The Giants were planning to post the abuse on message boards ahead of their season opener on Sunday.
Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. criticized a Giants offense that changed its play-caller (head coach Brian Daboll) during the offseason and added a potentially elite rookie receiver (Malik Neighbors).
“We're going to be crazy. We're not going to be the ones to win the match.” Pace told Minnesota's KTSP-TV.“We're going to be crazy about them. It's going to be amazing.”
“LOL,” Giants right tackle Jermaine El-Monteau posted shortly after Pace's comments began circulating on X.
It's not clear if that had anything to do with the name-calling.
Pace was in his second year as a pro and wasn't yet in the NFL when quarterback Daniel Jones dominated the Vikings for 301 yards and two touchdowns through the air and 78 more on the ground, helping Daboll surpass Kevin O'Connell as coach in the playoffs on Jan. 15, 2023.
Pace was given the opportunity to retract his comments and praise Jones, Neighbors and running back Devin Singletary, who he said were “good,” but that he has confidence in his team.
“They look good. They look good,” Pace said, “but I know our defense. I know what's in the locker room. So we'll be OK.”
The Giants praised the Vikings' offensive-minded defense under Brian Flores this week.
Daboll was selected over Flores, also a former Patriots assistant coach, in the Giants' coaching selection following the 2021 season.
“You have to have an answer, you have to have a way of dealing with it,” Jones said. “This system, this defense, it puts a lot of pressure on the offense, on the quarterback. You have to see it, understand what's going on and be prepared.”
