Giants get 1st win, beat sloppy Vikings 23-7

Peterson held in check on Monday Night Football

New York Giants kicker Josh Brown (3) kicks a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks a tackle by New York Giants' Jon Beason (52) as Jerome Felton (42) trails the play during the second half.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants got their first win of the season Monday night by holding Adrian Peterson in check and converting Minnesota mistakes into a 23-7 victory.

The Giants began the season with six losses in which they were the team turning over the ball and showing little penchant for playing defense. But against the Vikings (1-5), they were efficient enough, if not overwhelming, and had three takeaways.

Peterson, the league’s MVP last season, was held to 28 yards rushing five days after his 2-year-old son was buried in South Dakota. The man accused in the death was indicted on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges Monday.

Peterson was not aided by a rusty Josh Freeman, making his debut as Vikings quarterback.

Josh Brown kicked three field goals, Rueben Randle caught a 24-yard TD pass and Peyton Hills ran for a TD for New York (1-6).