3 reasons for optimism in Week 1

The New York Giants will open up the 2024 regular season at MetLife Stadium on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

The two teams will meet for the first time since the Giants upset the Vikings in the playoffs two years ago. However, both sides have experienced significant change since then.

Both the Giants and Vikings enter Week 1 with low expectations and each will be going up against a competitive race in their respective divisions.

With the Giants trying to start the season off with a win, here are three reasons for optimism ahead of Sunday’s game.

Credit: New York Giants

A special year honoring the franchise’s 100th season

The Giants are celebrating their 100th season in the National Football League. There will be a little bit of extra buzz in Week 1 as the Giants will be sporting their “Century Red” uniforms to honor the franchise. This will be the lone game they will wear these uniforms this season.

The Giants also revealed their 100th-season stadium design earlier this week which will create a little extra juice around this game.

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Players and play-callers making their Giants debut

Sunday will mark the Giants’ debut for big-time acquisition Brian Burns, running back Devin Singletary, and rookies Malik Nabers and Tyler Nubin.

Burns got a lucrative contract from the Giants after they traded for him and will look to take the Giants’ pass rush to the next level. Meanwhile, Singletary is out to help Giants fans forget about Saquon Barkley and there is a lot of hype around the rookies Malik Nabers and Tyler Nubin.

Look for all these players to get their Giants tenures off to hot starts.

The Giants will also have new playcallers on both sides of the ball. While defensive coordinator Shane Bowen will look for his defense to attack and be aggressive, head coach Brian Daboll will take over the offensive play-calling. Look for both of the play-callers to want to prove they were the right man for the job in their respective debuts.

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Forcing Turnovers

Believe it or not, the Giants’ defense caused the most turnovers in the league last season. With the addition of pass rusher Brian Burns, the front seven should improve dramatically.

The front seven should be able to get some pressure on Sam Darnold and force a few turnovers on Sunday.