August 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) pulls the ball during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium Vegas Raiders pass. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Sam Darnold have some things in common, but also some key differences — heading into Sunday afternoon's season opener in East Rutherford, N.J.
Jones is trying to prove he's worthy of retaining the Giants' starting job in his sixth year in New York. Meanwhile, in his first season with the Vikings, Darnold hopes to assure the front office, coaching staff, teammates and fans that he has the ability to play all 17 games under center.
Both teams are hoping to put behind losing seasons and try to become playoff contenders. The Giants are 6-11 in 2023, while Minnesota finishes at 7-10.
“(I) just understand the quarterback's role better,” said Darnold, who was a backup with the San Francisco 49ers last season. “It's like coach (Kevin) O'Connell said to me: Just play point guard, give it to our guys in space and let them do the work.”
Jones started six games for New York in 2023 before tearing his right ACL in November and missing the remainder of the season. He completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 909 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions, and his 70.5 passer rating was the lowest of his career.
Jones, 27, has a new weapon in rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, whom the team selected with the sixth overall pick in this year's draft out of LSU. Other playmakers, including receiver Darius Slayton, will look to make plays against the Vikings' new-look secondary led by free agent signing Stephon Gilmore .
Slayton said he and his teammates are confident heading into the first week of the season.
“In the first week, you didn't see anybody play any real games,” Slayton said. “You know what people are going to do, what they've done in the past, and the types of plans they've liked in the past. But at the end of the day, it's about going out and executing.
“All 11 of us were on the same page, doing what we wanted to do and trying to control the game as much as we could offensively.”
The Vikings will work hard on defense under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Minnesota selected linebacker Dallas Turner out of Alabama in the first round of April's draft, and he will have a chance to hit the pocket alongside free agent signee Jonathan Greenard, who spent last season in Houston The Texans have 12.5 sacks.
The Giants also hope the additions will bolster their pass rush.
Brian Burns joined New York from the Carolina Panthers via trade this offseason. He hopes to form a tough package for opposing offensive lines alongside Dexter Lawrence II, who will start at nose tackle.
“I would be disappointed if I didn't get double-digit sacks anywhere,” Burns said. “I mean, but it's just a personal goal of mine.”
Flores praised the Giants' offense but said his defense will be ready to contain New York.
“Everyone will have some new wrinkles in the first week,” Flores said. “Everyone has a new show they can't wait to release. I have a few myself.”
Wide receivers Jordan Addison and Jalen Naylor were limited during Minnesota's practice Wednesday with ankle injuries.
The Giants had four players limited during Wednesday's practice, including linebacker Micah McFadden (groin) and safety Dane Belton (linebacker).
–Scene-level media
