Minnesota Vikings (5-0) – New York Jets (2-3): 23-17
The Jets and Aaron Rodgers (29/54, 244 yards, 2 TD, 3 int) had the match ball in hand 3 minutes from time. She ended up in those of Stephon Gilmore, no recovery. The Jets were trailing by 6 points and with Aaron Rodgers on the field anything was possible. Unfortunately for the Jets, it won't be enough this time. It must be said that the men in green started too far in this match. But they gave themselves the right to believe in it until the end. Minnesota, on the other hand, continued its flawless performance despite a very sluggish match in attack.
It started very badly for the Jets. No 1e attempt before 5e possession, two interceptions in quick succession for Aaron Rodgers, including one returned for a touchdown by Andrew Van Ginkel. We expect to see them return to the locker room empty-handed. Fortunately, a touchdown in the last minute for Allen Lazard (4 recs, 34 yards, 1 TD) avoids zero points. Thank you Sam Darnold (14/31, 179 yards, 1 int) for delaying at the end of the period.
The Vikings aren't particularly flamboyant either. But at least they are moving forward despite a very good New York defense. In thirty minutes Sam Darnold lost a ball and briefly injured his ribs but he was well helped by his ground play. Ground game however orphaned by Aaron Jones (7 races, 29 yards), injured after one quarter. It was CJ Ham who finished off a nice possession three minutes before the break to bring Minnesota's tally to 17.
Sam Darnold and the rain water the field
Upon returning from the locker room, the trends of the first period seemed to be reversed. Sam Darnold does what he can against a very good New York defensive line (4 sacks). But for the Jets, things are better. A small scare on Aaron Rodgers' knee raised fears for the worst but the veteran got his team back on track despite the English rain falling on London. We almost believe in the touchdown at the end of 3e quarter but Allen Lazard lets the ball slip into the end zone and New York takes 3 points to come back to 17-10.
In 15 minutes, the Vikings scored no points. Sam Darnold desperately tries to find receivers at the end of his passes but nothing works. Short, long, on the side, it's almost systematically a failure. Worse: Darnold ends up being intercepted in the middle of the field by Brandin Echols on another long attempt.
We feel that the dynamic is completely reversed. On the next possession, Rodgers does not have to force and find Garrett Wilson (13 rec, 101 yards, 1 TD) completely alone who can scamper into the end zone. The Vikings survive thanks to two field goals from Will Reichard but are only 6 points ahead with three minutes remaining. That will be enough but it was complicated on the ground without Jones. The bye week will be good for everyone for Minnesota.
STEPHON GILMORE SEALS THE WIN WITH A PICK.#NYJvsMIN pic.twitter.com/3Li9D2uZw1
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
