'Ex' factor in Giants' visit to Vikings
Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and backup Sage Rosenfels talk on the sideline during a game against the Carolina Panthers at the New Meadowlands Stadium. (Sept. 12, 2010) Credit: David Pokress
The Giants have two former Vikings heading back to Minnesota and hoping for a victory lap, but in a perfect world neither of them will play much.
Backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels and special teamer Darius Reynaud were both traded to the Giants from the Vikings just before the start of the regular season. Rosenfels was brought here to replace injured Jim Sorgi, and by all accounts has done a good job even if he hasn't thrown a pass all season. His biggest on-field influence has been as the holder for kicker Lawrence Tynes, who has converted 13 straight field-goal attempts since the Giants switched to Rosenfels from punter Matt Dodge.
Reynaud, meanwhile, never quite fulfilled his special-teams promise and has been beaten out as both a kickoff and punt returner. There's a chance he will be fielding punts this weekend if Will Blackmon is unable to play for a third straight game because of a chest injury.
More than likely, though, neither will have very much impact on the game against their former team. And at least in Rosenfels' case, that's just fine.
"I don't feel like I do [have something to prove]," Rosenfels said. "I've moved on from the Vikings. I'm enjoying my time here with teammates. We have a solid year going and the key is how we end the season. I really haven't looked back.
"We had a great year there last year, going 12-4 and reaching the championship game," Rosenfels said. "I have many fond memories of that season. Being able to work with Brett [Favre] was something that I'll remember for the rest of my life. It was a great place to play."
Reynaud seemed to have a bit bigger chip on his shoulder.
"When a team lets you go, you want to show them something of what they missed," he said.
Reynaud said he was able to give teammates a few tips on what the Vikings like to do on special teams. And he's looking forward to the noise inside the Metrodome, even mimicking the AHH-OOOOO! of the Vikings horn that bellows throughout the building.
"Can't wait to go back there and hear that horn go off," he said. When it was pointed out that the Giants do not want to hear it too often - that they heard a lifetime's worth of it last year in the 44-3 loss - Reynaud smiled.
"The only time you'll hear that will be kickoff, that's about it," he said. "Then there'll be silence."
