How about the 23-year-old rookie kicker? Reichard’s two 50-yard field goals – from 53 and 54 yards out – kept the Jets at bay in a low-scoring defensive game. Reichard, a sixth-round pick out of Alabama, has now made his first 26 kicks to begin his NFL career. The 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter was crucial, taking advantage of great field position as the Jets were stuck deep in their own end zone. A disappointing 39-yard punt by the Jets and a 6-yard return by Brandon Powell put the Vikings at the Jets’ 37-yard line. Quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense sputtered, as they did most of the day, and made a three-pointer. But Reichard still added three points with a 53-yard field goal, giving them a two-point lead late in the game. That was the necessary buffer to withstand Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ touchdown throw to Garrett Wilson with six minutes left. Reichard added a 41-yard field goal later in the fourth quarter.

Andrew Van Ginkel’s 63-yard interception return for a touchdown

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, defensive coordinator Brian Flores attacked Rodgers early and often, including a 57% rate in the first half. Van Ginkel was part of a third-down pressure that led to a crucial takeaway in the first quarter. He was one of seven Vikings defenders crowded at the line of scrimmage, but he was one of two who dropped into coverage. Van Ginkel apparently slipped out of Rodgers’ sight as the Jets quarterback attempted to target receiver Garrett Wilson diagonally over the middle. Van Ginkel made a jumping pick and ran 63 yards to end the scoring. Van Ginkel has scored five touchdowns on defense and special teams in his six NFL seasons. He is the first Vikings defensive back since safety Harrison Smith in 2012 to return with two picks in the same season.

48 first quarter points in 5 games

The Vikings scored 10 points in the first quarter against the Jets, giving them 48 points in the first quarter this season. A key to their 5-0 start was taking an early lead, which put head coach Kevin O’Connell in a position to rely on the running game and Darnold in a position to run plays. The Vikings haven’t trailed since trailing 3-0 in the first quarter of a Sept. 8 win at the New York Giants. They’re averaging nearly 10 points in the first quarter this season. The impact of playing with a lead: Rodgers had to throw 54 times while giving up just 14 times to his talented running backs.