Giants end horror start with win over Vikings
The New York Giants ended their worst start to a season in almost 40 years with a 23-7 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
The New York Giants ended their worst start to a season in almost 40 years with a 23-7 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
Eli Manning avoided throwing an interception for the first time this season, and the Giants (1-6) got a spark from recently signed running back Peyton Hillis to ruin Josh Freeman’s debut as the Minnesota quarterback.
New York’s 0-6 start was their worst since losing their opening nine games in 1976.
“The players and coaches have great pride in what we’re doing,” Manning said. “We just had to keep going, get rid of some of the mistakes, and play the way we need to play.”
“We played smart,” Manning. “Offensively, not turning the ball over and the defence played outstanding. It’s a start, we’ll go from here.”
Manning threw a 24-yard touchdown to Rueben Randle in the second quarter to give the Giants a 10-3 lead after Minnesota had taken a 7-3 edge in the first quarter when Marcus Sherels delivered an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Hillis, who was acquired last week and thrust into action because of injury concerns amongst their running backs, scored on a one-yard run that stretched the advantage to 17-7 in the third quarter.
Hillis finished with 36 yards rushing and 45 receiving in his first game of the season.
“I think I did some things to help the team win, and there’s a lot of things I didn’t,” Hillis said. “There’s a lot of room for improvement and I’m just glad I could be with this organisation and get the win tonight.”
Freeman, who was released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and signed by the Vikings (1-5) this month, completed 20 of 53 passes for 190 yards and an interception.
