Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The defense had a rollercoaster afternoon. The unit started off allowing 10 points in the first 20 minutes of the game. After that, the team looked phenomenal holding Minnesota scoreless until the fourth quarter. However, when the Giants needed them the most the defense vanished, allowing 17 fourth-quarter points.
The biggest positive on the day was New York’s pass rush as they sacked Kirk Cousins four times and hit him 11 times. The pressure was consistent throughout the game and was likely the only reason Cousins didn’t end up with a record-breaking performance.
Minnesota’s weapons in the passing game were simply too good for the Giants’ banged-up defensive backfield. The safety and linebacker play has been subpar all season, allowing several 100-yard rushers and tight ends to feast.
While Dalton Cook was held relatively in check, T.J. Hockenson was unstoppable as he totaled 109 yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions. And then Justin Jefferson is simply unstoppable for almost any team, especially a team with practice squad cornerbacks, so his 133-yard performance came to no one’s surprise.
This was definitely a tough test for New York but they will have an opportunity to see a more even matchup next week when they face an unimpressive Colts offense that is missing Jonathan Taylor.
