The Vikings thwarted the Jets’ 4th quarter comeback attempt to remain undefeated in London
The Minnesota Vikings offense has had its worst performance this year, but Brian Flores’ defense came through to stop the New York Jets’ comeback to remain undefeated.
With New York’s 23-17 win in London’s first NFL game of the year, the Vikings are 5-0, while the Jets go to 2-3 on the year.
Aaron Rodgers had a brutal first half with multiple interceptions, including one to Vikings quarterback Andrew Van Ginkel, who returned it 63 yards on a pick-six.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to pass against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. (Photos by Shaun Brooks-Imagn)
But, with the Vikings stalling for much of the second half, Rodgers found himself with less than three minutes to play in his final contest looking to come back with 17 or more points for the first time in more than a decade.
Rodgers was working down the field, using Garrett Wilson, who ended up having a highlight play with his quarterback, and other targets to get the Vikings on the field with more than enough time to score a touchdown and the extra point needed to win.
But, on third-and-10 from the Minnesota 26-yard line, Rodgers wanted to throw the ball to Mike Williams on the right side. However, it was veteran linebacker Stephon Gilmore who made the tough pitch to win.
JETS KICKERS PRE-GAME WARM-UP DISRUPTED VIKINGS ANALYSTS IN DISTRESSING SCENE
It marked Rodgers’ third touchdown of the game, as he was 29-for-54 for 244 yards with two touchdowns.
Sam Darnold went into the game saying all the right things about his poor performance with the Jets in the press conferences leading up to the game. The Jets picked him third overall out of USC six years ago. With the Vikings, Darnold looked like what Jets fans hoped he would be, but the Gang Green defense made it difficult for him this time.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photos by Kirby Lee-Imagn)
Darnold had his worst game as a Viking, going 14-for-31 for 179 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
Justin Jefferson was his top receiver with six catches for 92 yards, but he had 14 targets this time, even though multiple flags were called on the edge trying to block him for catches and pass interference.
It’s also worth noting that veteran running back Aaron Jones had to leave the game with an injury in the first half, which took a toll on this red-hot Vikings offense.
Still, the Vikings proved to be a true contender because, despite the offense’s shortcomings, the defense stepped up and made the necessary plays to get back across the pond with a win.
Andrew Van Ginkel of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after scoring against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, London. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
As for that connection between Rodgers and Wilson, the speedy receiver had 13 receptions for 101 yards on 22 targets. If there’s any positive to take from a tough loss, it’s that Jets fans should feel good knowing that Rodgers and Wilson are looking to finally be on the same page.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
