1994 New York Giants season | |
---|---|
Head coach | Dan Reeves |
Home field | Giants Stadium |
Results | |
Record | 9–7 |
Division place | 2nd NFC East |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Pro Bowlers | None |
The 1994 New York Giants season was the franchise's 70th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Dan Reeves. The Giants failed to improve on their 11–5 record from 1993 and finished 9–7 in 1994.[1] They were second in the National Football Conference East Division, three games behind the Dallas Cowboys.[2][3]
In the 1994 NFL draft, the Giants selected wide receiver Thomas Lewis in the first round, with the 24th overall pick.[4] New York began the season with a three-game winning streak, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and Washington Redskins. The Giants' first loss came in their fourth game, as the New Orleans Saints defeated them 27–22.[5] The next six games were also losses; after the Cardinals beat them 10–9 in week 11, New York's record was 3–7.[2] Against the Houston Oilers, the Giants snapped their seven-game losing streak by winning 13–10. The team won its next four games, moving into postseason contention following its second win over Philadelphia. In the final game of the regular season, against the defending Super Bowl champion Cowboys, the Giants prevailed by five points, 15–10. They needed a Green Bay loss as well to make the playoffs; the Packers won their last game; ending the Giants' season.[5]
Rodney Hampton rushed for 1,075 yards and six touchdowns during the season;[2] he was seventh in the NFL in rushing yards in 1994.[6] The Giants' leading receiver statistically was Mike Sherrard, who caught 53 passes for 825 yards and six touchdowns. Dave Brown started 15 of 16 games at quarterback, and threw 12 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions. Defensively, Keith Hamilton and Erik Howard each had 6.5 sacks to lead the Giants, while John Booty and Phillippi Sparks each had a team-high three interceptions.[2]