Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a go towards the Las Vegas Raiders throughout the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Sam Darnold have a number of issues in frequent — and a few key variations — heading right into a Sunday afternoon season-opening matchup in East Rutherford, N.J.
Jones is attempting to show that he deserves to maintain his job because the Giants’ starter in his sixth 12 months 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 beneath heart for 17 video games.
Each groups need to transfer on from dropping seasons as they try to grow to be playoff contenders. The Giants went 6-11 in 2023, whereas Minnesota completed 7-10.
“(I am) simply understanding higher the function 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 type 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 p.c 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 crew chosen sixth general out of LSU on this 12 months’s draft. Different playmakers, together with receiver Darius Slayton, will look to make a distinction towards 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 enjoying any actual recreation,” Slayton stated. “You’ve an thought of what individuals are going to do, what they’ve achieved prior to now and the kind of schemes that they’ve appreciated prior to now. 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 attempting to dictate the sport as a lot as potential on offense.”
The Vikings will attempt to do their half on protection beneath defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Minnesota chosen linebacker Dallas Turner out of Alabama within the first spherical of the April draft, and he could have a possibility 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 go rush.
Brian Burns joined New York from the Carolina Panthers through commerce throughout the offseason. He hopes to type an powerful mixture for opposing offensive strains to cease alongside Dexter Lawrence II, who will begin at nostril deal with.
“I might be disenchanted if I weren’t a double-digits sack man wherever,” Burns stated. “I imply, however that is simply my private objectives.”
Flores praised the Giants’ offensive capacity however stated his protection could be able to comprise New York.
“Week 1, everybody has some new wrinkles,” Flores stated. “Everybody’s obtained a brand new play they can not wait to run. I obtained a pair myself.”
Vast receivers Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor have been restricted throughout Minnesota’s follow on Wednesday because of ankle accidents.
The Giants had 4 gamers restricted throughout Wednesday’s follow, together with linebacker Micah McFadden (groin) and security Dane Belton (again).
–Area Degree Media