Vikings vs Giants: Sam Darnold Shines as Minnesota Vikings Crush New York Giants 28-6 in Season Opener
The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their 2024 NFL campaign in dominant fashion, rolling over the New York Giants with a 28-6 victory at MetLife Stadium. In a game defined by stellar defense and an efficient offensive showing led by new quarterback Sam Darnold, the Vikings made a statement to the rest of the NFC that they’re ready to contend for a playoff spot this season.
The highlight of the day was Sam Darnold’s performance in his debut for the Vikings. The former New York Jets quarterback, now at the helm of the Minnesota offense, completed 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. Darnold was in command from the opening whistle, connecting on his first 12 passes and executing Kevin O’Connell’s game plan with poise.
“It’s always good to get back to MetLife,” Darnold said after the game. “I played here my first year in Carolina, but it felt great to come back today and get a win. This team is special, and I’m excited for what we can build on.”
Darnold found Justin Jefferson on a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter, capping off a 99-yard drive — the team’s longest since 2008. The connection between Darnold and Jefferson, who had four receptions for 59 yards, looks to be a vital one this season. Darnold also hit Jalen Nailor for a 21-yard touchdown pass that extended the Vikings’ lead.
The Vikings’ newly revamped rushing attack, featuring running back Aaron Jones, also played a pivotal role in the victory. Jones, who joined Minnesota from Green Bay in the offseason, carried the ball 13 times for 93 yards and a touchdown. His 3-yard run to the pylon in the first quarter put the Vikings up 7-3, a lead they would never relinquish.
Jones showed his trademark speed and elusiveness, slicing through the Giants’ defense for chunk yardage throughout the game. His performance, alongside Darnold’s precise passing, balanced the Vikings’ offense and gave them the momentum they needed.
On the defensive side, the Vikings dominated from start to finish, thanks to a relentless pass rush and opportunistic plays. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme flustered Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who struggled throughout the game. The Vikings sacked Jones five times and hit him 12 times, never allowing the Giants to gain any offensive rhythm.
The standout moment came late in the third quarter when Vikings edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel made a spectacular one-handed interception on a Daniel Jones screen pass, returning it 10 yards for a touchdown. The play gave the Vikings a 28-6 lead and effectively sealed the game. Van Ginkel, a free-agent signing from the Miami Dolphins, had a strong debut, adding two sacks and multiple pressures.
“That’s the kind of play we need from our defense,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Flores has done an excellent job building this defense, and I think you saw today what we’re capable of.”
For the New York Giants, it was a rough start to the season. Coming off a 6-11 campaign in 2023, the Giants were looking for a fresh start under head coach Brian Daboll, who also assumed play-calling duties this year. However, the offense struggled mightily against the Vikings’ pressure.
Daniel Jones, who was awarded a four-year, $160 million contract in the offseason, completed just 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards and threw two interceptions. The Giants’ offensive line failed to protect their quarterback, leaving Jones vulnerable to constant pressure. Even standout rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who had five catches for 66 yards, couldn’t generate enough offense to keep the Giants competitive.
The Giants’ only points came on two field goals by Graham Gano, including a 50-yard kick in the third quarter.
Despite the lopsided victory, the Vikings did suffer a potential setback. Wide receiver Jordan Addison, who had three catches for 35 yards, re-injured his ankle in the third quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Addison had previously suffered a high ankle sprain during a joint practice in August, and his availability moving forward will be crucial for Minnesota’s passing attack.
“Addison’s injury isn’t the same one as before, but we’ll monitor it closely,” O’Connell said. “We’ve got depth at receiver, but he’s an important part of what we’re trying to do.”
With the season-opening win, the Minnesota Vikings move to 1-0 and sit atop the NFC North, a much more favorable start than last year’s 0-3 beginning. Next, the Vikings face the San Francisco 49ers in their home opener on September 15. The defending NFC champions will present a much tougher test for Darnold and company, but the Vikings will enter the game with confidence after such a dominant performance.
As for the New York Giants, they’ll need to regroup quickly as they face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. With expectations high from ownership and fans, Daboll will need to find answers to the offensive issues that plagued his team against Minnesota.