Most Significant News Stories in the Offseason:

Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons dominated the headlines in the NFL early on in the season when it was reported that he was involved in a dog-fighting operation. He was indicted under both state and federal law and is currently serving a 23 month sentence as part of the federal charges. He has been suspended by the NFL.

Biggest Stories During the Regular Season

New England Patriots “Videogate” Story
*New England Patriots staff accused of spying on New York Jets signal calling prior to week one game. Bill Belichik then issues an apology. Commissioner Roger Goodell states he will take action against the Patriots, including taking away draft picks.

Minnesota rookie Adrian Peterson rushes for an NFL record 296 yards in Minnesota’s victory over San Diego in week 9.

The New England Patriots (8-0) defeat the Indianapolis Colts (7-0) in a battle of undefeated teams in week 9, 24-20. Tom Brady threw for two TDs in a 4-minute span in the 4th quarter to come from behind for the victory.

Shooting Death of Washington Redskins’ Sean Taylor

The Redskins free safety was shot in his home on November 26, 2007 during a botched robbery attempt. He was shot in the leg, severing his femoral artery. Due to the massive bleeding, he was unable to regain consciousness and was pronounced dead on November 27th. Four men were arrested in conjunction with the killing, and have been subsequently charged for crimes including murder and armed robbery.

Several theories arose immediately after Taylor’s death, including whether the robbery attempt was an “inside” job, set up by Taylor’s girlfriend, Jackie Garcia. She is also the niece of actor Andy Garcia.

In the Redskins’ subsequent game on December 2, 2007 against the Buffalo Bills, Washington started with 10 men on defense instead of 11 to remember Taylor. The team also played a four-minute commemorative video and held a moment of silence in his honor.

The New England Patriots go undefeated during the regular season

The Patriots became the first team in NFL history to go undefeated over the course of a 16-game season. The only other team to have gone undefeated before were the Miami Dolphins, who went 14-0 in 1972. As a result of their perfect record, many suggested that the Patriots were the best team in the history of the NFL.

New York Giants upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII

In perhaps one of the greatest underdogs in Super Bowl history, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots by the score of 17-14. The Giants came into the game as 12 point underdogs and many in the sports industry picked the undefeated (16-0, 18-0) Patriots to win.

The Giants were able to maintain consistent pressure on Tom Brady throughout the game, sacking him 5 times and knocking him down numerous other times. In the fourth quarter, with 3 minutes to go, Brady hit Randy Moss for a short TD pass to take the lead, 14-10. On the ensuing drive, Eli Manning drove the Giants down the field and threw an out-route to Plaxico Burress to take the lead, 17-14 with 32 seconds remaining. The Giants stopped Tom Brady on 4th down on the following drive. The Giants got the ball back with one second still remaining, but in a strange turn of events, Bill Belichick ran to Giants coach Tom Coughlin and congratulate him. Belichick ran off the field and into the locker room with other Patriots players. With several Patriots on the field, Giants QB Eli Manning kneeled to end the game.

For his performance, including 2 touchdown passes in the 4th quarter, Eli Manning was named Super Bowl XLII Most Valuable Player.