A confusing identity shift holds back the Giants’ offense and Jaxson Dart in New York’s Week 16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings
The New York Giants produced a stinker against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.
Another week and another New York Giants loss. The march toward the first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft continues with New York’s rough performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.
The Giants’ offense was nonexistent in their 16-13 loss to Minnesota, producing just 141 total yards. Several things contributed to the weak outing, including a significant injury to their most important offensive starter.
Let’s dig into the negatives and some of the positives from the game.
Giants approach using Jaxson Dart more carefully
As soon as the Giants got the football, they went all in on running the football. This was evidenced by 16 rushing attempts in the first two drives and a complete avoidance of throwing the ball.
While this may have been a game-plan measure to go after the Vikings’ run defense, it feels more like Mike Kafka wanted to be overly protective of Dart. In previous games, Dart was an active participant in the run game, with many designed runs. They were also previously more willing to let him drop back and scramble to produce chunk plays. Today, he registered only two total rushing attempts.
Today’s play-calling was a complete identity shift, as if they were trying to keep him from being teed off by the Vikings’ defensive line. It felt like Kafka was afraid that, with mounting concerns about Dart’s injuries tied to his over-aggressiveness, he would get hurt.
The lack of willingness to let Dart play freely really sapped the offense’s production. This was by far Dart’s worst day by a long shot, as he completed seven passes on 13 attempts for 33 yards and no touchdowns. He did throw an interception, but it was due to a brutal drop by Theo Johnson.
Giants OL struggles to protect Dart without Andrew Thomas
The Giants’ offensive line lost Andrew Thomas in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury, and they struggled mightily in the second half. The Vikings’ defense was one of the most aggressive coming into the game. Thomas’ injury made it nearly impossible to protect Dart.
During the entire game, the Giants allowed five sacks. On every dropback, Dart was smothered and contacted almost immediately. This made it impossible for the passing game to generate any rhythm.
Brian Burns and Abdul Carter produce massive sacks
With the Giants’ offense struggling to produce touchdowns, they needed someone to step up on defense to turn the tide of the game. Of course, that player was pass rusher Brian Burns.
This massive strip sack that produced a defensive touchdown was an enormous reminder of how impactful Burns is. Effectively building the defense around him is the key to the Giants reaching their true potential. It’s even more exciting that his counterpart, rookie Abdul Carter, had a sack in the fourth quarter as well.
Kicker Ben Sauls has a successful debut
New York’s kicker situation has been a gigantic headache this year. It’s been an unsolvable issue, as they entered the game on their fourth kicker. This week, they moved on from veteran Younghoe Koo after a rough stretch and turned to the unproven Ben Sauls. He stepped up to the challenge.
He would finish the game 2-for-2 on field goal attempts, connecting on a 27-yard and a 39-yard field goal.
After today’s game, the Giants shift their focus to a matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders in a battle for the first overall pick.
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