Vikings defeat the Jets in a thrilling London game to get to 5-0.
By Jane Smith | October 6, 2024 | Sports Desk
LONDON - In a gripping transatlantic clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Minnesota Vikings extended their perfect record to 5-0 with a hard-fought 23-17 victory over the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. The game, marked by unexpected twists and stellar defensive plays, showcased the Vikings' resilience and the Jets' determination in equal measure.
The highlight of the day came when Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel snatched a quick slant from Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, breaking a tackle before sprinting 63 yards to the end zone. This electrifying pick-6 not only put the Vikings up 10-0 but also prompted a surprising exchange between the two players.
"He told me, 'Christmas came early' for me," Van Ginkel revealed post-game, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I just told him 'thank you.'" This moment of sportsmanship between opponents added a touch of levity to an otherwise intense matchup.
Despite falling into a 17-0 hole early on, the Jets, led by the ever-resilient Rodgers, mounted a comeback that kept the outcome uncertain until the final minutes. Rodgers, showing his trademark grit, brushed off a potential ankle injury in the third quarter, stating, "They were trying to get me in the (medical) tent ... I said 'Screw it, I'm going back out there.'"
The Jets' resurgence was fueled by Garrett Wilson's career-high 13 catches for 101 yards, including a crucial touchdown that brought them within striking distance at 20-17 in the fourth quarter. However, the Vikings' defense, which had already claimed two interceptions off Rodgers, sealed the deal when Stephon Gilmore picked off a pass intended for Mike Williams in the dying moments of the game.
For the Vikings, this victory carries historical significance. They've matched their 2016 start of 5-0 and are now the first team to go 4-0 in regular-season international games, all in London. However, the team remains cautiously optimistic, remembering how their 2016 season ended in disappointment.
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson, who contributed 92 yards on six receptions, acknowledged room for improvement: "We definitely left yards, points out there. We definitely need to fix some things."
As the Vikings return stateside with their perfect record intact, and the Jets regroup after a valiant effort, both teams have shown that the NFL's international stage can produce some of the most compelling narratives in football. The echoes of this London spectacle will undoubtedly resonate throughout the remainder of the season.
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