Darnold throws 2 TD passes and Van Ginkel scores on a 1-handed INT as Vikings easily top Giants 28-6

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Sam Darnold delivered a standout performance at MetLife Stadium, reminiscent of the high hopes New York Jets fans had for him when they drafted him No. 3 overall in 2018. Six years later, now with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold shone brightly against his old rivals, the New York Giants, on his former home field.

Darnold’s play was superb: he threw two touchdown passes and led the Vikings to a decisive 28-6 victory over the struggling Giants. His efficiency was evident from the start, as he completed his first 12 passes. His touchdowns included a 3-yard pass to Justin Jefferson and a 21-yard connection with Jalen Nailor. Darnold also contributed a 22-yard completion to Josh Oliver, which set up Aaron Jones’ 3-yard touchdown run, putting Minnesota ahead 7-3 late in the first quarter and setting a strong tone for the game.

Notably, Darnold’s impressive debut came after a season with San Francisco, where he was signed by the Vikings to provide veteran leadership for rookie J.J. McCarthy. Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a knee injury during training camp and will miss the season.

Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke, who had recovered a fumble to set up the game’s opening score, wasn’t shocked by Darnold’s performance. Having faced him frequently during his college days at Stanford while Darnold played for Southern California, Okereke was familiar with Darnold’s capabilities.

The Vikings’ defense also made its mark. Andrew Van Ginkel’s highlight was a spectacular one-handed interception return for a 10-yard touchdown, putting an exclamation point on a dominant defensive display by Brian Flores’ unit. The play drew boos from the Giants fans as the team fell behind 28-6.

Jefferson was a key offensive player, with four catches for 59 yards, including a touchdown on a quick slant during a crucial fourth-down play. His 44-yard reception ignited a 99-yard drive that ended in his own touchdown.

For the Giants, Graham Gano contributed with field goals of 23 and 50 yards, but the team played with the same lackluster performance that plagued them last season. Daniel Jones, returning from major knee surgery, struggled without much support from his revamped offensive line or his receiving corps. First-round draft pick Malik Nabers led the team with five catches for 66 yards, but it wasn’t enough. Jones completed 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards and two interceptions, with the second pick coming from 35-year-old safety Harrison Smith.

Giants co-owner and CEO John Mara had expressed hopes for significant progress this season, but with the Giants’ offense faltering and the team failing to pressure Darnold despite adding edge rusher Brian Burns in the offseason, those expectations have yet to be met.

Looking ahead:
– **Vikings:** Host the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday.
– **Giants:** Travel to Washington next Sunday.