The Strange Development from Vikings Win over NYG
The Minnesota Vikings had absolutely no problems with the New York Giants in Week 1, toppling Brian Daboll’s team on their turf 28-6.
The Strange Development from Vikings Win over NYG
But thanks to new outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, one strange development emerged from the victory — Vikings defenders actually felt bad for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and his teammates.
“We kind of started to feel a little bit bad for him as we’re still just completely taking away everything he wants to do,” Greenard told KFAN this week.
Almost from the onset of the Giants’ generalized futility — on offense and defense — MetLife Stadium fans profusely booed the home team, a situation that felt like a scene from a comedy film. The NFL season was less than an hour old, and Giants faithful showered discontent on Jones and friends.
Greenard added, “Hey, it’s good to be on the other side of it, and it’s our job to not be on that side.”
Entering Week 1, Vikings fans — who had nothing to boo about on Sunday — weren’t too sure what to expect from the new-look purple team. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s “competitive rebuild” culminated during the offseason with the onboarding of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, outside linebacker Dallas Turner, and oodles of new free agents. Veteran passer Sam Darnold also signed on the dotted line to patch McCarthy over to the pros.
Then, McCarthy tore his meniscus, and 2024 became The Sam Darnold Show beyond the shadow of a doubt. Due to his lack of consistency through six seasons, folks didn’t know if he’d find reclamation in Minnesota. Yet, through one week, Darnold played wonderfully, rejuvenating optimism for the 2024 campaign.
On the Giants’ side of operations, well, the verdict was totally up in the air on Jones. HBO chronicled New York’s offseason on Hard Knocks, and the team’s brass was leary of Jones’ long-term upside and health, even contemplating drafting a quarterback like McCarthy, for example.
Week 1 arrived, and the Giants fell on their faces. Boos ensued, and Vikings players felt sympathy for their opponents. A strange occurrence indeed.
New York will hope to right the ship in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, another new-look organization featuring Dan Quinn at head coach and rookie Jayden Daniels at quarterback. Minnesota will face San Francisco at home, a club it defeated on Monday Night Football 11 months ago.
If Vikings can players can avoid boos, they’ll be in good shape.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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