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| 2007–2008 NFL season | |
|---|---|
| Year | 2007–2008 |
| Regular season | September 6 – December 30, 2007 |
| Playoffs start | January 5, 2008 |
| Super bowl | Super Bowl XLII |
| Sb date | February 3, 2008 |
| Sb site | University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona |
| Sb champ | New York Giants |
| Sb runner up | New England Patriots |
| Pro bowl | January 27, 2008 |
| Pro bowl site | Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii |
2007–2008 NFL season The 2007–2008 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League and a landmark year defined by the 16–0 regular season run by the New England Patriots and the upset victory by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The campaign featured major individual achievements by players such as Tom Brady, Randy Moss, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Adrian Peterson, significant records and controversies involving the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders, and postseason drama culminating in a championship played in Glendale, Arizona.
The season opened with the traditional Kickoff Game featuring the defending Super Bowl champions Indianapolis Colts hosting the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium, and it proceeded with marquee matchups including New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns. Offseason movements such as the trade of Randy Moss to the Patriots and the draft selections like Calvin Johnson by the Detroit Lions influenced team strategies during preseason games at venues including Gillette Stadium, Mile High Stadium, and MetLife Stadium planning. League policies under Roger Goodell and initiatives involving the NFL Players Association shaped discussions on player safety, concussions, and scheduling near the 2008 Pro Bowl.
The regular season stretched from September 6 to December 30, with standout performances from Tom Brady (Patriots), Randy Moss (Patriots), LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers), and rookie Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings). The New England Patriots completed a perfect 16–0 record, defeating rivals such as the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and San Diego Chargers, while the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles jockeyed for division supremacy in the NFC North and NFC East, respectively. In the AFC, teams including the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Diego Chargers secured playoff berths, while the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs underwent coaching changes that involved figures like Eric Mangini and Herman Edwards.
The playoffs began on January 5, 2008, featuring wild-card matchups with clubs such as the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars competing against the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. The Patriots advanced through the AFC bracket, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers, while the Giants upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then overcame the Dallas Cowboys in dramatic fashion. Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008, saw the New York Giants defeat the previously unbeaten New England Patriots 17–14 at University of Phoenix Stadium; key moments included the game-winning drive engineered by Eli Manning and the famous sideline catch by David Tyree, thwarting a dynasty bid by Tom Brady and denying Bill Belichick another championship.
The season produced controversies such as the controversial handling of injured players involving the Miami Dolphins' roster, debates over officiating in games involving the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, and disciplinary actions overseen by Roger Goodell that affected personnel from clubs including the Oakland Raiders. Statistical milestones sparked debate when Randy Moss broke single-season touchdown and receiving records en route to setting franchise marks with the New England Patriots, while LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson delivered rushing feats reminiscent of Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith. Off-field legal matters touched players linked to the NFL Players Association and prompted policy reviews by league executives and owners such as Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft.
Major awards for the season included the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award to Tom Brady, with Randy Moss earning recognition as an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection alongside wideouts like Marvin Harrison and Chad Johnson. Rushing leaders included LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson, while receiving leaders featured Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Andre Johnson. Defensive standouts included James Harrison, Ed Reed, and Brian Urlacher in categories such as sacks and interceptions, and special teams honors recognized players like Morten Andersen and Josh Cribbs.
The final division champions included the New England Patriots (AFC East), Indianapolis Colts (AFC South), Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North), and San Diego Chargers (AFC West), while the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants claimed NFC divisions. Notable records comprised the Patriots' 16–0 regular season, the Dallas Cowboys' offensive yardage outputs, and the Minnesota Vikings' rookie achievements under Brad Childress. Individual franchise records were set by players on teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans.
The 2007 NFL Draft saw JaMarcus Russell selected first overall by the Oakland Raiders, followed by Calais Campbell to the Arizona Cardinals and Joe Thomas to the Cleveland Browns, impacting depth charts and starter rotations entering the season. Free agency moves included signings across teams like New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers, while coaching hires and firings involved Tony Sparano, John Fox, and other staff adjustments. Trades such as the acquisition of Randy Moss by the New England Patriots and midseason roster tweaks shaped playoff-bound rosters and long-term salary cap strategies overseen by general managers like Scott Pioli and Bill Parcells.
Category:National Football League seasons