Vikings’ Ivan Pace Jr. fires up rivalry with Giants before season opener

Ahead of the NFL season opener, Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. made headlines with his bold trash talk directed at the Giants. He expressed confidence in his team's defense, stating, 'We’re about to go crazy on them,' while acknowledging the Giants' recent changes, including a new play-caller in head coach Brian Daboll and the addition of rookie receiver Malik Nabers. Pace's comments were made during an interview with KTSP-TV in Minnesota, stirring up excitement and rivalry between the two teams. The Giants, who faced the Vikings in a playoff game last January, have been preparing for the matchup with a focus on the Vikings' aggressive defense, coordinated by Brian Flores. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who previously had a successful outing against the Vikings, emphasized the need for offensive strategies to counter the pressure from Flores' defense. The Giants have been complimenting the Vikings' defensive capabilities, indicating a mutual respect despite the rivalry. Pace, a second-year player, showed confidence in his team's abilities, downplaying the Giants' offensive improvements. He acknowledged the talent of Jones, Nabers, and running back Devin Singletary but maintained that the Vikings' defense would prevail. His remarks have added an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming game, as both teams look to assert their dominance early in the season. As the season opener approaches, the trash talk and competitive spirit are palpable, setting the stage for an exciting clash. The Giants will aim to prove their worth against a Vikings team eager to showcase their defensive prowess, making this matchup one to watch in the NFL calendar.