Vikings' Sam Darnold eager to prove himself in season opener against Giants

(Photo credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and Minnesota Vikings point guard Sam Darnold have a few things in common — and a few key differences — heading into Sunday afternoon's season opener in East Rutherford, N.J.

Jones is trying to prove he deserves to keep the Giants' starting job in his sixth year with New York. Meanwhile, Darnold, in his first season with the Vikings, wants to reassure management, the coaching staff, his teammates and the fans that he has what it takes to play center for 17 games.

Both teams are looking to turn the page on losing seasons and become playoff contenders. The Giants went 6-11 in 2023, while Minnesota finished 7-10.

“I understand the role of a quarterback better,” said Darnold, who spent last season as a backup to the San Francisco 49ers. “That’s what coach (Kevin) O’Connell tells me: Just to play the role of leader, give our guys space and let them work.”

In 2023, Jones started six games for New York before tearing his right ACL in November and missing the remainder of the season. He completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 909 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions, and his passer rating of 70.5 was a career-low.

Jones, 27, has a new weapon in receiver Malik Nabers, who the team selected sixth overall out of LSU in this year's draft. Other playmakers, including receiver Darius Slayton, will look to make a difference against the Vikings' new defense, led by free agent Stephon Gilmore.

Slayton said he and his teammates feel confident heading into the first week of the season.

“In the first week, you didn’t see anybody play a real game,” Slayton said. “You get a feel for what people are going to do, what they’ve done in the past and what kind of schemes they’ve liked in the past. But at the end of the day, it’s about going out there and executing.”

“All 11 of us are on the same page, we are focused on the goals we want to achieve and we are trying to dictate the game as much as possible in attack.”

The Vikings will try to do their part on defense under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Minnesota selected Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner in the first round of April's draft, and he'll have a chance to rush the pocket alongside free agent Jonathan Greenard, who recorded 12.5 sacks with the Houston Texans last season.

The Giants also hope a new addition will bolster their attack.

Brian Burns joined New York from the Carolina Panthers via an offseason trade and hopes to form a solid combination for opposing offensive lines alongside Dexter Lawrence II, who will start at nose tackle.

“I'd be disappointed if I wasn't a player who had less than 10 sacks, anywhere,” Burns said. “I mean, those are just my personal goals.”

Flores praised the Giants' offensive ability, but said his defense would be ready to contain New York.

“The first week, everyone has new ideas,” Flores said. “Everyone has a new piece they’re excited to play. I have a few myself.”

Receivers Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor were limited in Minnesota's practice Wednesday with ankle injuries.

The Giants had four players limited during Wednesday's practice, including linebacker Micah McFadden (groin) and safety Dane Belton (back).

–Field level media