5 Vikings playmakers the NY Giants must try and contain

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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 06: D.J. Wonnum #98, Danielle Hunter #99, and Ross Blacklock #96 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate after a play against the Washington Commanders during the second half of the game at FedExField on November 6, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Pass-rushers Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith

The Vikings defensive front has been led by two of the NFL’s most dominant pass-rushers in Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. If the Giants hope to be productive on offense, they will need to slow both of these players down. In turn, left tackle Andrew Thomas and right tackle Evan Neal will likely have their hands full from the start of the game.

Both Hunter and Smith were among the best pass-rushers in the NFL this season. Hunter, who appeared in all 17 games, stuffed the stat sheet. He recorded 65 total tackles, 10.5 total sacks, and 12 tackles for loss.

Smith, who played in every game besides the regular season finale, also put together a strong season. He recorded 44 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss.

In total, Hunter and Smith finished the season combining for 20.5 sacks and 27 tackles for loss.

Hunter and Smith both can get into the backfield and apply pressure onto quarterbacks. Excluding Thomas, the Giants offensive line has dealt with issues all season. In recent weeks, Neal has found his footing. If the Giants hope to limit this pass rush, both Thomas and Neal will be expected to turn in a massive outing. This could prove to be the most important matchup of the game.

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