Vikings ruin Giants’ centennial season opener

Minnesota dominates New York on both sides of the ball.

By Terry Carlson – September 8, 2024

Can you hear the crowd chant?

“Van Ginkel! Van Ginkel! Van Ginkel!!”

Well, maybe not just yet.

In the most unlikely play of the game, Andrew Van Ginkel scored a spectacular one-handed Pick Six on a one-handed line-drive pass from New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones late in the third quarter that caused booing New York fans to head for the exits.

That play overshadowed an otherwise fine defensive performance by the Vikings’ linebacker, which also included a sack of Jones, virtually sealing the Vike’s lopsided 28-6 victory over the Giants.

Minnesota dominated play on both offense and defense for the much-needed win, considering the difficulty of their schedule for the rest of September and October.

On offense, Sam Darnold was efficient and threw two touchdowns in his Vikings debut, and running back Aaron Jones ran for a score.

Darnold finished 19 of 24 for 208 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a deflected interception in his Vikings debut. Jones had 109 yards from scrimmage and a score on just 16 touches. Justin Jefferson had 59 yards and a TD on four receptions. There were standout performances up and down the roster on defense. This was a complete team victory for Minnesota.

But now, after only one game into the regular season, the going gets tough. Next up for the Vikings is their home opener against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.