JUST IN :Through the Years: Giants vs. Saints – A Storied Rivalry
The rivalry between the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints has been one of the more intriguing matchups in the NFL. While not traditionally one of the league’s fiercest rivalries, it’s a contest that has provided fans with plenty of memorable moments and exciting games. From dramatic playoff matchups to surprising upsets, the Giants vs. Saints rivalry has a rich history that continues to captivate fans year after year.
The Early Years: 1967 to 1980s
The Giants and Saints first faced off in 1967, when the New Orleans Saints joined the NFL as an expansion team. Their initial encounters were often lopsided, with the Giants holding the upper hand in the early years. The Saints, as a fledgling franchise, struggled to find their footing in the competitive league, while the Giants were a more established team, boasting a defense that was often among the best in the NFL.
For much of the 1970s, the Giants and Saints were far from championship contenders. The Giants endured a rough stretch, failing to make the playoffs during most of the decade. Meanwhile, the Saints, led by legendary coach Tom Benson, were building their own team from the ground up. Despite their struggles, New Orleans began to show signs of improvement by the late ’70s, and their games against the Giants started to be competitive.
The 1990s: A New Era
The rivalry began to heat up in the 1990s, as both teams had more competitive seasons. The Giants, after enduring a rough patch in the ’80s, found new success with the leadership of coach Bill Parcells. In 1990, the Giants made an appearance in the Super Bowl, marking a high point in their franchise history. The Saints, on the other hand, started to become more of a force in the NFC, with a solid defense and the arrival of quarterback Drew Brees in 2001.
However, it was in the latter part of the 1990s that the Giants and Saints began to play more meaningful games. The rivalry became more competitive with both teams vying for playoff positions in the NFC. These matchups were not just about football; they were about pride and positioning, as both teams were aiming for dominance in the NFC.
The 2000s: Drew Brees and Eli Manning Change the Game
The 2000s saw two significant changes that shaped the rivalry for years to come: the arrival of Drew Brees in New Orleans and Eli Manning in New York.
In 2006, the Saints made an incredible turnaround after drafting Drew Brees, who would go on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Brees helped lead New Orleans to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2009, a thrilling victory that ended decades of frustration for the franchise. The 2000s also marked the emergence of Eli Manning, who was drafted by the Giants in 2004. Manning, like Brees, quickly became a star and ultimately led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories in 2007 and 2011.
In 2006, a critical game between the two teams saw the Saints securing a 30-7 victory at the Meadowlands. This game set the stage for what was to come: an intense rivalry between the two teams that would see both teams vying for NFC supremacy.
Super Bowl Glory: Giants Win Twice, Saints Once
The climax of the rivalry came in the 2009 season, when the New Orleans Saints had their moment in the sun. The Saints, led by Brees, won the NFC Championship and faced the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. In one of the most thrilling Super Bowls ever, the Saints emerged victorious, securing their first-ever title. The city of New Orleans, still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, was given an emotional and well-deserved boost with the victory. Brees was named Super Bowl MVP, and the franchise’s history was forever altered.
Meanwhile, the Giants, under Manning’s leadership, won two Super Bowls during the 2007 and 2011 seasons. In 2007, the Giants shocked the undefeated New England Patriots in one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. Four years later, they again defeated the Patriots in a thrilling 21-17 game. These victories elevated the Giants to the elite status of NFL franchises.
Despite their respective Super Bowl wins, the Giants and Saints continued to face off in critical NFC matchups, each vying for supremacy in the NFC playoffs. Their games were often high-scoring, as both teams boasted potent offenses. The rivalry was further solidified by the contrast in playing styles. The Giants, with their powerful defense, were always prepared to play tough, physical football, while the Saints, with Brees at the helm, were a dynamic passing team capable of scoring quickly and efficiently.
Recent Matchups: A Continued Legacy
In recent years, the rivalry between the Giants and Saints has continued to produce exciting matchups, though both teams have gone through periods of rebuilding. The Saints, with Brees nearing retirement, have passed the torch to quarterback Jameis Winston and rookie sensation Chris Olave. The Giants, under head coach Brian Daboll, are slowly rebuilding after years of mediocrity and hope to return to playoff contention.
In their most recent meeting in 2023, the Saints secured a tight 21-17 victory over the Giants. Both teams demonstrated glimpses of their past greatness, with the Saints showcasing a dominant defense and the Giants showing promise under the new coaching regime. These games may not hold the same championship stakes as they once did, but they continue to provide drama and excitement.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The Giants vs. Saints rivalry has spanned decades, evolving from one-sided contests to intense battles for NFC playoff spots. With both teams experiencing periods of rebuilding and success, the rivalry remains a fixture on the NFL calendar. Whether it’s the clash of Brees and Manning in the 2000s or the current battle for supremacy, this rivalry has produced some of the most memorable games in NFL history. Fans of both teams continue to look forward to their annual meetings, as each game is a chance to add another chapter to this storied rivalry.