Vikings hold off Jets 23-17 in London, head to bye week 5-0
Camryn Bynum of Minnesota Vikings is challenged by Allen Lazard of New York Jets during the NFL match between New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2024 in London, England. ((Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0 heading to their bye week after a 23-17 win over the New York Jets on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur in London.
The Vikings are 5-0 for the first time since 2016, but that team finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs. Minnesota’s offense had an up-and-down day, and Kevin O’Connell relied on his defense, which intercepted Aaron Rodgers three times and got three sacks.
The mark of a good team is one that can still win without playing its best. That’s exactly what the Vikings did Sunday, and they continue to prove the doubters wrong. For the second straight week, the Vikings had to hold on for a win after getting out to a three-score lead, but they did.
The key play
With under a minute to play and the Jets threatening a walk-off victory. Stephon Gilmore came up with the game-sealing interception on Aaron Rodgers. He was looking for Mike Williams, and Gilmore read the play perfectly. The Vikings signed Gilmore to a one-year contract during training camp, with their secondary decimated due to injuries.
Another pick-6 for Andrew Van Ginkel
After Ty Chandler fumbled a pitch from Sam Darnold, the Vikings’ defense came up with a huge play. Andrew Van Ginkel looked like he was going to pressure Aaron Rodgers. He dropped back in coverage, picked Rodgers off, shook a tackle and took it 63 yards for a touchdown. It gave the Vikings a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
It’s Van Ginkel’s second defensive touchdown this season. He did the same to Daniel Jones in Week 1.
Aaron Jones leaves injured
Aaron Jones had seven carries for 29 yards and one catch for 24 yards before leaving the game in the second quarter with a hip injury. He had a large ice pack on his leg, and did not return. Jones has been pivotal in the Vikings’ run game, and the offense went stagnant without him in the second half.
A rare fullback touchdown
The Vikings got down to the 2-yard line with under four minutes to play in the first half thanks to Justin Jefferson drawing pass interference penalties. C.J. Ham finished off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown to give the Vikings a 17-0 lead.
‘Will the Thrill’ is money
For once, the Vikings don’t have a kicker issue. Will Reichard made field goals from 54, 53 and 41 yards out. His 53-yarder gave the Vikings a 20-10 lead with 12:05 to play. The 41-yard gave them a 23-17 lead with 3:11 to play. Other than Reichard, Vikings’ special teams was largely a mess Sunday.
