Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a cross in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders throughout the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Sam Darnold have a number of issues in widespread — and a few key variations — heading right into a Sunday afternoon season-opening matchup in East Rutherford, N.J.
Jones is making an attempt to show that he deserves to maintain his job because the Giants’ starter in his sixth yr with New York. In the meantime, Darnold, in his first season with the Vikings, desires to guarantee the entrance workplace, teaching employees, teammates and followers that he has what it takes to be underneath middle for 17 video games.
Each groups need to transfer on from dropping seasons as they try to develop into playoff contenders. The Giants went 6-11 in 2023, whereas Minnesota completed 7-10.
“(I am) simply understanding higher the position of a quarterback,” stated Darnold, who spent final season with the San Francisco 49ers as a backup. “That is like what coach (Kevin) O’Connell says to me: simply to sort of play level guard, give it to our guys in house and allow them to go do work.”
In 2023, Jones began six video games for New York earlier than tearing his proper anterior cruciate ligament in November and lacking the remainder of the season. He accomplished 67.5 % of his passes for 909 yards, two touchdowns and 6 interceptions, and his 70.5 passer score was the bottom of his profession.
Jones, 27, has a brand new weapon in rookie wideout Malik Nabers, whom the staff chosen sixth general out of LSU on this yr’s draft. Different playmakers, together with receiver Darius Slayton, will look to make a distinction in opposition to the Vikings’ new-look secondary, which is led by free agent signee Stephon Gilmore.
Slayton stated he and his teammates really feel assured coming into the opening week of the season.
“In Week 1, you have not seen anyone taking part in any actual sport,” Slayton stated. “You could have an thought of what persons are going to do, what they’ve executed previously and the kind of schemes that they’ve preferred previously. However on the finish of the day, it is about going on the market and executing.
“All 11 of us are on the identical web page, attending to the stuff we need to get to and making an attempt to dictate the sport as a lot as potential on offense.”
The Vikings will attempt to do their half on protection underneath defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Minnesota chosen linebacker Dallas Turner out of Alabama within the first spherical of the April draft, and he may have a chance to hurry the pocket alongside free agent signee Jonathan Greenard, who had 12.5 sacks with the Houston Texans a season in the past.
The Giants additionally hope {that a} new addition bolsters their cross rush.
Brian Burns joined New York from the Carolina Panthers by way of commerce throughout the offseason. He hopes to kind an robust mixture for opposing offensive traces to cease alongside Dexter Lawrence II, who will begin at nostril deal with.
“I would be dissatisfied if I weren’t a double-digits sack man anyplace,” Burns stated. “I imply, however that is simply my private targets.”
Flores praised the Giants’ offensive means however stated his protection can be able to include New York.
“Week 1, everybody has some new wrinkles,” Flores stated. “Everybody’s obtained a brand new play they cannot wait to run. I obtained a pair myself.”
Huge receivers Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor have been restricted throughout Minnesota’s apply on Wednesday because of ankle accidents.
The Giants had 4 gamers restricted throughout Wednesday’s apply, together with linebacker Micah McFadden (groin) and security Dane Belton (again).
–Area Degree Media