Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) makes a catch during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings came into the game against the New York Giants as slight favorites. Despite breaking in a new veteran quarterback and despite turnover on defense, they were projected to win. That doesn’t mean the result on the field always plays out that way, and things could have started very differently.
Minnesota forced a three-and-out quickly from the New York Giants. Daniel Jones did nothing of substance and Brian Daboll’s squad was forced to punt. Taking over in the shadow of the opposing end zone, the Vikings found themselves in a third and long. Sam Darnold connected with fullback C.J. Ham for a nice gain, but the veteran blocking back coughed up the football.
The New York Giants were immediately in the red zone and had a quick situation where they could score a touchdown. Then the Vikings buckled down.
Brian Flores watched his defense hold the Giants to nothing more than a Graham Gano field goal. Despite getting behind in the turnover battle. Despite giving the opposition ideal field position. Despite a momentum swing right out of the gate, Minnesota didn’t fold.
Kevin O’Connell has been a very solid coach since taking over for the Minnesota Vikings. His teams have played well when they have remained engaged and shown a level of resolve and determination. Rather than allow the mishap for Ham to spiral out of control, the defense picked up the team captain and held strong. The Vikings quickly answered with their own score, and the momentum had shifted again.
The score certainly doesn’t indicate a game that the Vikings ever needed to doubt. During the early going, though, they could have been up against it almost immediately. By avoiding a sense of disappointment or frustration, Minnesota was able to stay focused and turn the tide of a result that may have gone significantly different.
The Vikings can utilize that level of resolve throughout the season. They will certainly face more adversity as the year goes on, and it’s these moments that provide belief for the future.
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.