Vikings Countdown: Defense faces aerial test vs. Giants
The Minnesota Vikings have been the NFL's defensive juggernaut through three games, ranking among the league's best in sacks, turnovers and points allowed.
They will need to continue to be strong, however, to stop their Week 4 opponent, the New York Giants.
The Giants are sixth in the NFL in yards per game and fifth in passing yards per game, led by quarterback Eli Manning and wideouts Victor Cruz, Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. Those four helped the Giants to a 2-0 start, with a one-point victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 and a three-point win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. The Giants lost by two points to Washington last week, with Manning throwing an interception on the final drive.
Minnesota, meanwhile, will look to continue its momentum from back-to-back wins over 2015 playoff teams in the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers. New quarterback Sam Bradford threw three touchdowns and no interceptions in the two games, while the defense forced a combined six turnovers and recorded 13 sacks.
Here's a closer look at Monday's matchup
3 THINGS TO WATCH
-- How will the Vikings offense fare in Bradford's third game? The unit looked especially sharp during parts of the first half vs. the Packers and on its one touchdown drive last Sunday. That said, Minnesota ranks just 20th in the NFL in points, 31st in yards, 31st in first downs and 32nd in rushing yards. The Vikings have benefitted from great defense, a couple defensive touchdowns and a punt-return touchdown in their first three games, but the offense has scored just three touchdowns. Minnesota's rushing game has looked especially anemic, as the team has averaged just 2.1 yards per carry on 74 attempts. More balance could help the Vikings sustain longer drives and give Bradford more time to throw the ball.
-- Can the Vikings start strong? Minnesota has been outscored 20-2 in the first quarter this season, allowing 240 yards while gaining 167. The Vikings have trailed in all three games, often relying on their defense to turn the game in their favor. A hot start would help alleviate any offensive concerns.
-- How will injuries in the secondary affect the Giants? New York could be without cornerbacks Eli Apple and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who are dealing with injuries, as well as safety Darian Thompson. Bradford and Stefon Diggs had success against a Green Bay secondary two weeks ago that was without its top cornerback in Sam Shields. Can they do the same vs. the Giants?
2 THINGS TO REMEMBER
-- The Vikings have won five of their last seven meetings vs. the Giants, including a 49-17 victory over them last December. Jerick McKinnon rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns in that game, and Harrison Smith returned an interception for a touchdown. Manning threw three interceptions that day and had a passer rating of just 50.7.
-- Minnesota is 3-0 for the first time since 2009. The Vikings have started a season with three straight wins eight times, making the playoffs seven of those seasons.
1 KEY MATCHUP
-- Vikings secondary vs. Giants receivers. Cruz and Beckham have proven to be among the best receivers in the NFL, while Shepard, a rookie, already has two touchdowns. Minnesota's Xavier Rhodes is just returning to full health and helped the secondary intercept Cam Newton three times last week. The unit will face another top passer Monday in Manning, who has thrown for 350+ yards 20 times in his career.
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