August 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) pulls the ball in the course of the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium Vegas Raiders cross. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Sam Darnold have some issues in frequent, but additionally some key variations — heading into Sunday afternoon’s season opener in East Rutherford, N.J.
Jones is attempting to show he is worthy of retaining the Giants’ beginning job in his sixth 12 months in New York. In the meantime, in his first season with the Vikings, Darnold hopes to guarantee the entrance workplace, teaching workers, teammates and followers that he has the flexibility to play all 17 video games below heart.
Each groups are hoping to place behind dropping seasons and attempt to grow to be playoff contenders. The Giants are 6-11 in 2023, whereas Minnesota finishes at 7-10.
“(I) simply perceive the quarterback’s position higher,” stated Darnold, who was a backup with the San Francisco 49ers final season. “It is like coach (Kevin) O’Connell stated to me: Simply play level guard, give it to our guys in house and allow them to do the work.”
Jones began six video games for New York in 2023 earlier than tearing his proper ACL in November and lacking the rest of the season. He accomplished 67.5 % of his passes for 909 yards, two touchdowns and 6 interceptions, and his 70.5 passer score was the bottom of his profession.
Jones, 27, has a brand new weapon in rookie vast receiver Malik Nabers, whom the crew chosen with the sixth total decide on this 12 months’s draft out of LSU. Different playmakers, together with receiver Darius Slayton, will look to make performs in opposition to the Vikings’ new-look secondary led by free agent signing Stephon Gilmore .
Slayton stated he and his teammates are assured heading into the primary week of the season.
“Within the first week, you did not see anyone play any actual video games,” Slayton stated. “You realize what persons are going to do, what they’ve finished prior to now, and the forms of plans they’ve appreciated prior to now. However on the finish of the day, it is about going out and executing.
“All 11 of us have been on the identical web page, doing what we needed to do and attempting to manage the sport as a lot as doable offensively.”
The Vikings will work exhausting on protection below defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Minnesota chosen linebacker Dallas Turner out of Alabama within the first spherical of April’s draft, and he could have an opportunity to hurry into the pocket alongside free-agent signee Jonathan Greenard, who completed final season in The Houston Texans have 12.5 sacks.
The Giants additionally hope the additions will bolster their cross rush.
Brian Burns joined New York from the Carolina Panthers in a commerce this offseason. He seems to be to place collectively a troublesome group for opposing offensive traces, taking part in alongside Dexter Lawrence II, who will begin at head sort out.
“I might be dissatisfied if I did not get double-digit sacks anyplace,” Burns stated. “I imply, nevertheless it’s only a private aim of mine.”
Flores praised the Giants’ offense however stated his protection might be able to comprise New York.
“Everybody could have some new wrinkles within the first week,” Flores stated. “Everybody has a brand new present they can not wait to launch. I’ve a number of myself.”
Broad receivers Jordan Addison and Jalen Naylor have been restricted throughout Minnesota’s follow Wednesday with ankle accidents.
The Giants had 4 gamers restricted throughout Wednesday’s follow, together with linebacker Micah McFadden (groin) and security Dane Belton (linebacker).
–Scene-level media
