NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Each NFL team’s out of nowhere season

By Randy Gurzi

15 Nov 1998: Running back Jamal Anderson #32 and wide receiver Terance Mathis #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the 49ers 31-19.
15 Nov 1998: Running back Jamal Anderson #32 and wide receiver Terance Mathis #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the 49ers 31-19. /
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Kerry Collins, New York Giants
Kerry Collins, New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Harry How /Allsport /

New York Giants: The 2000 football giants

In 2000, the New York Giants shocked many people. They were coming off two straight losing seasons which had people questioning Jim Fassel as the head coach. Entering the season, Kerry Collins was set to take over as the starting quarterback. As a whole, the Giants struggled the prior year with the passing game.

Kent Graham started nine games and was less than impressive, while Collins started seven games for New York and had mixed reviews. He was able to move the ball better than Graham, but was just 2-5 as a starter and had more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (eight).

He was able to shake that campaign off and put together one of the best seasons of his career. Collins went for 3,610 yards through the air with 22 touchdowns against 13 picks. That was enough to win 12 games, although he got a lot of help from the running back duo of Ron Dayne and Tiki Barber.

There was also the presence of Sean Payton, who was the offensive coordinator. His ability to dial-up the right plays helped the team make the most of their talent en route to a divisional title. Of course, Payton has since gone on to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach with the New Orleans Saints.

While they did great on offense, the strength of the team was their top-five defense which was coached by John Fox — another assistant who went on to have a successful career as a head coach as well, primarily with the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos.

New York then beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round before blowing out the Minnesota Vikings 41-0 in the NFC Championship game. They then lost in the Super Bowl to the Baltimore Ravens, but the run was impressive and unexpected.

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