When the New York Giants played the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16, they seemed to be one player away from victory. In the end, Big Blue lost on a heart-breaking field goal as time expired. That defeat has now been avenged, however, as the Giants came away with a 31-24 victory over the Vikings in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
One crucial player that was absent from the first contest between these two teams was on the field for the Wild Card round, making all the difference. Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson was excellent in New York’s postseason victory over the Vikings, slowing down Justin Jefferson and propelling the Giants to victory.
Adoree’ Jackson made the difference in the Giants’ Wild Card win
Justin Jefferson had a field day in the Vikings’ Week 16 win over the Giants. Without Adoree’ Jackson on the field, Big Blue struggled to slow down the Vikings’ unanimous First-Team All-Pro wide receiver, who went for 133 yards and one touchdown on 12 receptions. A different story was written in the Wild Card Round.
Justin Jefferson totaled only 47 yards on seven receptions and did not score a touchdown against the Giants in the playoffs. This was Adoree’ Jackson’s first game back after being out of the lineup with a knee injury since Week 12.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Adoree’ Jackson lined up across from Justin Jefferson on 85% of Jefferson’s routes. On those plays, Jefferson totaled just six receptions for 37 yards (via Field Yates).
Despite not playing a game in eight weeks, Adoree’ Jackson entered the Giants’ lineup and made an instant impact. He was nothing short of spectacular in coverage against the Minnesota Vikings. “I’m just doing my job,” said the humbler Adoree’ Jackson following his clutch postseason performance (via SNYGiants).
Another difficult matchup is in store for Adoree’ Jackson and the Giants’ secondary this Saturday. The Giants will travel to Philadelphia to face the first-seed Eagles this weekend. Their passing attack is led by two one-thousand-yard-receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Adoree’ Jackson will need to rise to the occasion once again if the Giants want to slow down the Eagles’ offense and make their way to the NFC Conference Championship Game.