New York Giants (0-1) – Minnesota Vikings (1-0): 6-28
A failed start for New York. The locals came up against an intractable Minnesota defense and an inspired Sam Darnold (19/24, 208 yards, 2TDs, 1int). In a match marked by the omnipresence of the referees (12 penalties in the first half, 16 in total) who wanted to show that they were really there at the start of the season, the Giants were quickly led.
14-3 at half-time, 28-6 at the end of the match, the momentum was never on the side of Daniel Jones (22/42, 186 yards, 2 ints) and his team.
Minnesota carried by its recruits
After losing Cousins and Hunter, doubts were allowed about this Vikings team. For the first outing of the purples, their replacements showed that they will have to be counted on.
Expected to make up the numbers while waiting for JJ McCarthy to be ready, Sam Darnold did more than reassure. The third pick in the 2018 draft had an almost perfect debut with Minnesota. Serene behind a solid offensive line, the former Jets distributed. Justin Jefferson (4 receptions, 59 yards, 1TD), Jordan Addison and even Jalen Nailor (1 reception, 21 yards, 1TD) were able to take advantage of their quarterback's precision to start their season well.
The new Vikings starter was also well helped by Aaron Jones (14 carries, 94 yards, 1TD). He too was celebrating his first outing in purple and the former Packer scored Minnesota's first touchdown of the season, on their second possession.
On the defensive side, the new guys also shone. Rookie Dallas Turner made a sack for his first in the big league. Andrew Van Ginkel did better. The former Dolphins killed the suspense in the middle of the third quarter. An interception, returned for a touchdown, which allowed the Vikings to take, at that point, a 22-point lead.
Complicated return for Daniel Jones
Injured in the knee last November, Daniel Jones had not played in an official match since. Facing the defense known for being aggressive by Brian Flores, the sixth choice of the 2019 draft had a very complicated afternoon. Constantly under pressure, as evidenced by the 5 sacks conceded, the New York quarterback was never in rhythm.
He wasn't helped by his teammates either. The receivers dropped the ball, while the ground game was non-existent. Devin Singletary (10 carries, 37 yards) also started in new colors, but didn't have an impact on this game.
The only bright spot for the Giants in a game where they didn't compete, Malik Nabers (5 receptions, 66 yards) showed that he has what it takes to be the No. 1 receiver on this squad. The rookie has sure hands and ends up as the best receiver on his team.
Dexter Lawrence also showed his worth. The Giants' massive defensive tackle was one of the only ones to put pressure on Darnold. He notably managed to touch his arm, leading to the interception and the only error by the Purple quarterback.
Not enough to hope for anything in a match where New York lost 28 to 6. Much more will have to be done, on both sides of the field, to hope for anything in Washington next Sunday.
For Minnesota, the start of the season is perfect. And that's good considering the very busy schedule that awaits them. First obstacle Sunday, with the reception of the 49ers.
