| 1977 New York Giants season | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Owner | Wellington Mara Timothy J. Mara |
| Head coach | John McVay |
| Home field | Giants Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 5–9 |
| Division place | T-4th NFC East |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | LB Brad Van Pelt |
The 1977 New York Giants season was the franchise's 53rd season in the National Football League (NFL).[1] The Giants had a 5–9 record in 1977 and finished in a tie for last place with the Philadelphia Eagles.[2][3]
The Giants selected defensive end Gary Jeter in the 1977 NFL draft with the fifth overall pick.[4] Before the season, the Giants signed quarterback Joe Pisarcik, who won the starting position to replace Craig Morton, whom they had traded to the Denver Broncos. New York won their opening game of the year against the Washington Redskins, prevailing 20–17 on a field goal by Joe Danelo in the final seconds.[5] After losses in their next three games, victories over the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins evened the Giants’ record at 3–3. Afterwards, New York lost six of their last eight games.[2] With a season-ending 12–9 defeat by the Chicago Bears in overtime,[6] the team concluded the year at 5–9.[2]
Offensively, New York's season total of 181 points was lower than all but four of the 27 other NFL teams.[6] Pisarcik started 11 of the Giants' 14 games in 1977 and threw for 1,346 yards, but had 14 passes intercepted and only four touchdowns. Bobby Hammond led the Giants in rushing with 154 carries for 577 yards. Doug Kotar and Larry Csonka also rushed for more than 450 yards each.[2] The team's leading receiver statistically was Jimmy Robinson, who caught 22 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns. Gary Shirk was the only other Giants player with multiple touchdown catches, while Johnny Perkins was second behind Robinson with 20 receptions. On defense, cornerback Bill Bryant led New York with three interceptions.[2] For the second consecutive season, linebacker Brad Van Pelt was the only Giant to make the Pro Bowl.[7]
- ^ "New York Giants Franchise Encyclopedia". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "1977 New York Giants". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 22, 2009. Retrieved May 9, 2009.
- ^ "1977 NFL Standings, Team & Offensive Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 22, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
- ^ "1977 NFL Draft". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ Whittingham, Richard (2005). Illustrated History of the New York Giants. Chicago: Triumph Books. pp. 182–184. ISBN 1-57243-641-7.
- ^ a b Katz, Michael (December 20, 1977). "Giants Find 1978 Outlook Encouraging". The New York Times. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
- ^ Whittingham, pp. 180, 184–185.