Vikings vs. Giants Game Preview: Vikings Offense vs. Giants Defense

Aloha, Skoloholics! Only a few more short days until the next Minnesota Vikings game. Yes, PLAYOFF football returns to U.S. Bank Stadium, as the Giants come to town for a 3:30 game on Sunday, January 15 2023. It’s been a bit of a drought for us Vikings fans, as the Vikings haven’t made the playoffs since 2019, and haven’t hosted a playoff game at home since 2017. I will be there to cheer on our beloved purple and gold, and I cannot wait! This week is crawling by, ugh.

For stats or a preview, you can access them at the Game Center at Vikings.com.

PFF

We use PFF for much of our analysis, mostly because we had to settle on a tool to use, and that’s what we chose. It’s common, and although it’s far from perfect, it’s something more objective than the “eye test”, and is at the very least, a useful tool. Most of our analysis is locked behind a paywall, so I won’t bother linking.

As you likely know, PFF grades each individual player on each individual play throughout a game, then assigns a grade based on how well they performed. They have numerous categories for each side of the ball, and an “overall” grade for either offense or defense. Wherever you see me reference a grade below, the overall is the grade I’m referring to, the PFF overall defensive or offensive grade.

Vikings Offense vs. Giants Defense

It’s interesting to look at how we stack up to the opposition on the field, and predict which positional battles one team may try to use and exploit for their advantage. In this first segment, we’ll look at the Minnesota Vikings offense against the New York Giants defense.

Link from pff.com

Match-Ups to Watch

Vikings Interior Offensive Line vs. Giants Pass Rush

The interior of the offensive line is the obvious weakest link in the protection chain. Although he’s been a strong run blocker, Ingram has struggled in pass protection, and with Reed likely playing at center and Udoh filling in at right tackle, the right side of the offensive line is weakened. The Giants will likely use Lawrence to try to disrupt, and as always, they will blitz a ton. The Vikings will need to use Hockenson, Ham, or a running back to help that side of the offensive line, and/or call plays that get the ball out of Cousins’ hands quickly.

Justin Jefferson & Dalvin Cook

Looking at the match up, Kirk, Justin Jefferson, KJ Osborn, and T.J. Hockenson have to be salivating. If the O-line can provide enough protection, the Vikings passing offense SHOULD be able to light up the Giants’ secondary. They’ll likely have to key in on JJ, and if they do that, then there should be numerous opportunities for KJ and Hock. If they don’t key in on JJ, then you obviously just torch them with JJ. Getting the passing game going despite the pass rush will be key, and the Vikings will likely need to use the passing game to back the Giants defense off and clear some room for Dalvin Cook and the running game. If the O-line can provide running lanes, then Dalvin Cook and Mattison SHOULD carve up this defense. It’ll all come down to execution, and a solid game plan.

This brings us to our next topic:

Coaching

I’ll be the first to admit that I was skeptical of Kevin O’Connell as we began the season, but he’s made a believer out of me. He has the respect of his players and of his peers. He’s shown the willingness to try something new, and the wisdom to admit when something isn’t working. He’s coached this team to a 13-4 record and to the top of their division. That being said, the Vikings have been out coached in a few games this year, so let’s hope that KOC and Co. have learned from their previous mistakes and put their players in positions where they have a high probability of success.

This brings us to our next topic:

Kirk Cousins

What kind of game can we expect from Kirk? Much of it will come down to the approach, in my opinion. In games where Kirk and the offense have struggled, it seems that it is due to poor game planning or the inability to adjust the game plan on the fly. Some of it is on Kirk as well, as he does have a propensity to hold the ball too long sometimes, but the game plan should run smoothly and not appear to be forced, as it seems to be at times, especially when struggling. I hope Kirk can light it up and prove the doubters wrong.