Minnesota Vikings (3) – New York Giants (6) : 24-31
The potential upset was possible at US Bank Stadium and it happened. New York logically won over Minnesota thanks to a great Daniel Jones and a very good Saquon Barkley. Minnesota will have led only 5 minutes during the start of the match but has often been behind in the score. The Vikings only equalized at 24-24 before seeing Saquon Barkley score the winning touchdown 7 minutes from the end of the game.
This is the first defeat of the season for the Vikings with a score of one possession (7 points) and it comes at the worst time since it eliminates Minnesota from the race for the Super Bowl.
The key moment: Minnesota’s last offensive play
There are times when this meeting could have swung to one side or the other at the end of the match. Darius Slayton’s failed reception on 3rd & 15 would have been the perfect example if Minnesota would have won.
Finally, it is this game on 4th & 8th that we will mention in this section with a very short pass from Kirk Cousins for his best receiver of the evening, the tight-end TJ Hockenson. The player is tackled by Xavier McKinney and cannot win the first attempt. Game over, New York can kneel down. A difficult choice to understand when you have receivers like Justin Jefferson or KJ Osborn, capable of winning first attempts.
The movie of the game
The first quarter started off with a bang with 2 well-constructed offensive series by the 2 teams. Methodically for Minnesota, which ends with a ground touchdown from Kirk Cousins (31/39, 273 yards, 3 TDs) after a series where we saw a lot of Justin Jefferson (7 REC, 47 yards). In an express way for the Giants which ends with a touchdown on the ground from Saquon Barkley from 26 yards (9 carries, 53 YDS, 2 TDs).
Then, the Giants take over the uninspired Vikings in attack where the ground attack, led by Dalvin Cook, can not find the solution. Unlike the Giants who score a new touchdown by Isaiah Hodgins (8 REC, 105 YDS) on a pass from Daniel Jones (24/35, 301 yards, 2 TDs – 17 races, 78 yards) and who should have driven the point home on a game aptly named by Brian Daboll.
Indeed, Daniel Jones escapes and scores on the ground but his touchdown is canceled for a penalty. On the contrary, the Vikings react with a quick series of less than 3 minutes concluded by KJ Osborn after in particular 2 big receptions from TJ Hockenson. So, finally, from a gap of potentially 14 points, the Giants only have a 3-point gap at halftime. (17-14)
The second period starts like the first with the tight-ends in the spotlight. Daniel Bellinger on the Giants side and Irv Smith Jr. on the Vikings side respond to each other. On the series where the Vikings score, Julian Love does not go far from an interception on a missed reception from Justin Jefferson.
Minnesota equalizes on a field goal from Greg Joseph. After an incredible reception from Isaiah Hodgins and a very good job from the offensive line to lead Saquon Barkley to the touchdown of the victory, New York returns to the front. Minnesota recovers the ball with more than 2 minutes on the clock but the New York defense will take care of finishing the job to find the divisional round for the first time since 2011.
The MVP: Daniel Jones
For his first game in the playoffs, the Giants quarterback was never disturbed by the stakes of the game. Admittedly, he conceded 3 sacks but he often played fair and intelligently. He is the first player to pass for 200+ yards, rush 70+ and 2 touchdowns in NFL playoff history. He took a step closer to a new contract with the New York side.
Le flop : Dalvin Cook
The cause of Minnesota’s loss may lie in offensive running production. Indeed, Dalvin Cook has gained only 60 yards in 15 races. Which is a shame against an opposing team that is one of the worst teams against the run.
At state: 2
The number of Giants punts in the whole game, characteristic of a game mastered by Brian Daboll’s team offensively, with also 431 yards gained in total over the whole game.
The following
With Seattle’s defeat yesterday, New York will face Philadelphia in a game where the Eagles will be favorites. But, New York will have nothing to lose and could again create the sensation despite 2 losses in the regular season against this team.
For his first year as head coach, Kevin O’Connell lived up to expectations by qualifying Minnesota for the playoffs. But, his season ends with a taste of unfinished because the workforce is of quality and could do better. The Vikings offseason could be interesting if ever the front office were to question the future of Kirk Cousins.
Saquon FIGHTS for the end zone ????
????: FOX pic.twitter.com/ZMcB5S4LPY
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 16, 2023
