The Minnesota Vikings (3-2) reasserted themselves into playoff conversations after easily handling the New York Giants (2-3) in New Jersey this past Sunday, 28-10.
Game Recap
The Vikings put points on the board first after winning the opening coin toss. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins led his team 62 yards in 11 plays to the red zone but had to settle for the field goal.
For the rest of the game, it was all Vikings, all day.
Cousins, who was under fire all week from Vikings fans for his inconsistent play in the first four games of the season, redeemed himself Sunday, if only for a week.
The Michigan State alumni and former Washington Redskin finished the day with a 138.6% rating, completing 22 of 27 passes for 306 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
However, sacks continued to plague the passer as the Giants’ defense sacked Cousins three times during the game, bringing the total number of sacks of the Vikings signal-caller to 11 on the season.
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook continued his breakout year. Cook rushed for 132 yards on 21 carries and hauled in six passes for 86 yards. Cook is second in the NFL rushing with 542 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Adam Thielen found himself on the receiving end of seven Cousins passes for 130 yards and two scores. Kicker Dan Bailey did his part for Minnesota, too, nailing four field goals and tacking on two extra points.
The Vikings had a season-high 490 yards total offense.
Ball safety should concern the Vikings’ offense, however, as Cook coughed the ball of twice, losing it once, and Cousins fumbled once.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings did a stellar job in shutting down the Giants and their red-hot rookie Daniel Jones. Linebacker Anthony Barr picked off Jones once in the game. The Vikes’ defense also held the Giants to 211 yards of total offense, recorded a safety, and sacked Jones four times.
Jones had his worst outing as a starter for the Giants, completing only 21 of 28 passes for 186 yards, a single touchdown, and one interception. Jones finished the game with a dismal 65.9% passer rating.
The absence of young running back Saquon Barkley was palpable as the Giants rushed for only 64 yards with no touchdowns.
Giants fans were happy, however, for the debut of wideout Golden Tate, fresh off of a four-game suspension issued for violating the league’s PED policy. His impact was minimal, however, as Tate only returned a punt for 17 yards and caught three passes for 13 yards.
Adding to their offensive woes, the Giants were 0-2 in the red zone and 0-1 in goal-to-go efficiency.
The Giants’ defense was ineffectual against the Vikings’ onslaught. Along with their 28 points and 490 yards, the Vikes offense had 22 total first downs, converting five times on third down and once on fourth down.
This was the Vikings’ game for the entire 60 minutes, and there was little to nothing that the Giants could do to change that.
Game Quote
“The Giants’ defense couldn’t cover you in a bed with a blanket.”
—FOX’s Michael Strahan, HOF former Giant (on the Giants’ defense after the loss to the Vikings)
Game Highlights
It truly was another Danny Dimes’ dime.
The Giants rookie QB continues to show his talent.
(🎥 @NFL)
— OddsChecker (@OddsCheckerUS) October 6, 2019
Okay Markus Golden…. pic.twitter.com/ImOaCFDEka
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 6, 2019
Didn't stand a chance.
🙏🙏🙏#Skol pic.twitter.com/5By2tCXsPD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2019
98-yard drive capped by an @athielen19 touchdown?
Yes, please! pic.twitter.com/8ZCoyjVSRx
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2019
Adam Thielen wanted the Vikings to pass the ball more…
He got his wish 6️⃣
(via @NFLonFOX)pic.twitter.com/2N5CZBrsJL
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 6, 2019
Adam Thielen wanted the Vikings to pass the ball more…
He got his wish 6️⃣
(via @NFLonFOX)pic.twitter.com/2N5CZBrsJL
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 6, 2019
Looking Ahead
The Giants have little time to lick their wounds over this loss, as their week is short; they head north to take on an undefeated Tom Brady-led New England Patriots (5-0) squad this Thursday.
The Vikings play host to the Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) on Sunday afternoon. The soaring Eagles enter U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis fresh off a 31-6 thrashing of the New York Jets (0-5).
