Giants Wire Previews Week 16 Matchup
NFC North Minnesota Vikings have plenty to play for on Christmas Eve when they host New York Giants. If they win, and the Philadelphia Eagles lose three of their next three games, they have a chance at the number 1 seed.
The Vikings can still win two playoff games at home, even if they lose the number one seed. They can only be the number three seed, five games ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
We spoke to Dan Benton, Giants Wire managing Editor, to get an idea of how the Vikings are working with the Giants.
How can the Vikings reduce the Giants’ success in passing rush?
Dec 18, 2022, Landover, Maryland USA; New York Giants defensive player Kayvon Thibodeaux (5 takes Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4 short of the endzon in the second half at FedExField). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills USA TODAY Sports
That’s a great question because now that the Giants have all four healthy starters, they’re tearing it up. Double one player, inside or out, and it gives their counterpart a one-on-1. So it’s a pick-your-poison scenario: Azeez Ojulari or Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence or Leonard Williams.
On the outside, it’s going to be important for the Vikings to chip. Often. It would be an error to run back or leave a tight finish to Ojulari and Thibodeaux. Minnesota should get rid of that.
Inside, Big Dex is responsible for keeping the pocket from falling apart. The outside backers will eat if Big Dex gets a push up to the middle. Kirk Cousins must be careful how he moves in his pocket, especially since Wink Martindale will likely send timely blitzes to the secondary.
What has Brian Daboll done in order to maximize Daniel Jones’ success?
December 18, 2022, Landover, Maryland USA. New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8 runs with the ball while Washington Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson (36) chases during quarter four at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke USA TODAY Sports
Brian Daboll does a great job of understanding his roster’s limitations. They’re thin along the offensive line, thin at wide receiver and thin at tight end, so he and Mike Kafka have devised an offense that works with what they have. That’s prevented Daniel Jones from trying to do it all himself and taking big risks.
Jones has had his ball security improved both in the air and on ground by the staff. They’ve essentially eliminated the turnover issues which was the major detriment in previous years.
To Jones’ credit, he’s also gotten much better with his footwork, pocket presence and his reads. He’s able to move through his progressions quicker and is great at making the right decisions.
Is the Vikings’ weak defense due to their lack of depth at wide receiver an advantage?
Dec 11, 2022: East Rutherford New Jersey USA; New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86), catches the ball during halftime against Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
It should. The Giants don’t have a true WR1 and have been cycling through depth guys all season. Despite this, Darius Slayton has the potential to stretch the field. Richie James Jr. is also a reliable slot option for Daniel Jones.
Isaiah Hodgins has made significant improvements to his game and is now a highly skilled route runner. Jones trusts him because he has a natural ability to make big plays at crucial moments.
Jones and Daniel Bellinger have a strong relationship at the tight end.
They are not the top-end option, but they accomplish the job to the best of the their abilities. Still, it will be one of the easier matchups for Minnesota’s secondary.
Are Saquon Barkley’s numbers improving or are they just healthy?
December 18, 2022, Landover, Maryland USA. New York Giants runningback Saquon Barkley (26), scores a touchdown against Washington Commanders in the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
It’s really just about health. Barkley is a true superstar. He’s a tremendous athlete and is very studious. He was severely injured in the ankle and ACL, and it took him a while to recover his confidence. Now that he has, we’re all seeing the results.
Although he did experience a lull in his performance and had to deal with some neck issues, he returned to the field against the Commanders in Week 15, and looked every bit as good as the MVP-level candidate he is.