With just one day left before the Minnesota Vikings kick off their 2024-25 campaign against the New York Giants, the anticipation is building. The Vikings will travel to New York for their Week 1 showdown, and experts are calling this matchup a toss-up between two teams looking to make a statement early in the season.
One player who seems more than ready is Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. After an impressive rookie season where he started 11 games and led the team with 102 total tackles as an undrafted free agent, Pace has emerged as a key leader on the Vikings’ defense. Heading into his second year, Pace’s confidence is sky-high, and he didn’t shy away from expressing it when asked about the upcoming game against the Giants.
“We about to go crazy, man,” Pace said during a press conference. “Ain’t even gonna be no matchup. We gonna have to go crazy on them. It’s gonna be cool.” His bold words reflect the confidence he has in Minnesota’s defense, as they prepare to face a Giants team that has undergone significant changes.
The Giants will be without two of their biggest offensive weapons, running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Darren Waller. Both were replaced during the offseason, with the Giants signing Devin Singletary in free agency and drafting wide receiver Malik Nabers as their new star on offense. Despite these changes, Pace seemed unfazed when asked about New York’s new offensive outlook.
“Yeah, they look good, they look good,” he admitted. “But I know our defense. I know what we got in this locker room.”
RELATED: Former NFL Star Criticizes ‘Fragile’ Fans Upset Over Black National Anthem
New York, led by head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones for the third consecutive season, is facing low expectations from many analysts who anticipate the Giants will field one of the weakest offensive units in the league this year. Still, the Vikings defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, has a chance to make an early statement by applying pressure on Jones and disrupting the Giants’ offense.
For Minnesota, this game also carries a bit of personal motivation. Fans and players alike remember the painful Wild Card Weekend loss to the Giants in the 2022 playoffs. Though Ivan Pace Jr. wasn’t yet part of the Vikings organization at that time, he’s eager to help his team exact revenge and start the season strong.
The Vikings will officially open their 2024-25 season at noon CT in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at MetLife Stadium. This game will also mark the debut of new Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, as Minnesota aims to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 season and prove they’re still contenders in the NFC.
All eyes will be on Darnold and the Vikings’ defense, with Pace Jr. leading the charge as they look to set the tone for the season.
