Vikings hold off Rodgers and the Jets for 23-17 win in London to improve to 5-0

LONDON — Aaron Rodgers had a pointed message for Andrew Van Ginkel after the Vikings linebacker returned an interception for a stunning 63-yard touchdown. “He told me, too, ‘Christmas came early’ for me,” the humble Van Ginkel said. “I just told him ‘thank you.’” The Minnesota Vikings capitalized on two more interceptions thrown by Rodgers, securing a 23-17 victory over the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, maintaining their perfect record at 5-0 for the first time since 2016.

Despite falling behind 17-0 early in the game, the Jets mounted a late drive that could have sealed the win. However, Stephon Gilmore intercepted a pass intended for Mike Williams, thwarting their efforts. Van Ginkel’s impressive pick-six gave the Vikings a 10-0 lead after he intercepted a quick slant, broke a tackle, and sprinted down the sideline. This marked his second interception return for a touchdown this season, having also scored against the New York Giants in the opener.

Rodgers managed to find Garrett Wilson for a 1-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 20-17 with just over six minutes left. Vikings rookie kicker Will Reichard then hit a 41-yard field goal, his third of the day, to extend the lead. Wilson had a standout game with a career-high 13 catches for 101 yards.

The Jets’ slow start ultimately cost them dearly. C.J. Ham’s 2-yard touchdown run put the Vikings up 17-0 before Rodgers connected with Allen Lazard for a 14-yard touchdown late in the first half, igniting the Jets’ comeback.

After taking a hard hit in the third quarter, Rodgers briefly clutched his left leg but quickly returned to the field following a roughing the punter penalty. He drove the Jets to the Minnesota 14, where they settled for a 32-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein, making it 17-10.

Rodgers had a rough start, throwing two interceptions in the first quarter, marking the first time in his career he had done so. Following a disappointing 10-9 loss to Denver the previous week, both Rodgers and coach Robert Saleh reassured fans that their relationship remained strong.

Reichard added a 53-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to push the Vikings’ lead to 20-10. He also successfully converted a 54-yarder, maintaining his perfect record for the season. Meanwhile, Jets quarterback Sam Darnold completed 14 of 31 passes for 179 yards, along with one interception and a fumble. For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson recorded six receptions for 92 yards.

Rodgers finished the game with 29 completions on 54 attempts for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Vikings last started a season 6-0 in 2009, during Brett Favre’s first year with the team, and after a strong 5-0 start in 2016, they finished the season at 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

The Vikings are also the first team to achieve a 4-0 record in regular-season international games, all in London. The New York Giants, who won the inaugural London game in 2007, have a chance to match that record next month against the Carolina Panthers in Munich.

The Jets have a history of slow starts in London; they also fell behind 17-0 in their previous game there against the Atlanta Falcons in 2021.

**Up Next:**
– **Jets:** Host the Buffalo Bills next Monday night.
– **Vikings:** Enjoy a bye week before facing the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Oct. 20.