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The Vikings fend off the Jets’ ball in London and improve to 5-0
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The Vikings fend off the Jets’ ball in London and improve to 5-0

On Sunday, London turned into a football city, and Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets had a chance for a game-winning win against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But Stephon Gilmore intercepted Rodgers with the Jets in the red zone and the Vikings were able to defend their 23:17 victory and move to 5-0.

It was a mixed performance for the Vikings, who started the game strong but were unable to keep going on offense in the second quarter. Aaron Rodgers, meanwhile, got off to a rough start but gained momentum as the game wore on, bringing the Jets to within six points in the fourth quarter before making the late pick.

The Vikings offense opened the scoring with a field goal in the first quarter, and the Minnesota defense was able to shut down the Jets from the jump. Rodgers threw two costly interceptions in the first quarter, starting with a pick-six by Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.

On the next drive, Rodgers threw another interception, with his throw easily intercepted by Minnesota safety Camryn Bynum. It’s the first time since 2022 that Rodgers has multiple interceptions in a game.

It wasn’t until five minutes into the second quarter that the Jets offense managed a first down.

The Vikings, meanwhile, were able to keep going on offense and gain good field position thanks to some Jets penalties. Minnesota scored another touchdown four minutes before the end of the half, with CJ Ham rushing a few yards for the score.

In less than two minutes, Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson made an outstanding 30-yard punt return that gave New York good field position for a final possession of the first half. Rodgers was almost sacked, but was able to deflect the throw to Allen Lazard for a touchdown, increasing the score to 17-7 at halftime.

The third quarter was slow offensively as the Jets defense was able to get some big stops against Minnesota. The Jets struck again with a field goal in the final minutes of the third quarter, with Rodgers continuing the drive despite his leg being bent awkwardly beneath him.

The Vikings scored another field goal in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 20-10, while Minnesota’s defense helped keep the score tied by releasing three sacks on Rodgers in the second half to put the Jets ahead prevent them from leaving the field. But a massive interception by Sam Darnold gave the Jets a chance for a momentum shift. Brandin Echols pulled in the pick to give the ball back to the Jets.

The Jets were able to convert that into another touchdown, with Rodgers throwing to Garrett Wilson to bring New York within three points.

On the next drive, Minnesota had to settle for a field goal after the Jets’ defense kept them out of the end zone, extending the lead to 23-17.

It came down to one final drive for the Jets, who had more than two minutes to tie the game with a touchdown. But Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore had another idea and gave Rodgers his third interception with a huge, game-winning pick.

The Vikings return triumphantly from Europe, improving to 5-0 and starting the season particularly strongly. But there are still some questions that need to be answered on offense. Darnold, who was Minnesota’s unlikely savior after JJ McCarthy’s season-ending surgery, was 14 of 31, throwing for 179 yards and not scoring a touchdown. Minnesota’s entire offense struggled on first downs in the second half and was fortunate that the defense was able to preserve the win. The Vikings need to improve their offensive production if they want to remain undefeated.

New York is now 2-3, with the team raising its own questions as the season progresses.

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