Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants: First Quarter Recap and Second Quarter Discussion

The good guys are on top after the first fifteen minutes

We’ve reached the end of the first quarter at MetLife Stadium with the Minnesota Vikings holding a 7-3 lead over the New York Giants in the 2024 NFL season opener.

The Giants got the football first in this one, as the Vikings won the toss and chose to defer to the second half. The Vikings’ defense forced a three-and-out on the Giants’ first possession, losing 11 yards in the process, and the purple took over after a Jamie Gillian punt at their own 15-yard line.

Unfortunately, the Vikings’ first offensive drive went even worse, as Sam Darnold was sacked by Dexter Lawrence on the second play from scrimmage, and on third down C.J. Ham caught a pass and fumbled it away with the Giants recovering at the Minnesota 20-yard line.

Fortunately, the Minnesota defense stood up again, limiting the damage to a 23-yard field goal from Graham Gano to give the home team a 3-0 lead halfway through the quarter.

It looked like the Vikings might go three-and-out on their next possession, but a pass interference call on the Giants against Jordan Addison moved the ball into Giants’ territory. Darnold then found Josh Oliver to set up a first-and-goal, and two plays later the Vikings turned it into points courtesy of a 3-yard touchdown run from Aaron Jones. Will Reichard added the extra point and the Vikings took a 7-3 lead with just under four minutes to play in the first quarter.

The Giants have moved into Minnesota territory as the first quarter comes to an end, and they’ll be looking at a 2nd-and-16 from the Minnesota 41-yard line when the second quarter gets underway.

We’re fifteen minutes into the 2024 NFL season opener, and your Minnesota Vikings lead the New York Football Giants by a score of 7-3. Come join us for the second quarter!