The Minnesota Vikings’ offense had its worst efficiency of the yr, however Brian Flores’ protection got here by to stave off a New York Jets comeback to stay undefeated.
With the 23-17 win over New York within the NFL’s first London recreation of the yr, the Vikings are 5-0, whereas the Jets transfer to 2-3 on the yr.
Aaron Rodgers had a brutal first half with a number of interceptions thrown, together with one to Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who ran it again 63 yards for the pick-six.
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to be to cross towards the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (Shaun Brooks-Imagn Photos)
However, because the Vikings stalled many of the second half, Rodgers discovered himself with lower than three minutes to play in his ultimate drive trying to mount a comeback from 17 or extra factors for the primary time in over a decade.
Rodgers was working his means down the sector, utilizing Garrett Wilson, who lastly had a breakout recreation along with his quarterback, in addition to different targets to search out himself in Vikings territory with greater than sufficient time to attain a landing with an additional level wanted for the victory.
However, on third-and-10 from the Minnesota 26-yard line, Rodgers needed to throw a contested ball to Mike Williams on the suitable sideline. Nonetheless, it was veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore who made the powerful interception to seal the victory.
JETS KICKER’S PRE-GAME WARMUPS INTERRUPTED BY VIKINGS CHEERLEADERS IN HILARIOUS SCENE
It marked Rodgers’ third interception of the sport, as he was 29-for-54 for 244 yards with two touchdowns.
Sam Darnold went into this recreation saying all the suitable issues about his unhealthy tenure with the Jets in press conferences main as much as the sport. The Jets chosen him third total out of USC six years in the past. With the Vikings, Darnold has regarded like what Jets followers hoped he can be, however the Gang Inexperienced protection made it onerous on him on this one.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws towards the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos)
Darnold had his worst recreation as a Viking, going 14-for-31 for 179 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
Justin Jefferson was his prime receiver with six catches for 92 yards, however he had 14 targets on this one, although many flags have been referred to as on the cornerbacks making an attempt to maintain him at bay for holding and cross interference.
It’s additionally value noting that veteran operating again Aaron Jones needed to depart the sport on account of an harm within the first half, which took a giant piece out of this red-hot Vikings offense.
Nonetheless, the Vikings proved they’re a real contender as a result of, regardless of the offense’s shortcomings, the protection stepped up and made the performs wanted to go again throughout the pond with the victory.
Minnesota Vikings’ Andrew Van Ginkel celebrates as he scores after an interception towards the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in London. (AP Picture/Ian Walton)
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As for that Rodgers reference to Wilson, the speedy receiver had 13 receptions for 101 yards along with his core on 22 targets. If there may be any optimistic to take from a troublesome loss, Jets followers ought to really feel good realizing Rodgers and Wilson look to lastly be on the identical web page.
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