It was over when ...
Giants QB Eli Manning threw the third of his four interceptions to safety Dwight Smith in the fourth quarter. It was the second pick for Smith, who returned it 93 yards for a touchdown, giving the Vikings a 34-10 lead. It was also the second pick-six for Manning in three pass attempts.
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| Rich Kane / US PRESSWIRE |
| Giants QB Eli Manning threw four interceptions, two to Vikings safety Dwight Smith. |
Game ball
While Manning was on his way to his worst game of the season (21-of-49, 273 yards, one TD, four INTs), Vikings rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was having perhaps his best game, going an efficient 10-of-12 for 129 yards and one touchdown.
Key stat
The Vikings converted all four of Manning's interceptions into touchdowns. CB Darren Sharper returned the first 20 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings turned Smith's first pick into seven points on an 8-yard Chester Taylor run. After Smith's 93-yards return, Manning threw a pick to LB Chad Greenway that was returned 37 yards for a score.
Noteworthy
The game marked just the 10th time in league history that a team returned three interceptions for touchdowns, and the first time the feat has been accomplished by the Vikings. ... Minnesota entered the game ranked last in the league in pass defense. ... The only other time Manning has thrown four interceptions was also against the Vikings, in a game the Giants lost 24-21 on Nov. 13, 2005.
