4 reasons why the Vikings will beat the Giants in Week 16

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 17: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates on the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 17: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates on the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports) Harrison Smith /

New York doesn’t get a lot of chunk plays through the air

That limited time Daniel Jones has in the pocket really limits the effectiveness of a deep passing game for the Giants. In fact, there is one statistical category where they are dead last and it’s not even close.

When it comes to passes of 20 yards or more. New York only has 21 on the season, six less than the second-worst in that category.  They just can’t push the ball down the field at a high rate and rely on short passes and yards after the catch to move the chains.

This feeds directly into the Minnesota Vikings’ conservative defensive scheme. If the Giants keep the ball in front of Minnesota, they could be in for a very long day on offense if their run game doesn’t pick up the slack.

Limiting Daniel Jones’ time in the pocket will not only create sacks but force early or bad throws the defense can shut down or get after. Minnesota should prioritize getting pressure and making Jones nervous.