(MINNEAPOLIS) — Brian Daboll, the team’s first-year head coach, had his young squad completely prepared. Daniel Jones performed at a level well above his experience.
The New York Giants confidently came into Minnesota’s boisterous stadium and beat the tight-finish masters at their own game.
Jones threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 78 yards playoff game for the Giants, who defeated the Vikings 31-24 in the wild-card round on Sunday, handing them their first loss in 12 one-score games this season.
“This is what we’re supposed to do with a cornerstone franchise with such a great heritage,” wide receiver Darius Slayton said. “We were meant to make the playoffs. We’re meant to be a successful team. We’ll keep striving to live up to the legacy that’s been established.”
Saquon Barkley scored twice on the ground, including the game-winning touchdown the fourth quarter. Jones became the first quarterback in NFL history to have 300-plus yards passing, two-plus passing touchdowns, and 70-plus yards rushing in a postseason game.
Defence Swarmed The Tight End
“He’s a fantastic player,” said Barkley, who finished with 109 yards on 14 touches. “The playoffs are where you can build your legacy, and what a way to start.”
The defense swarmed tight end T.J. Hockenson near midfield after a 3-yard reception from Kirk Cousins on fourth-and-8 to force a turnover on downs with 1:44 remaining and no timeouts remaining for the Vikings (13-5).
The Giants (10-7-1) advanced to the divisional round, where they will face No. 1 seed and NFC East rival Philadelphia on Saturday night. They converted seven of thirteen third downs and dominated a Vikings defense that had been shaky all season.
“I believe we’ve had some of our better games recently and found some stuff that works for us,” said Jones, who connected with Isaiah Hodgins and Daniel Bellinger for touchdowns. “As a result, we’ll keep doing it. “I believed the coaching team did an excellent job preparing us.”
Incredible Win For The Giants
Two touchdowns and a rushing touchdown to cap the game’s first series, with the too-short ball to Hockenson being his only noticeable error. Cousins was even more irritated by his placement on the third-and-8 pass to K.J. Osborn, who had a first-half touchdown catch; Cor’Dale Flott intercepted that.
Cousins finally got to play in the playoffs in Minnesota in his fifth season, five years and one day after Case Keenum threw a touchdown pass of 61 yards to Stefon Diggs that helped the Vikings beat New Orleans 29-24 in the divisional round.
The Vikings held to form by trailing by 10 points late in the second quarter and again early in the third quarter.
Cousins, dragged to the ground by the blitz-fueled Giants defense, connected with Irv Smith Jr. for a touchdown that pulled the Vikings within 24-21.
Then something extraordinary happened: the defense got a stop.
The Second Half Was A Nail Biter
Danielle Hunter’s sack prompted the first Giants punt, and the Vikings converted the game-tying field goal the other way. They did, though, lose some vital points when Cousins ran a successful fourth-and-1 at the 15 that was neutralized by a false start on left tackle Christian Darrisaw.
On the Giants’ next drive, Jones converted a penalty-free fourth-and-1 sneak. With 7:47 remaining, Barkley chugged into the end zone to take the lead.
“There were genuine tears in there,” said first-year coach Kevin O’Connell outside the locker room. “There are some guys who expected to win a world championship. You have to give credit to the Giants.”
JEFFERSON VS. JACKSON
Hockenson 11 times for 10 receptions and 129 yards, but after Justin Jefferson had four catches on the first touchdown drive, he only had three more the rest of the way and one in the second half.
In the Giants’ 27-24 win last month, the NFL’s best receiver caught 12 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. He was almost always accompanied by a safety, and Adoree’ Jackson did a great job covering him in his first game back after a seven-game knee injury layoff.
“I believe in myself all the time, but it’s always pleasant and appreciated when others believe in you,” Jackson added.
REPORT OF INJURY
Azeez Ojulari, an outside linebacker for the Giants, hurt his quadriceps in the second quarter and was ruled out at the half. After covering a kickoff in the fourth quarter, backup FS Jason Pinnock (abdomen) exited on a cart and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He rejoined the Giants in the locker room and flew home with them.
LB for the Vikings Brian Asamoah II (concussion) was hurt late in the second quarter while covering a kickoff. Cameron Dantzler Sr., the backup cornerback, was inactive due to a personal matter.
SOURCE – (AP)
