Three Things the Vikings Did Well Against the Giants in Week 16
Ted Schwerzler
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The Minnesota Vikings play host to the New York Giants on Sunday for a Wild Card round playoff matchup. These same two teams faced off less than a month ago at U.S. Bank Stadium and the Vikings emerged victorious on a walk-off field goal. What can they lean on from the first time out to help them in the rematch?
Although the Vikings needed a franchise-record field goal to knock off the Giants during Week 16, they trailed for only a brief moment throughout the contest and we’re never truly out of the driver’s seat. It would be great for Minnesota to asset a bit more dominance this time around and look to pull away.
Looking back at the tape and knowing what worked for them in the previous matchup, Kevin O’Connell may be able to key in on a few areas to exploit Brian Daboll’s team this time around. Here are three things the Vikings did well in these two teams’ last meeting.
Get Justin Jefferson Going
The New York Giants do not have a lockdown secondary. Justin Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. Last time these two teams matched up the Vikings star wideout went off for 133 yards on 12 receptions.
Both Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson had nice days for Minnesota, and Jefferson added a touchdown. It was clear the gameplan was to get Jefferson the ball as quarterback Kirk Cousins targeted him 16 times. Kevin O’Connell found unique ways to spring Jefferson open, and we should see plenty more of that on Sunday.
Let Kirk Work
Obviously, the Vikings would like Dalvin Cook to do some of the offensive heavy lifting, but he’s been largely ineffective this season. He did post 64 yards on 14 carries last time Minnesota saw New York, but it was Cousins that had a field day with the Giants secondary.
Minnesota’s quarterback threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns. He spread the ball heavily between Jefferson and Hockenson but kept the defense guessing by utilizing a total of seven different pass catchers on the day. If the line can give Cousins time, he should again find success through the air.
Spring Danielle Free
On the defensive side of the ball is where Minnesota has had most of their issues this season. Needing to lock in with the secondary, the Vikings have helped their pass coverage by taking down the quarterback. Danielle Hunter got to Daniel Jones twice last time he saw him, and that created immediate momentum.
The Vikings should be relatively healthy on defense coming into Sunday’s game, and fellow edge rusher Za’Darius Smith should be back in the lineup as well. Trying to stifle Jones and Saquon Barkley is a must, and the more Ed Donatell can do to present opportunities for his pass rushers the better.
The Vikings know what it takes to beat the Giants as they have done it before. Relying on what worked last time out should be a focus and making small tweaks to avoid the need for a last second field goal is a must.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.