5 Things To Know About Vikings vs Giants
By Adam Carlson
The 1-4 Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to take on the 0-6 New York Giants on Monday Night Football this week. This will be the Vikings first prime time game this season and will kick off at approximately 7:40 pm Central Time. Here are five things to know going into the game:
December 9, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers former head coach Jon Gruden talks during a presentation celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2002 Super Bowl Champions during halftime against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. The Eagles won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The game will be called by Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden. The ESPN team of announcers will handle the play-by play for this game. Many remember Gruden for his time as an NFL head coach, winning a Super Bowl championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his first year coaching there. Mike Tirico has been a part of the ESPN family since 1991 when he was an anchor on the popular sports program, SportsCenter.
Sept 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; NFL referee Tony Corrente (99) acknowledges fans before the game between the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers at MetLIfe Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Corrente will act as the head referee for the game. Corrente started as a referee back in 1971, but joined the NFL’s officiating staff in 1995. He has worked up to calling multiple Super Bowls. In 2011, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, but eliminated the problem through chemotherapy and radiation instead of surgery. When he is not on the field maintaining order, Corrente is a high school social sciences teacher.
Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Martin-USA TODAY Sports
This is a MUST WIN game for both squads. Expectations were high for both of these teams entering the season. Both the Giants and the Vikings were expected to contest for the titles of their respective divisions. Instead, they both sit at the bottom of them. In order to have a chance to be taken seriously, both these teams need to start winning IMMEDIATELY.
Oct 6, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing an interception in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Eli Manning vs the Vikings pass defense. Manning currently leads the NFL in interceptions (15) while the Vikings lead the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed per game (2.6). Eli isn’t afraid to throw the deep ball despite all those interceptions. He’s tied for third in the NFL with five passes of 40+ yards. The banged up Vikings secondary will have their hands full with guys like Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Reuben Randle.
Sep 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) sets to throw during the second half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
It will be Josh Freeman’s first start as Vikings quarterback. It didn’t take long for the Freeman to work his way into the starting role. Less than 2 weeks after being signed, he will be working with an abbreviated play calling set. It will be interesting to see if he can take advantage of a struggling Giants secondary with his strong arm and field vision.
The stage has been set for what some have been calling “The Desperation Bowl”. Both the Giants and the Vikings will be ready for a hard fought game on Monday Night Football. Just remember to sit back and enjoy the game, no matter what happens.