-choking Patriots were upended by the Giants in what is the greatest statistical upset in NFL championship play of at least the past 65 years.After all, the Giants not only shocked the only 16-0 team in NFL history and the most prolific offense ever — they did it with a team that simply had no business winning a championship. New York’s Passer Rating Differential of -10.4 in 2007 is easily the worst of any champion in NFL history. In fact, the 2007 Giants are one of just two teams in history to win a championship with a negative Passer Rating Differential. The other was the 1957 Lions (-4.5)."

You know I’d like the number crunchers to run a stat for me — what was the NY Giants differential through the 2007 playoffs NOT including the whole rest of the season that preceded their miraculous run. I think there’s something to be said for dynasties and consistency with the product on the field, but in the case of the 2007 Giants there needs to be a better statistic available. How does one isolate who’s the hottest team at the right time, who has the most persevering defense, and who can defy all odds to put together a cohesive team effort at the exact right time and beat the rest to become the best. Sounds too complex for any one statistic to me… but again thats undoubtedly what makes Superbowl 42 and the 2007 so special for the Giants.