looking to improve their on-field product, and also to find a player with talent and star power to better compete with the jets for new york fans' affections, the giants acquired quarterback fran tarkenton from the minnesota vikings before the 1967 season and showed improvement. they finished 7–7 in both the 1967 and 1968 seasons. in those seasons, one of tarkenton's favorite targets, wide receiver homer jones made the pro bowl by amassing over 2,200 yards and 21 touchdowns. the team also upset the division champion dallas cowboys 27–21 in one of their biggest wins in years, and the giants' jubilant players carried sherman off the field on their shoulders. after the game, wellington mara said he expected sherman to remain the team's coach for several more seasons, however, after starting 7–3 they lost their final four games.