The Minnesota Vikings secured a hard-fought 23-17 victory over the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, maintaining their undefeated record at 5-0 for the first time since 2016. Despite an early 17-0 deficit, the Jets rallied back, but ultimately fell short in their comeback attempt.
The turning point of the game came when Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel intercepted a pass from Aaron Rodgers and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown, extending the Vikings' lead to 10-0. This marked Van Ginkel's second pick-6 of the season, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, faced a rare struggle as he threw three interceptions in the game, a first for him in the first quarter. Despite a late surge that included two touchdown passes, Rodgers' turnovers proved costly for the Jets.
The Jets' offense, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, faced challenges throughout the game, with Darnold finishing 14 of 31 for 179 yards with an interception and a fumble. The Vikings' defense, anchored by standout performances from players like Van Ginkel and Stephon Gilmore, proved to be a formidable force.
Kicker Will Reichard played a crucial role for the Vikings, converting three field goals, including a 53-yarder, to help secure the win. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson also had a standout performance with a career-high 13 catches for 101 yards.
With this victory, the Vikings extended their record to 5-0 and became the first team to achieve a 4-0 record in regular-season international games, all of which have been victories in London.
Looking ahead, the Jets will face the Buffalo Bills next Monday night, while the Vikings will enjoy a bye week before hosting the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Despite the challenges faced by both teams, the game showcased the competitive spirit and resilience of the players, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the NFL season.
