2007 NFL season

2007 NFL season
Year	2007
Nfl champion	New York Giants
Sb name	Super Bowl XLII
Sb date	February 3, 2008
Sb site	University of Phoenix Stadium
Sb city	Glendale, Arizona
Pb date	February 10, 2008
Pb site	Aloha Stadium

2007 NFL season was the 88th season of the National Football League and featured landmark performances, dramatic upsets, and rule debates that shaped the modern era of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and rising stars such as Tomlinson, Brady, Manning as central figures. The season concluded with an improbable playoff run culminating in New York Giants' upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium, a game that entered the annals alongside classic postseason finishes involving Joe Namath and Joe Montana.

Overview

The season opened with the defending champion Indianapolis Colts and the perennial contender New England Patriots among favorites, while expansion narratives involved the Cleveland Browns and the revitalized New Orleans Saints returning after Hurricane Katrina. Television negotiations with Fox Broadcasting Company, NBC Sports, CBS Sports and ESPN continued to drive national exposure, while labor relations harkened back to previous disputes like those involving the National Labor Relations Board though no lockout occurred. High-profile players such as Brett Favre, Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Marvin Harrison influenced award discussions including the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award and Pro Bowl selections.

Regular season

The 16-game slate produced signature moments including Peyton Manning's passing records, Tom Brady's statistical achievements, the emergence of Adrian Peterson and the continued dominance of LaDainian Tomlinson. Historic team streaks were notable: the New England Patriots completed a 16–0 regular season, joining the ranks of undefeated campaigns reminiscent of the 1972 Miami Dolphins. The season featured coaching narratives involving Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Tony Dungy, and Mike Holmgren, with midseason changes echoing earlier regimes like Bill Parcells. Rivalries such as Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens provided marquee weekend matchups, televised nationally by NBC Sports and Fox Broadcasting Company.

Several streaks and statistical feats occurred: Tony Romo led the Dallas Cowboys in comeback wins, Philip Rivers maintained high passer ratings for the San Diego Chargers, and rookie contributions from Adrian Peterson paralleled rookie impacts by Randy Moss in earlier years. Late-season games determined divisional winners including the New York Giants in the NFC East and San Diego Chargers in the AFC West.

Playoffs and Super Bowl XLII

The playoffs featured wildcard entrants such as the Tennessee Titans and comeback narratives from teams like the Green Bay Packers. The New England Patriots advanced through the AFC bracket behind Tom Brady and Wes Welker while the New York Giants navigated the NFC with clutch performances from Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, and David Tyree. Super Bowl XLII, held at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, saw the Giants defeat the previously undefeated Patriots 17–14. Key moments included the Helmet Catch by David Tyree, a sideline pass to Plaxico Burress, and defensive stands led by Michael Strahan's legacy and contributions from players such as Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. The upset rivaled playoff shockers like Super Bowl III and altered narratives about postseason parity.

Teams and standings

Divisional races were tightly contested across the AFC and NFC. The New England Patriots (16–0) topped the AFC East while the Indianapolis Colts claimed the AFC South. In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants emerged as divisional leaders, echoing competitive balances similar to earlier decades dominated by franchises like the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. Wild card berths reflected parity with teams such as the Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins reaching the playoffs. Notable coaching staffs included Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Andy Reid, and Mike McCarthy.

Statistical leaders and awards

Statistical leaders included Tom Brady among passing leaders, LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson among rushing leaders, and Randy Moss and Terrell Owens among receiving leaders. The AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award and Offensive Rookie of the Year Award recognized standout seasons by figures such as Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson, while Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson attracted attention for breakout performances. Defensive standouts like Ed Reed, Brian Urlacher, and Ray Lewis factored into AP Defensive Player of the Year Award conversations. Special teams players such as David Akers and Mason Crosby contributed in close contests.

Rule changes and controversies

The season prompted debates over officiating standards involving league officials from NFL Referees Association and interpretations similar to previous controversies surrounding replacement officials. High-profile controversies included disputes over instant replay, pass interference rulings affecting games with franchises like the New York Giants and New England Patriots, and conduct issues implicating players such as Vince Young and Randy Moss. The league considered rule clarifications concerning player safety influenced by past incidents involving Terrell Owens and policy discussions with the NFL Players Association.

Scheduling and broadcasting

Broadcast partners NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Fox Broadcasting Company, and ESPN carried the season, with marquee broadcasts including Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and the NFC Championship Game and AFC Championship Game televised nationally. International games and scheduling logistics involved discussions about venues such as Giants Stadium and the MetLife Stadium planning, while the Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium showcased talent in a post-Super Bowl exhibition. Network promotions featured personalities such as Al Michaels, John Madden, Tony Dungy, and Brett Favre in studio and play-by-play roles.

Category:National Football League seasons