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NY Giants Schedule: Top-10 season openers of all-time

By Connor McJunkin

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 08: The reflection of the New York Giants practice facility is seen on the helmet of Matt Dodge #6 of the New York Giants during practice at New Meadowlands Sports Complex on August 8, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 08: The reflection of the New York Giants practice facility is seen on the helmet of Matt Dodge #6 of the New York Giants during practice at New Meadowlands Sports Complex on August 8, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Honorable Mention

August 31, 1997 – NY Giants 31, Philadelphia Eagles 17

In a game where the Eagles outgained New York 447-290, ran 27 more plays, had the ball for 11 more minutes, and averaged 7.7 yards per play – Big Blue still found a way to come out on top.

Less penalties, no turnovers, an 84-yard kick return, 9 sacks, and two forced turnovers was the difference in the game. The Giants held a comfortable lead for most of the day until late in the fourth quarter when they were only up 24-17. The Eagles were driving when Sam Garnes took a Rodney Peete pass 95-yards to the house to seal the week one victory.

September 8, 1985 – NY Giants 21, Philadelphia Eagles 0

One of the most impressive defensive performances in a season opener for the Giants came in week one of 1985.

It was a rainy, muddy game that the Giants were in control of from the start. Two first quarter touchdowns put the G-Men up 14-0 as they went into cruise control. The defense took over from there, picking apart the Eagles the rest of the game. Philadelphia managed just 11 first downs,168 yards of offense, went 3-14 on 3rd downs, and punted it 11 times. Big Blue’s defense registered 8 sacks and an interception as the Eagles averaged just 3 yards/play.

This game is the only season-opening shutout for the Giants in the modern era (since 1970) to date.

September 15, 1963 – NY Giants 37, Baltimore Colts 28

This game was the debut of legendary Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula, who began his career with the Colts during the 1963 season.

With Hall of Famers Y.A. Tittle and Johnny Unitas, two of the game’s greatest talents at the time, going head-to-head, this matchup had all the star-power one could want in early 1960s professional football.

After a defensive score and two Unitas touchdown throws, the Colts jumped out to an early 21-3 lead. Tittle would respond with 3 second quarter touchdown throws of his own as the Colts took a 28-24 halftime lead.

The second half was all Big Blue as the defense shut out Unitas and the Colts while Tittle and running back Alex Webster each added scores on the ground, giving the Giants the 37-28 win. New York would go on to finish with an 11-3 record as Tittle threw for 36 touchdowns and over 3,100 yards.

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