Vikings Lean on Defense to Stay Undefeated With Win Over Jets in the Sam Darnold Revenge Game
Sam Darnold truly struggled for the first time this season Sunday morning in London. He completed less than half of his passes and coughed up two turnovers as his Minnesota Vikings watched a three-possession lead slowly slip away. But when the Vikings needed a stop, with Aaron Rodgers marching the New York Jets down the field for a would-be game-winning drive, the defense delivered. Brian Flores’ unit came away with its third interception of the day – and 11th of the season – to effectively end the game.
Darnold returned to the field to kneel out the clock, and Minnesota (5–0) came out on top, 23-17. Though the Vikings did not play perfect football at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they did just enough to win. Pending the Kansas City Chiefs’ “Monday Night Football” matchup, Minnesota will enter its Week 6 bye as one of two remaining undefeated teams. The Vikings are off to their best start since 2016, and their defense has played as big a role as any unit in the
league through five weeks. Andrew Van Ginkel – an offseason free agent signing – took an interception 63 yards the other way in the first quarter for the first touchdown of the game and his second pick six of the season. Cam Bynum picked off Rodgers on the very next possession, and Stephon Gilmore’s interception in the final minute iced the game.
Sunday was the sixth time in Rodgers’ career he’s thrown three interceptions. He also attempted 54 passes, the fifth-most he’s thrown in a game, and finished with just 244 yards.
The 40-year-old quarterback took quite the beating – three sacks and 11 quarterback hits – and he limped off the field after getting crushed between two defenders in the third quarter. After the game, Rodgers told reporters he has a low ankle sprain.
The Jets (2–3) sure could use the break Minnesota has ahead, especially after an international trip, but there’s no rest for the weary with the Buffalo Bills (3–2) coming to MetLife Stadium next Monday. Rodgers didn’t get any help from running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, who combined for 36 yards on 14 carries. Just about the only thing that was working was the connection between Rodgers and Garrett Wilson, who netted 13 receptions for 101 yards on a whopping 22 targets.
Flores’ stingy defense has given up plenty of passing yards this season and has largely shut down opposing rushing attacks. Some high-powered offenses await the Vikings on the other side of the
bye, including a key divisional game at home against the Detroit Lions (3–1) in Week 7. But with wins against the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers this season, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to envision a bad matchup for this defense.
