Relieved Tom Coughlin reacts to Giants' victory over Vikings

Tom Coughlin stepped to the podium following Monday's game against the Minnesota Vikings as a winner for the first time in 2013, as his New York Giants dispatched the Vikings, 23-7.

Coughlin was obviously relieved after six straight losses to start the season, but deflected any talk about himself, saying "it's not about me."

"I feel good about our guys," Coughlin said. "I'm happy for our coaches, happy for our players, happy for our owners that we won."

"It's one of those 'oh, this is what it feels like.' "

The Giants' defense did not allow any points, pressured Josh Freeman during a 20-for-53 performance and held Adrian Peterson to 28 yards on 13 carries.

"I can't say enough about our defense. They just kept playing," Coughlin said. "The only real blemish was the punt return, which drove us all crazy."

Coughlin lauded the work of his running backs, especially Peyton Hillis, who carried 18 times for 36 yards and caught five passes for 45 more.

"Peyton Hillis did an outstanding job of coming right off the workout, right into a uniform, right onto the field and did a good job," Coughlin said. "Michael Cox did his part as well."

Coughlin was also pleased with the fact that Eli Manning did not throw any interceptions.

"He had good vision tonight," Coughlin said. "It's obvious that he was very, very concerned about taking care of the ball. Did a good job with that."