As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, the spotlight will be on the New York Giants as they prepare to host the Minnesota Vikings in an electrifying Week 1 matchup. This game promises to showcase significant changes on both teams compared to last season. After crossing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, star running back Saquon Barkley looks set to make a huge impact, while quarterback Daniel Jones is eager to return to action after recovering from a torn ACL sustained last November. Fans are eager to see how these key players will perform under pressure.

The Vikings face challenges of their own, notably the departure of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has moved to the Falcons. Additionally, first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus, sidelining him for the remainder of his rookie season. To fill this gap, the Vikings have brought in Sam Darnold on a one-year, $10 million contract, setting the stage for a competitive return to MetLife Stadium against the Giants.

According to FanDuel, the Vikings are favored by 1.5 points in this matchup, with an over/under set at 41.5. The Giants enter the season as home underdogs, facing off against a backup quarterback, which adds an intriguing layer to this opening game.

Key Additions to the Vikings’ Defense: The Vikings have bolstered their defensive roster with significant acquisitions, including edge rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman, cornerback Shaq Griffin, and first-round draft pick Dallas Turner.

Notable Departures from the Vikings’ Defense: The Vikings face considerable losses on defense with the exits of edge rushers Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, D.J. Wonnum, and linebacker Jordan Hicks. These changes may reshape their defensive strategy as they begin the new season.

Defensive Strategy Under Brian Flores

Entering his second year as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, Brian Flores has a reputation for aggressive defensive schemes. Last season, he led the league in blitz percentage, employing blitzes on 51.5% of defensive snaps. The Giants’ defensive coordinator Wink Martindale followed closely, ranking second in the NFL with a blitz rate of 45.4%. This creates an intriguing tactical matchup for the upcoming game.

Blitzing remains the cornerstone of Flores’ defensive identity, having blitzed at rates of 39.6% and 40.8% during his tenure with the Dolphins. After a year as the linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he returned to the Vikings, hoping to improve their pass rush. Despite leading the league in blitzing last season, the Vikings managed to pressure opponents on only 21.9% of snaps, ranking 15th overall in the NFL, with the Detroit Lions topping the league at 28.2%.

The stark difference in the Vikings’ defensive approach under Flores compared to former coordinator Ed Donatell is noteworthy. Donatell’s unit blitzed just 18.9% of the time, leading to significant issues with blown coverages, a flaw the Giants exploited in the Wildcard Round. With head coach Kevin O’Connell opting for a different strategy this season, fans are eager to see how this plays out.

While Flores emphasizes blitzing, his approach has evolved since his Miami days. His system combines high blitz percentages with a surprising number of plays featuring just three pass rushers. The Vikings led the NFL in both blitzing and three-man rushes, demonstrating a versatile defensive scheme designed to keep offenses guessing.

Flores effectively uses variation to his advantage, making it challenging for opposing quarterbacks to predict whether a blitz is coming or if the defense will drop into a zone coverage scheme. This unpredictability adds a layer of complexity that can confuse even seasoned quarterbacks.

In his defensive setups, Flores creates advantageous matchups for his pass rushers, often allocating just three rushers to pressure the quarterback. He likes to crowd the line of scrimmage and disguise his intentions by either sending multiple defenders or dropping back into coverage. Last season, safeties Josh Metellus and Harrison Smith were frequently employed in blitz packages, rushing the passer on over 200 snaps, while Giants safeties Xavier McKinney and Jason Pinnock combined for only 89 total blitzes.

Last year, Flores shifted from a man-to-man blitzing approach to a more zone-oriented strategy, with the Vikings playing zone coverage on approximately 69% of defensive snaps. This hybrid approach mirrors the pressure/coverage schemes employed by Pat Narduzzi at the University of Pittsburgh, showcasing Flores’ adaptability.

Flores has also spent time collaborating with Pitt assistant coach Tiquan Underwood, a former NFL player who played under Flores during his time with the Patriots. This partnership has influenced Flores’ strategies, leading to innovative defensive techniques that have proven effective.

Here’s a notable excerpt from an article by ESPN’s Ellis Williams:

“Flores said he frequently visited with Pitt assistant coach Tiquan Underwood. The pair watched film together, and Flores said he “kind of got enamored” with a part of Narduzzi’s defense that had actually remained in usage given that Narduzzi took control of as the protective organizer at Miami (Ohio) in 2003.

It started as a method to stop the run with 6-man run pressures, and after that to overwhelm quarterbacks if they tossed versus it. The front develop into a blitz in those scenarios, with protections — referred to as “three under, two deep” or “two under, three deep” — that college quarterbacks couldn’t typically beat. In an interview with ESPN, Narduzzi called it a “changeup” that “has been kind of our equalizer” throughout the years.”

For the Giants, it’s crucial to have a well-prepared offensive line to support Daniel Jones and the rest of the offense. As the Vikings crowd the line of scrimmage, tight rushing lanes could present challenges. However, if the offensive line can hold strong, there will be opportunities for receivers to find space outside the numbers. This strategy aligns with the Giants’ focus during training camp on exploiting deep routes and creating mismatches.

Strengthening the Vikings’ Roster

The Minnesota Vikings have made significant strides in enhancing their defensive front by adding experienced run defenders during the offseason. Greenard will join a defensive line that includes Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips, and Jerry Tillery. With Jihad Ward expected to play a rotational role, the Vikings aim to solidify their defense. The loss of Danielle Hunter leaves a notable gap, as he recorded over 1,000 snaps, 80 pressures, and 16.5 sacks last season.

