EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — As he addressed his players in the locker room after the Vikings earned a 28-6 win in their season opener on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, head coach Kevin O’Connell handed out game balls to quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Aaron Jones, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, edge rusher Dallas Turner and safety Harrison Smith.

Truthfully, O’Connell could’ve handed out about a dozen game balls based on how dominant the Vikings were in their dismantling of the New York Giants. It was the type of performance that might have some people reconsidering how they talk about the Vikings.

Here are five takeaways from the Vikings’ win over the Giants:

1. Sam Darnold looks the part

You couldn’t draw up a better start to Darnold’s career with the Vikings. He completed 12 straight passes to start the game as the offense slowly started to get rolling. The highlight for Darnold was undoubtedly the 11-play, 99-yard drive he led that helped the Vikings take complete control. Not only was Darnold poised throughout that particular possession, he was also clutch, finding star receiver Justin Jefferson for a touchdown near the goal line after the Vikings decided to go for it on fourth down. Though the outing from Darnold doesn’t necessarily mean he has it all figured out, it’s certainly a good sign heading into a tough matchup with the San Francisco 49ers next weekend.

2. Aaron Jones has some juice

If there was any doubt about Jones having something left in the tank, he put that narrative to rest as he helped lead the Vikings. He finished with 14 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown, looking explosive whether he was taking a carry up the middle or bouncing a run to the outside. The presence of Jones in the backfield should open up the playbook on offense.  How many times last season did the Vikings have a run blocked up well only to have it gain minimal yardage? That won’t be an issue this season with Jones running the ball.

3. Justin Jefferson is still good

It’s almost weird to talk about a convincing win and not have Jefferson be a focal point of the discussion. That said, Jefferson still managed to produce a highlight, hauling in a 44-yard catch from Darnold on a play they had been working on since training camp. The fact that Jefferson so effortlessly came down with the reception should give Darnold more confidence to throw the ball his way moving forward.

4. Andrew Van Ginkel is a dude

It was hard to keep track of Van Ginkel on the field. He was everywhere. Whether he was bringing down maligned quarterback Daniel Jones in the open field for a sack, blowing up a run in the backfield, or intercepting a pass and returning it 10 yards for a touchdown, Van Ginkel might have been the best player on the field for either team. There are so many things that Van Ginkel can do on the field, and it’s not hard to envision him becoming an ultimate chess piece for defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

5. Dallas Turner posts a sack

As impressive as Van Ginkel was throughout the game, there’s also something to be said about Turner getting a sack in his NFL debut. Not only did he loop around perfectly on a stunt in the trenches, Turner finished with force while bringing Jones down for the sack. There are going to be more opportunities like that for Turner this season, and it’s on him to make the most of them.

Related Articles

Vikings unveil new look with dominant 28-6 win over Giants in season opener

Vikings receiver Jordan Addison knocked out of season opener with ankle injury

The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 1: Last-minute moves

Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy had no idea he tore his meniscus. Now he’s trying to make the most of it.

Vikings at Giants: What to know ahead of Week 1 matchup