Giants humbled by the Vikings

By Jonathan Solomon | Tuesday, November 15, 2005 | ( 0 )

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The Minnesota Vikings walked into Giants Stadium on Sunday as huge underdogs, but by the time the game was over, it was the New York Giants that were humbled. The Vikings upset the NFC East-leader New York Giants, 24-21, even though their offense stalled all day. Head coach Mike Tice preached to his team that they needed to win on defense and special teams and they did just that.

History was made, as the Vikings were able to score on a kick-return, punt-return and an interception return. Special-teams failed the Giants for the first time this season and after the game, their players looked dejected and angry. Darren Sharper intercepted Eli Manning three times, which included one that he returned 92-yards for a touchdown. Koren Robinson returned the opening kick-off of the second half for an 86-yard touchdown. Mewelde Moore ran a punt back 71-yards in the same quarter. Other than those plays, the Vikings were lucky to walk off the
field with a lead.

The New York Giants defense allowed just 12 rushing yards and only 125 passing yards. They have not allowed an offensive touchdown in nearly 14 quarters. However, on the final drive of the game with a tie score, they couldn't stop Brad Johnson. Johnson drove down the field and got into field goal range for kicker Paul Edinger to win the game. The drive included an amazing catch by Jermaine Wiggins that saw him leap into the air between Giants' defenders.

This was clearly Eli Manning's worst game of the season. He threw four interceptions with only a touchdown to Amani Toomer. The main offense of the day came from Tiki Barber. Barber rushed for 95 yards with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion that tied the game towards the end of regulation. The Vikings defense did a tremendous job of shutting down the double-headed monster of Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress. Shockey caught five receptions for 55-yards while Burress had three receptions for 50-yards. Jay Feely went 2-for-3 on the day. He missed a 28-yard field goal in the second quarter, which in hindsight, would have resulted in overtime.

The only significant injury appears to have occurred to coach Mike Tice. On a Vikings return, Giants receiver Jamaar Taylor was pushed out of bounds. Taylor collided with Tice who never saw him coming. Tice said afterwards that he believes he strained or tore his MCL.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin was visibly upset after the game at the poor play of his special teams. Right now, the Vikings find themselves in the thick of the NFC North division race along with the Chicago Bears. The Giants, are tied for first with the Dallas Cowboys. Next week, New York welcomes the Philadelphia Eagles to town in what is shaping up to be a tight division race. The New York Giants will look to rebound off this week's devastating loss.

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