The New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings delivered a tense defensive battle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Minnesota’s 23–17 victory cemented their status as the NFC’s only unbeaten team. Below, we break down the pivotal player performances that defined this gritty London matchup.
Passing Game: Turnovers Overshadow Comeback Attempt
- Aaron Rodgers (NYJ): Struggled acutely early, throwing three interceptions—including a pick-six by Andrew Van Ginkel—before rallying late with two TD passes. Finished 29/54, 244 yards but was hampered by a low ankle sprain.
- Sam Darnold (MIN): Managed conservatively (14/31, 179 yards, 1 INT), relying on his defense. His efficiency in the red zone set up C.J. Ham’s rushing TD.
- Game-sealing play: Stephon Gilmore’s interception with 44 seconds left—Rodgers’ third pick—clinched the win, highlighting Minnesota’s opportunistic secondary.
Table: Quarterback Comparison
| Player | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TD/INT | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Rodgers | 29/54 | 244 | 2/3 | 4Q TD to Wilson |
| S. Darnold | 14/31 | 179 | 0/1 | Drive for Ham TD |
Rushing Attack: Ground Games Stifled
Both defenses dominated the line:
- Vikings: Ty Chandler (14 carries, 30 yards) and Aaron Jones (7 carries, 29 yards) were contained, though Jones exited early with a hip injury.
- Jets: Breece Hall managed only 23 yards on 9 carries (2.6 avg). The Jets totaled just 36 rushing yards, exposing a one-dimensional offense.
Receiving Standouts: Wilson vs. Jefferson
- Garrett Wilson (NYJ): Emerged as Rodgers’ safety valve with 13 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD. His fourth-quarter score nearly sparked a comeback.
- Justin Jefferson (MIN): Anchored Minnesota’s air attack (6 catches, 92 yards), including a deep shot that set up a field goal.
- Tight ends: Tyler Conklin (6 rec, 55 yards) was productive before a medical exit, weakening the Jets’ late options.
Table: Top Receivers
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Wilson | NYJ | 13 | 101 | 1 |
| Justin Jefferson | MIN | 6 | 92 | 0 |
| Tyler Conklin | NYJ | 6 | 55 | 0 |
Defensive Leaders: Vikings’ Playmakers Shine
- Andrew Van Ginkel: Changed momentum with a pick-six off Rodgers—the fifth such INT of Rodgers’ career.
- Stephon Gilmore: Sealed the win with his late interception, adding to Rodgers’ misery. The secondary held the Jets to just 5.1 yards per pass.
- Front-seven impact: Vikings hit Rodgers multiple times, stifled the run, and forced numerous penalties.
Injury Report: Key Absences Mount
- Jets: CB Sauce Gardner (concussion), TE Tyler Conklin (undisclosed), and Rodgers (ankle) all suffered mid-game injuries, depleting their core.
- Vikings: RB Aaron Jones (hip) exited early, while Sam Darnold briefly left after a hard hit but returned.
Game Context: What the Stats Reveal
- Defensive duel: Combined 5 turnovers and nearly identical total yards underscored the slugfest. Minnesota’s defense scored as many TDs as Rodgers managed before garbage time.
- Red zone disparity: Vikings capitalized on their goal-to-go chances; the Jets settled for field goals until late.
- London legacy: Vikings improved to 5–0 overall and remained undefeated in international games, leveraging defensive depth to survive Rodgers’ rally.
Conclusion: Resilience vs. Regression
The Vikings’ defense proved championship-caliber, bailing out an average offensive day with two game-altering interceptions. For the Jets, Rodgers’ turnovers and a nonexistent run game raise alarms. With Buffalo looming, New York must address protection and health to salvage playoff hopes, while Minnesota—fueled by a historic defense—eyes a deep January run.