The New York Giants won the NFC East in 1997 with 10-5-1 record and appeared to be ready to build on that success in 1998. They got off to a 3-4 start and then lost three straight games after their bye to fall to 3-7.
Believe it or not, the perfect elixir for that losing streak was a home jaunt against the 2-8 Philadelphia Eagles, who after back-to-back 10-6 seasons were headed into a tailspin under head coach Ray Rhodes.
The Giants were hoping that Danny Kanell, the quarterback that led them to the playoffs in 1997, could do it again in ’98. He could not, he was benched in favor of Kent Graham after running up a 3-7 record.
Graham then led the Giants to five wins in their final six games beginning with the 20-0 shutout win on November 22 over the Eagles at Giants Stadium.
Graham was only 10-21 for 153 yards, but threw a touchdown pass to Tiki Barber. Gary Brown had 96 yards rushing and the other touchdown. Brad Daluiso kicked field goals of 49 and 40 yards and the defense sacked Bobby Hoying six times (two by Tito Wooten). Phillippi Sparks had both Giant interceptions.
Here is some footage from the game, which was broadcast on FOX with a very young Kenny Albert calling the action along with Tim Green.
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