5 takeaways from the NY Giants incredible win over the Vikings

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.

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.

4. Daniel Jones broke an NY Giants record before halftime even arrived

Entering Sunday’s matchup with Minnesota, the NY Giants postseason record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a game was 59. Ed Danowski set that franchise mark all the way back in 1934. Kafka wanted to let Jones run freely in Minneapolis, and Jones ended up topping Danowski’s mark before the teams went to the locker rooms for the halftime break.

In the first half alone, Jones rushed the ball 10 times for 71 yards. Entering the game, the Giants clearly saw something on film with the Minnesota defense and they took full advantage of things. Jones has been running the ball quite a bit this year and it has been great to see. We had a feeling his wheels would play a big role in this one.

We’ve been hard on Kafka this season at times, but he called a smart game. Letting Jones showcase his speed and opening up the play-calling for him was the wise decision. The Vikings weren’t ready for it.

All in all, though, Jones played arguably the best game of his career – and the stats back it up. Against Minnesota in his postseason debut, Jones tossed for 301 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 78 total rushing yards. This kid was brilliant and he has proven once again that he needs an extension soon. He may have earned himself some extra dough here.

3. The refs gifted the Vikings a touchdown before halftime

There’s no defending this particular play and the awful job the team in stripes did in not seeing what was right in front of them. Before halftime, and the Giants up 17-7, Kirk Cousins hit wide receiver K.J. Osborn for a score to bring Minnesota within 17-14. However, that scored should have been wiped away due to holding.

As has been the case throughout the year, Thibodeaux was held on that Vikings touchdown, but no laundry hit the turf. This wasn’t just a hold, though. What Minnesota did to the No. 5 overall pick would be considered assault in just about every state. How in the world did the Vikings get away with this?

Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw abused Thibodeaux there and a flag had to be thrown. Instead, it wasn’t and Thibodeaux was in complete and total disbelief. This is just the latest example of the rookie pass-rusher working his tail off and then a call not going his way. The refs can’t keep letting this crap slide.

2. NY Giants linebackers had a game to forget

One of the main focuses of the offseason for the front office and general manager Joe Schoen has to be bringing in some reliable linebackers for the defense. When Blake Martinez was released, someone has been needed to step up to be a leader for the unit and no one emerged. On Sunday, the group was so frustrating to watch.

We hate to point two guys out, but Jaylon Smith and Jarrad Davis in particular didn’t look sharp at all. With Smith, he had a nice showing vs. the Eagles and he had 88 tackles to his name entering the Wild Card Round. Yes, the high tackles are nice to see, but he’s also been known for over-pursuing way too much.

As for Davis, he recently joined this team and also played well vs. the Eagles, but he look lost at times against Minnesota too. With the linebackers not playing well, tight end T.J. Hockenson once again had a monster showing against the Giants defense. He posted several big grabs against NY on Sunday and we hated every single one. Thankfully, the play of the LBs didn’t prevent the Giants from posting an upset to remember.

1. Giants made the plays late to do the unthinkable

This is what postseason football is all about. Both the Vikings and Giants couldn’t stop landing punches on one another. In the fourth quarter, though, it was the G-Men who answered the call. With the ball in their possession, the Giants drove down the field with the game tied 24-24. After a third-down completion to Richie James, the team faced fourth down.

With ice in his veins, Daboll kept the offense out on the field and Jones was able to get across the line for one of the biggest first downs of the campaign. Then soon after, Barkley rushed for his second score of the game on a play where he would NOT be denied. It was a massive sequence for the NFC East side.

Then on defense, the Giants were finally able to get a stop, forcing a three-and-out on the ensuing drive for the Vikings. Dexter Lawrence applied the pressure to force a bad throw from Cousins. Then, another fourth down arrived for the Giants with 3:28 left on the clock. And once again, Daboll sent out Jones and the QB once again got the first down. Minnesota ended up getting the ball back, but there was no miracle for them this time.

Jones played the game of his life, Barkley was a monster like usual, Hodgins was a beast, Lawrence did his thing and Daboll proved why he’s a legend. Everyone keeps doubting this team and they prove them wrong. Now, the Giants are headed to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Get ready, Philly. Here come the G-Men.

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