EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Sam Darnold threw two touchdown passes in a highly efficient performance and Andrew Van Ginkel scored on a spectacular one-handed 10-yard interception return to lead the Minnesota Vikings to an easy 28-6 victory over the woeful New York Giants on Sunday.
Darnold, who played his home games at MetLife Stadium for three seasons after being taken No. 3 overall by the Jets in 2018, had touchdown passes of 3 yards to Justin Jefferson and 21 to Jalen Nailor in his Vikings debut.
Darnold also had a 22-yard pass to Josh Oliver to help set up Aaron Jones' 3-yard TD run that put Minnesota ahead 7-3 late in the first quarter and got Kevin O'Connell's team off to a good start as it looks to rebound from a disappointing 7-10 season.
Van Ginkel's left-handed grab of Daniel Jones' swing pass deep in his own territory late in the third quarter put an exclamation point on a solid defensive performance by Brian Flores' unit and had Giants fans booing loudly as they headed to the exits down 28-6.
Darnold, who signed as a free agent after being a backup in San Francisco last season, was 19 of 24 for 208 yards and one interception that came on a deflected pass. He's starting because first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Jefferson had four catches for 59 yards, with his TD coming on a quick slant on a fourth-down pass. It capped a 99-yard drive that he ignited with a 44-yard catch.
Graham Gano kicked field goals of 23 and 50 yards for the Giants, who played just like the team that posted a 6-11 record last season.
Jones, who was coming off major knee surgery, did not play well and got little help from either his new revamped offensive line or his receivers. First-round draft pick Malik Nabers had five receptions for 66 yards, including two for 25 yards.
Jones finished 22 of 42 for 186 yards and two interceptions.
Giants co-owner and chief executive John Mara said after last season he wanted to see significant progress this year. But New York did little on offense with coach Brian Daboll taking over the play calling and the Giants got little pressure on Darnold despite acquiring edge rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina in the offseason.
Injuries
Vikings: WR Jordan Addison was ruled out after an ankle injury in the second half.
Giants: Returner Gunner Olszewski aggravated a groin injury in pregame warmups and did not play. WR Darius Slayton handled punt returns and running backs Eric Gray and Tyrone Tracy had kickoffs. ... LB Carter Coughlin, who was elevated off the practice squad, sustained a first-half pectoral injury. ... CB Nick McCloud left in the second half with a knee injury.
Up Next
Vikings: Host San Francisco next Sunday.
Giants: at Washington next Sunday.
Vikings intercept Giants, score 4th touchdown
Andrew Van Ginkel intercepts the Giants at the 10-yard line to score a touchdown and Will Reichard gets the extra point. The Vikings are now up 28-6 over the Giants.
Jordan Addison ruled out
The Vikings ruled out wide receiver Jordan Addison for the rest of the game due to an ankle injury.
Addison had been carted off the field for an ankle sprain during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns last month.
Giants' Gano scores field goal
The Giants' Graham Gano kicked a 50-yard field goal, scoring three points. The Giants are now trailing the Vikings by 15 points in the second half of the third quarter for a score of 21-6.
Vikings' Jalen Nailor scores touchdown
Jalen Nailor catches a 21-yard pass from Sam Darnold, scoring a touchdown. Will Reichard scores the extra point and the Vikings are now ahead of the Giants by 18.
Vikings' 99-yard scoring drive longest since 2008
The Vikings' 99-yard scoring drive in the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants marked the team's longest since 2008.
Vikings ahead 14-3 after second touchdown
Vikings' wide receiver Justin Jefferson catches a pass from quarterback Sam Darnold, scoring a touchdown. Will Reichard scores the extra point, putting the Vikings ahead of the Giants 14-3.
Vikings' Aaron Jones scores touchdown
The Minnesota Vikings' Aaron Jones scores a 3-yard touchdown and Will Reichard gets the extra point, bringing the Vikings to a 7-3 lead over the Giants.
Giants score first field goal
The New York Giants' Graham Gano scores the first points of the game with a 23-yard field goal. The Giants now have the lead over the Vikings 3-0.
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