The Giants just got some trash talk to hang on their bulletin board before Sunday’s season opener.
Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. took a shot at the Giants offense that has changed play-callers (head coach Brian Daboll) and added a potentially elite rookie receiver (Malik Nabers) over the offseason.
“We’re about to go crazy. It ain’t even going to be no matchup,” Pace told KTSP-TV in Minnesota. “We’re about to go crazy on them. It’s going to be cool.”
Shortly after Pace’s words began circulating on X, Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor posted “LOL.”
It is not clear if it was related to the trash talk.
Pace is a second-year pro who was not in the NFL yet when quarterback Daniel Jones torched the Vikings for 301 yards and two touchdowns through the air and another 78 on the ground and Daboll out-coached Kevin O’Connell in a playoff win on Jan. 15, 2023.
Given a chance to walk back his words and credit Jones, Nabers and running back Devin Singletary, Pace said they were “good” but had confidence in his team.
“They look good, they look good,” Pace said. “But I know our defense. I know what we got in this locker room. So we’re going to be good.”
The Giants spent the week complimenting the attack-minded Vikings defense coordinated by Brian Flores.
Daboll edged out Flores — his fellow former Patriots assistant coach — in the Giants’ coaching search after the 2021 season.
“You’ve got to have answers and things to get to offensively,” Jones said. “This system, this defense, puts a lot of pressure on the offense, on the quarterback, and you’ve got to see it, understand what’s happening and be prepared.