By Michael Stewart @TheTruthNYG
The 2024 season begins this Sunday as the New York Giants will host the Minnesota Vikings at Met life Stadium. Both teams starting quarterbacks will be playing for their NFL careers. Daniel Jones will be under the microscope from the very first snap with little margin for error. Sam Darnold hopes to extend his NFL career as he keeps the quarterback seat warm for JJ McCarthy. The 2024 season will be a pivotal one for not only Daniel Jones, but also for Head Coach Brian Daboll, who is arguably on the hot seat. Let’s breakdown what the Giants need to do to secure their 1st win of the season. Here are my top 3 ways the Giants can walk away with a win on opening day.
- Giants Offensive Line-vs-Minnesota Vikings Defensive Front 7: GM Joe Schoen prioritized the importance of rebuilding the offensive line in the off season by adding three starters along with Andrew Thomas and John Michael-Schmitz. If the new and hopefully improved Offensive line of the Giants prevent the Vikings defensive front 7 of controlling the line of scrimmage and give Jones ample time in the pocket and some running lanes for the running game. This could go a long way in securing a win.
- Giant’s Defensive Front 7-vs-Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line: Are you sensing a theme here? Is all about winning in the trenches as the Giants defense collectively features their best players in Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Bobby Okereke and Kayvon Thibodeaux. If these four defenders play anywhere close to their potential, the Giants should limit the Vikings offensive production.
- Daniel Jones-vs-Sam Darnold: This quarterback matchup might not be the marquee showdown for the NFL in week one, but I believe it’s vital that Jones outperforms Darnold. I’m not expecting Jones to duplicate his playoff performance back in 2022, but I am banking on him to play better than Darnold with limited mistakes. If so, the Giants will start the season at 1-0.
There will be a couple of interesting matchups to keep an eye on such as Justin Jefferson against Deonte Banks. Keep in mind that Adoree’ Jackson limited Jefferson during the 2022 playoff game, but I believe it will be Banks assignment to cover Jefferson. Another interesting matchup will be Dexter Lawrence against the Vikings interior linemen. I believe Dexter will encounter numerous double teams, which will benefit both Burns and Thibodeaux. This looks to be a close battle that should go down the wire. In the end, my optimism gives the Giants a slight edge and a nail biter in the final minutes. Final Score: Giants-16/Vikings 13.