Vikings Beat Jets 23-17 in London Thriller, Stay Perfect with Late Interception

Sunday saw football energy all over London as Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets challenged the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Minnesota had a gold opportunity to clinch a game-winning drive but their Stephon Gilmore intercepted Rodgers in the red zone, and the Vikings beat Jets 23-17. Even in this win the Timberwolves barely overcame the Kings and this set Minnesota to an amazing record of 5-0.

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Minnesota was the first to put their marker on the board with a field goal from the first quarter. The Viking’s defence was very strong and very much so dominated the early part of the game for the Jets. Rodgers tossed two interceptions in the first quarter that could have cost the team a much needed victory. The first one was a pick-6 by Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and the second was intercepted by Minnesota safety Cam Bynum. New York Jets could not even get a first down until five minutes into the second quarter on the game.

However, the Jets’ defense usually line up in the wrong side of the field which was good for the Vikings ‘ offence because of some Jets penalties. Another point added with four minutes remaining from the first half, with fullback C.J. Ham making a touchdown.

With little time left on the clock before half time the jets Xavier Gipson almost single handedly with a 30yard punt return that set the Jets back up for a potential touchdown. Nevertheless, Rodgers was able to just avoid a sack to hit Allen Lazard for a touchdown to make the score 17-7 Vikings at the break.

Vikings Secure Hard-Fought Victory

Like in the second quarter the third quarter did not produce much progress the offense of both the sides. After that the Jets did manage to get on the board hitting a field goal near the end of the third quarter and though Rodgers rolled his leg during the drive he did not sit out of the game.

Minnesota scored another field goal in the final period bringing the tally to 20-10. But then the Vikings scored an interception because their quarterback Sam Darnold was again and the team had a moment of leverage. Rodgers seized that with a TD pass to Garrett Wilson which cut the margin to three points for the Jets.

The Vikings next drive to score a touchdown but they were unsuccessful and they had to get a field goal, taking the score 23-17.

Coming to this play, the Jets had a mere 1:40 left on the game clock and the only possibility of a draw they were looking at was a touchdown. Still, Vikings’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore came through and intercepted Rodgers in the red zone his third of the game which clinched victory for Minnesota.

While the Vikings beat Jets with now 5-0, they had to struggle for a win and people are still questioning their offence. Sam Darnold, who started the season in place of JJ McCarthy and was injured, threw 14 of 31 with 179 yards and no TDs. The first string offense suffered in that they could not make necessary first downs in the second half except to depend on their defense to win for them.

For the Jets, the loss brings their record to 2-3. Some of the questions that arises to the team is; A team challenges that they must seek to answer in the following weeks.