Like last week against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings got up big early and held on late. The outcome of this game was in doubt until Stephon Gilmore collected Aaron Rodgers’ third interception of the day at the Vikings nine-yard line. Two Sam Darnold kneel-downs drained the final 44 seconds.
On paper, this was very much a Vikings team win. The offense scored seven points. The defense added seven points. Special teams chipped in nine points. They needed every one of those contributions. In reality, the Vikings defense was the reason for the win. The offense and special teams had issues throughout the game. The defense made the plays that had to be made. Head coach Kevin O’Connell gave every defensive player and coach a game ball. It was deserved. They intercepted Rodgers three times. Each was glorious. The best, of course, was Andrew Van Ginkel’s 63-yard pick-six. It was the second time in five games that he’s taken an interception for a score. The defense sacked Rodgers three times. Each was glorious. The Jets quarterback rarely looked comfortable. He ranks with Sean Payton as one of the most annoying individuals in the league. It’s always a blast to see him uncomfortable during a game. Any game. The Jets best drive of the game came as a result a very soft roughing the kicker penalty. At most, Ivan Pace’s attempted block should’ve been the five-yard variety. Instead, the Jets were gifted 15 yards and new life. They took advantage of the gift. They drove down the field and added a field to make it a one-score game at 17-10.
This was the second consecutive week in which the Vikings special teams gave the opponents some hope when there was little hope to be found. The Vikings were taking apart the Packers last week in building a 28-0 lead. A special teams miscue gift-wrapped a touchdown right before the half. Yesterday, special teams miscues handed the Jets 10 points. Handing teams scoring opportunities is never a good thing. Winning despite those miscues might be. Despite surviving, the Vikings must stop handing teams opportunities.
By his lofty standards, Justin Jefferson had another modest game.
6 catches
92 yards
It was his first game this season without a touchdown. If Jets penalties while trying to defend him are factored into his production, the yardage totals balloon to about 150 yards. Various combinations of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed held, grabbed, and generally interfered with Jefferson six times. Despite being one of the better corner tandems in the league, Jefferson challenged them like few can. During his postgame press conference, he was clearly moved when informed that Cris Carter considers him the best receiver in Vikings franchise history. This team boasts an excellent receiver tradition with Carter, Randy Moss, Anthony Carter, Ahmad Rashad, Jake Reed, Sammy White, John Gilliam, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, etc. It’s tremendous praise from the Hall of Famer.
Sam Darnold had his first shaky game of the season.
14/31
179 yards
0 TDs
1 interception
His accuracy appeared off throughout the game. Hopefully, it’s a one-game hiccup. Maybe it was the British cooking. Jet-lag, perhaps. Whatever it was, hopefully he’s back in sync when the Vikings return from their bye.
The Vikings offense seemed a little off after running back Aaron Jones left late in the first quarter with a hip injury. In nearly a quarter of work, he chipped in 29 yards rushing and 24 yards receiving. He was on pace for his productive game of the season. When he departed the game so did the run game. Ty Chandler never really got going in place of Jones. Hopefully, the injury isn’t serious and he’s back after the bye.
NFL Network’s broadcast duo of Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner worked this game as if they were Jets employees. Even at 17-0, there was a clear Jets leaning to the broadcast. The duo claim to be unbiassed professionals. Their call was more biased than professional.
The Vikings are 5-0 heading into their Week 6 bye. With a tough early schedule, even the most optimistic projections probably had the Vikings at 3-2. Instead, they are undefeated with the return of tight end T.J. Hockenson on the horizon.
Next up: a home date with the Detroit Lions on Oct. 20.
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