The departure of Hunter is a significant blow, as he was the leading sacker on the team. Last season, D.J. Wonnum was the next closest player, with just 38 pressures and 8 sacks, and he now plays for the Carolina Panthers. The Vikings must find ways to compensate for the loss of their top pass rushers from last season.

Edge rusher Pat Jones II contributed with 634 defensive snaps last season, recording 32 pressures but only one sack. Josh Metellus, the next best pressure generator, had 29 pressures, followed by Harrison Phillips with 21, and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. with 15. The Vikings’ defensive front has undergone a significant transformation, with many key players from last season gone.

Despite these losses, the addition of 27-year-old Jonathan Greenard will bolster the defensive unit. He recorded 53 pressures and 12.5 sacks last season, showcasing his potential. Moreover, Andrew Van Ginkle, who had 53 pressures and 6 sacks last year, brings valuable experience from his time under Flores with the Dolphins. The Vikings also used their first-round pick on Dallas Turner, who excelled last season with 55 pressures and 10 sacks.

The Vikings acquired Blake Cashman from the Jets to fill the MIKE linebacker position left vacant by Jordan Hicks. Both Greenard and Cashman were previously teammates on the Houston Texans. Pace Jr. fits well into Flores’ system, as he excels in creating A-gap pressure. Despite standing at just 5’10”, he is a solid 230 pounds, and he played 703 defensive snaps during his rookie season, making him a potential threat against the Giants.

The unexpected passing of fourth-round draft pick Khyree Jackson prompted the Vikings to sign former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. Although Gilmore is now 33, he has showcased above-average skills as a starter with both the Cowboys and Colts in recent years. Shaq Griffin was also signed and could start alongside Gilmore, although Akayleb Evans, who played 855 snaps last season, is also in the mix.

Byron Murphy Jr. is a solid nickel cornerback for the Vikings, boasting 6 passes defended and 3 interceptions last season. While he is more comfortable in zone coverage, the Vikings will rely on him to step up. Former second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. has struggled with injuries and has not seen significant playing time. Additionally, former Giant Fabian Moreau provides depth in the secondary.

Flores plans to utilize three safeties in his sub-packages. The veteran trio of Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Camryn Bynum is expected to be a formidable combination, as all three played over 1,000 snaps last season. Alongside Danielle Hunter, they were key players in the Vikings’ defensive unit.

Strategies for the Giants’ Offense

To succeed against Flores’ aggressive defensive scheme, the Giants must be prepared to adapt their game plan. Carmen Bricillio and the Giants’ tight ends and running backs must be ready for various defensive looks. It’s essential to make Flores pay for his pressure strategy by implementing quick plays, including tight end screens, running back screens, and hot throws. A fast-paced passing attack, where Daniel Jones quickly releases the ball, will be vital for success.

Throughout the offseason, the Giants have effectively utilized Daniel Bellinger and Jakob Johnson, who may be promoted from the practice squad, at fullback. This adds a new dynamic to their rushing attack, keeping the Vikings’ defense on their toes. This strategy could exploit the Vikings’ smaller linebackers, such as Pace and Cashman, both of whom have shorter arm lengths, making them susceptible in coverage.

If Flores deploys a six-man front at the line of scrimmage, the Giants can capitalize by targeting the space outside the numbers and in intermediate zones. This approach will depend on the adjustments made by the Vikings post-snap. Brian Daboll must ensure that the offensive plan includes counters to Flores’ aggressive tactics, allowing the Giants to exploit defensive lapses.

Another key player in this strategy is Malik Nabers. While it’s uncertain how the Vikings will defend him, he is likely to attract attention. If he finds himself in single coverage, it’s crucial to get him the ball. Conversely, if the Vikings roll coverage his way, opportunities will arise for Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, or tight ends in areas left open by the defense.

To maximize offensive efficiency, the Giants should allow Nabers to have free releases and target him downfield. If the Vikings attempt to press and play physically with him, this could create opportunities for deeper throws and mismatches. Aggressive play can generate space if the defense tries to outmuscle the Giants’ receivers.

Utilizing 3×1 formations with Nabers as the innermost receiver can draw attention from defenders. If the Vikings focus on him, it might open opportunities for deep shots to Hyatt or create space for Robinson underneath. Jones must remain vigilant to avoid costly turnovers, as seen in his preseason performance against the Houston Texans. His mobility could be a valuable asset in executing zone-read plays effectively.

Key Takeaways for the Giants vs. Vikings Matchup

The Giants have the potential to succeed against the Vikings’ defense, provided their offensive line performs well. With the expectation of frequent blitzes, Bricillo’s blocking schemes must be sharp. Daniel Jones needs to identify quick options when faced with a blitz, whether they are deep shots or quick check-downs, to mitigate the risk of negative yardage situations.

With Sam Darnold at the helm for the Vikings, this matchup presents a viable opportunity for the Giants to secure a victory. The transition in defensive coordinators for the Vikings mirrors the challenges the Giants recently faced. The offensive line must improve, and with Nabers emerging as a star, the Giants are in a strong position. With Brian Daboll calling the plays, they have the tools necessary to move the football effectively and score points as home underdogs in this critical Week 1 matchup.