An inside take a look at Sunday’s Giants-Vikings NFL Week 16 matchup at MetLife Stadium:
Marquee matchup
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson vs. Giants CB Paulson Adebo
Wait, so the standard of play on the quarterback place has a direct impression on the stats of a premier goal?
Who knew?
Jefferson has performed in all 14 video games this season and but there are 16 receivers within the league with greater than his 66 receptions.
He stays elite however can not throw the ball to himself, as he’s labored with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer.
Jefferson has simply two touchdowns and his 12.6 yards per catch is a profession low.
Adebo missed 5 video games with a knee harm and is clearly the crew’s prime cornerback, however he has not been the shut-down defender this protection wants on a constant foundation.
4 downs
Handed over: The Giants wished a quarterback within the 2024 draft. They may have chosen Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix and handed on all three, as a substitute going with broad receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 decide.
They did loads of work on McCarthy however weren’t excessive on his make-up. He may need even been taken off their draft board.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka referred to McCarthy as “a very sharp child, nice child with a cool persona.”
Requested what he meant by a “cool persona,” Kafka mentioned. “He’s received a singular persona. I believe he’s received sort of a laid-back chill, however when the lights activate and when the ball’s on the market, rolls on the market, he sort of flips a little bit little bit of a change, and it’s cool to look at that.”
McCarthy was injured and missed his total rookie 12 months, and is 4-4 in eight begins this season, with the identical variety of interceptions (11) as landing passes.
He has performed higher the previous two video games in victories over the Commanders and Cowboys.
Break up selections: As a rookie final season, security Tyler Nubin began each sport he was wholesome and performed each snap on protection.
That’s the method it was for him earlier in Yr No. 2, however just a few accidents have prompted him to overlook time.
He is also getting used otherwise since Charlie Bullen took over as defensive coordinator. Nubin and Dane Belton break up time final week and Nubin has moved nearer to the road of scrimmage.
“I believe Dane is enjoying effectively proper now,” Bullen mentioned. “So, I take a look at it prefer it’s simply extra of how can we get our greatest 11 on the sector? However I’ve appreciated what Nubin has completed the final couple weeks in addition to a few of the different guys within the again finish.”
Southpaw swinger: The fourth kicker utilized by the Giants this season is Ben Sauls, a rookie from the College of Pittsburgh.
This operation will look totally different, as Sauls is a left-footer.
“Yeah, effectively, the holder’s on the opposite facet, for one,” particular groups coordinator Michael Ghobrial mentioned. “The rotation of the ball could look totally different. So typically while you’re simply taking a look at a righty, it’s distinctive to only see the rotation look totally different. Clearly to him, it appears regular. Simply the actual fact of the matter is there’s not as many lefty kickers on this league. So, getting the entire specialist crew comfy with these conditions.”
Check time: One other week, one other problem for Jaxson Dart as he navigates by way of his rookie season.
This one is a biggie. The protection run by coordinator Brian Flores is unpredictable and pressure-driven.
“Simply chaos, chaos simply attempting to disguise totally different appears and produce a complete bunch of various pressures,” Dart mentioned. “However they’re organized within the again finish, too, so that they do it soundly.”
The Vikings on protection is ninth-best within the NFL in yards allowed, fifth in passing yards, twenty fourth in dashing yards and thirteenth in factors allowed.
“You bought to have a solution each single play,” Dart mentioned. “It’s simply extra frequent with what their protection does.”
Paul’s decide
Do you assume the Vikings have any regret for not retaining San Darnold?
They’re 6-8 and certain look unsettled at quarterback.
The Giants vastly most well-liked Jaxson Dart within the 2025 draft to J.J. McCarthy in 2024.
Does Dart have any extra huge performances in him this season?
The Vikes have gained two straight with McCarthy, and they’re the superior crew right here.
Vikings 27, Giants 17
