The New York Giants hold a unique place in NFL history, having defeated Tom Brady not just once, but twice in the Super Bowl. As Brady transitions from the field to the broadcast booth, he will make his debut as an analyst for Fox during the Giants’ Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This game is sure to spark conversations about Brady’s struggles against the Giants in the biggest moments of his career, as they proved to be his kryptonite on the grandest stage.
With Brady calling the action on Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on his career against the Giants, including his impressive regular-season record and those unforgettable Super Bowl encounters. Fans will be eager to hear his insights, especially considering the weight of his history with New York.
Tom Brady’s career stats vs. Giants
When we look at Brady’s performance against the Giants, the numbers tell an intriguing story. Over seven regular-season games, he amassed 2,064 passing yards, threw 10 touchdowns, and recorded five interceptions, finishing with a 91.4 passer rating.
In the two Super Bowl matchups, his performance was notable but ultimately fell short. He threw for 542 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception, resulting in an 86.4 rating. Here’s a closer look at his compiled career numbers against New York, including both regular season and postseason:
Games | Completions-Attempts | Completion % | Passing yards | AVG | Pass TDs | INTs |
9 | 239-370 | 64.6% | 2,606 | 7.0 | 13 | 6 |
Tom Brady’s career record vs. Giants
Brady’s overall record against the Giants stands at 6-3, including the postseason. In regular-season play, he boasts a 6-1 record, but the two Super Bowl losses to New York are the defining moments of his rivalry with the team.
The matchups against the Giants were always highly anticipated, with Brady leading the Patriots in five of those regular-season games and later facing New York in two Super Bowls while donning the Buccaneers uniform in his final encounters. Here’s a breakdown of those games:
- October 12, 2003: Patriots 17, Giants 6
- December 29, 2007: Patriots 38, Giants 35
- February 3, 2008 (Super Bowl XLII): Giants 17, Patriots 14
- November 6, 2011: Giants 24, Patriots 20
- February 5, 2012 (Super Bowl XLVI): Giants 21, Patriots 17
- November 15, 2015: Patriots 27, Giants 26
- October 10, 2019: Patriots 35, Giants 14
- November 2, 2020: Buccaneers 25, Giants 23
- November 22, 2021: Buccaneers 30, Giants 10
Revisiting Tom Brady’s Super Bowl matchups vs. Giants
The Super Bowl encounters between Brady and the Giants are etched in NFL lore. The first clash occurred in Super Bowl XLII after the 2007 season. The Patriots entered the game with an undefeated 16-0 record, aiming to cap their perfect season with a championship. Led by Brady’s MVP performance, New England seemed unstoppable, boasting a star-studded roster featuring Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
However, the Giants, who had a modest 10-6 regular-season record, pulled off a stunning upset. In a nail-biting finish, Eli Manning orchestrated a game-winning drive, highlighted by David Tyree’s legendary "Helmet Catch." Manning connected with Plaxico Burress for the decisive touchdown, sealing the victory and handing Brady his first Super Bowl loss.
Fast forward to Super Bowl XLVI, where the two teams met again. This time, the Giants entered the playoffs as a 9-7 team, once again proving their mettle by defeating formidable opponents. Brady and the Patriots, fresh off a 13-3 regular season, sought redemption.
The game started with the Giants taking an early lead, but Brady rallied his team to a 17-9 advantage. In a twist of fate, the Giants managed to score late in the game, with Ahmad Bradshaw inadvertently falling into the end zone, giving New York the lead. The Giants’ defense held strong, and Brady’s last-ditch effort fell short, resulting in another loss for the quarterback.
By the end of his illustrious career, Brady had a 7-3 Super Bowl record, with those two losses to the Giants standing out as significant blemishes.
As Brady steps into the broadcasting world, fans will undoubtedly be eager to hear his thoughts on these unforgettable moments and how they shaped his legacy in the NFL. The Giants’ ability to thwart Brady’s quest for perfection has left an indelible mark on both his career and the history of the sport. What will he say about those games? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the connection between Brady and the Giants will always be a fascinating chapter in NFL history.