This team will not be denied! The NY Giants have won over America’s heart on Sunday night, as Big Blue traveled to Minnesota and they were underdogs in their NFC Wild Card Round matchup on the road. As has been the case throughout 2022, the Giants didn’t care what the experts thought, and they pulled off an unreal 31-24 upset win.
This was a close contest just as everyone imagined, and people are still catching their breath from the back-and-forth affair. Here’s our takeaways drom the action, with major props going to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley and others.
5. Giants offense delivered an opening drive to remember
After the Vikings went 75 yards on their opening drive, a lot of Giants fans felt pretty darn deflated. With the way the NY Giants offense has looked to start games throughout the year, a lot of people probably had their doubts in the offense throwing a jab or two in return. Well, the G-Men did just that.
Jones went 2-for-2 for 35 yards on the opening drive, adding 22 rushing yards. Barkley only recorded one carry on that opening drive, but goodness me, it was a special one. Barkley got the ball, received some beautiful blocks, including one from Isaiah Hodgins (who posted over 100 receiving yards), and broke free for a 28-yard score.
Saquon Barkley takes it 28 yards for a Giants touchdown.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) January 15, 2023
Giants and Vikings tied at 7-7 in the first. pic.twitter.com/HxXbyJTU9h
That was an unreal opening drive from the Giants and the second one was even sexier. After the Vikings punted the ball back to Jones and Co., NY drove down the field 81 yards, capped off with a Jones touchdown pass to Hodgins. Hodgins, who owns Patrick Peterson, celebrated in style after his TD too. It was fantastic to see.