1970 New York Giants season

Infobox NFL season
team=New York Giants
year=1970
coach=Alex Webster
stadium=Yankee Stadium
record=9-5
division_place=2nd NFC East
playoffs=No playoffsThe 1970 New York Giants was the 46th season for the professional American football franchise. This was the first season for the Giants after the AFL-NFL merger, in which ten American Football League teams joined the National Football League. The team was led by second-year head coach Alex Webster. The Giants finished the season 9-5, missing the playoffs by losing their season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. The Giants finished second in their division, a game behind the Dallas Cowboys. They were also only one game out of a wild card playoff spot.

Offense

The 1970 Giants offense was led by Pro Bowl performers, quarterback Fran Tarkenton, and running back Ron Johnson. The team was in the top ten in several offensive categories including points, yards, and first downs. The team had over one hundred rushing yards in eleven of its fourteen games, including 202 yards in a week eight win against the Dallas Cowboys. The offense struggled when the team failed to run the ball well, as shown in a week fourteen loss to the Los Angeles Rams in which the Giants rushed for only 50 yards. When the team was able to run the ball and play defense they were able to win games, as shown by the fact that in all their wins, they had a hundred or more rushing yards. The leading passer was Fran Tarkenton, the leading rusher was Ron Johnson, and the leading receiver was Clifton McNeil. [cite web|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/1970.htm?redir|title= 1970 New York Giants|publisher=Pro Football Reference|accessdate=2008-03-12]

Defense

The best defensive game by far for the Giants was the shutout of the Boston Patriots in a week 5 victory. In that game the Giants allowed only 155 total offensive yards. The team leader in interceptions for the Giants was Willie Williams, who had 6 interceptions for 114 total interception yards.

Special Teams

The kicker for the Giants that season was Pete Gogolak. Gogolak was a perfect 32 of 32 in extra points but hit only 25 of 41 field goals attempted on the year, with his longest being a kick of 54 yards. Bill Johnson and Ernie Koy shared punting duties for the Giants, each was average for the position. Bobby Duhon and Les Shy were the main kick and punt returners, though neither returned a kick for a touchdown.

1970 NFL Draft

This is a list of draft picks, taken by the Giants in the 1970 NFL Draft. This list includes the tound taken, school, and position of the player selected. [cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=NYG&yr=1970&lg=nfl|title=1970 New York Giants|publisher=Database Football|accessdate=2008-03-12]

Regular season schedule

References