Vikings Win the Opener–Good Prep for the Rough Road Ahead
Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast
The Vikings opened up the 2024 season with a very decisive 28-6 win over the New York Giants on the road. All the questions were answered—at least for this week—but more questions are on the way. Quarterback Sam Darnold had one of the best games of his career (opening the game with 12-consecutive completions for his first time as a pro) and throwing two great touchdown passes. He looked better than his career reputation would have us believe, and so Vikings fans can get excited about the season going forward . . . at least until next week.
Darnold ran the offense efficiently and effectively, and plenty of the credit goes to the new starting running back: former Green Bay Packer Aaron Jones. Jones deftly kicked inside runs outside to the tune of 94 yards and his first score in Purple. In addition, after some early troubles in the interior offensive line, they rallied to protect Darnold and give him room to work.
But even more credit goes to the revamped Vikings defense. Brian Flores’ unit gave up just two field goals in the game (one after C.J. Hamm coughed up the football in Vikings territory) and harassed Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (you may recall him from the disappointing playoff loss at home two seasons ago) to the tune of 12 hits and five sacks. The defense lead the way with a very convincing performance that will actually need to improve as the Vikings look at the schedule ahead.
If we look backward (which the fellas at Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast—Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com—will do on the podcast), things look great, the Vikings are 1-0. If we look forward, the road looks rough. So, tune into the VT Breakdown podcast for the best map ahead.
Listen to VT Breakdown here or on your favorite podcast network.
Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones & Defense Star in Big Opening Day Win for Vikings