Darnold Leads Vikings to Triumph Over Jets in London Showdown

Sam Darnold exacted a measure of revenge against his former team, guiding the Minnesota Vikings to a 24-17 victory over the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018, Darnold completed 179 passing yards with one interception, but it was the Vikings’ defense that shone brightest in this contest.

The Vikings’ defense showcased its prowess by intercepting Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers three times, including a game-clinching pick from Stephon Gilmore in the closing moments. This impressive performance helped the Vikings maintain their unbeaten start to the season, now sitting at 5-0, while the Jets slipped to 2-3, suffering their second consecutive defeat.

As is often the case with NFL games in London, the atmosphere was electric, with fans representing all 32 teams. However, on this occasion, the majority of the crowd donned purple, passionately supporting the “home team.” Their loyalty was rewarded early, as the Vikings held the Jets to a three-and-out on their opening drive. Darnold quickly connected with star receiver Justin Jefferson, orchestrating a drive that moved into field goal range, although it ultimately stalled due to a sack by Jets’ defender Will McDonald.

Just when it seemed the Vikings were gaining momentum, Darnold took a hard hit from a Jets defender, leaving him momentarily shaken. Although he returned after missing just one play, misfortune struck again. Darnold’s attempted pitch to running back Ty Chandler went awry, leading to a fumble recovered by a Jets defender, giving New York advantageous field position.

However, the Jets were unable to capitalize on this opportunity. Rodgers, typically a model of precision, threw an interception to Minnesota linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who returned it 63 yards for a touchdown, igniting wild celebrations among the Viking fans. The Jets’ struggles continued on their next drive as Rodgers was intercepted again, this time by safety Cam Bynum, marking the first time since 2022 that he had thrown two interceptions in a single game.

With the momentum clearly in their favor, the Vikings extended their lead midway through the second quarter. A 14-play, 53-yard drive highlighted Darnold’s ability to connect with his teammates, alongside a series of penalties from the Jets’ defense. This effort culminated in a two-yard touchdown run from C.J. Ham, pushing Minnesota’s lead to 17-0.

The Jets finally found the end zone just before halftime when Rodgers connected with Allen Lazard on a 14-yard touchdown pass, providing a much-needed boost heading into the break. As the second half began, the game slowed considerably, with both teams trading punts in a lackluster third quarter. However, the Jets managed to close the gap with a 32-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein, bringing the score to 17-10.

As rain began to fall at the stadium, the action on the field struggled to maintain excitement, prompting fans to engage in various entertainments like singalongs and “kiss cams.” The Vikings regained a 10-point lead with Will Reichard’s second field goal of the day, but the momentum shifted when Darnold was intercepted by Brandin Echols, giving the Jets excellent field position.

Rodgers capitalized on this opportunity, connecting with Garrett Wilson for a touchdown that trimmed the Vikings’ lead to just three points with over six minutes remaining. The tension escalated as Reichard added another field goal, extending the lead to six, which set the stage for a thrilling finish.

With time running out, Rodgers attempted to lead a game-winning drive. The Jets seemed poised to score again, moving steadily down the field. However, disaster struck when Rodgers threw his third interception, this time to former Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore. This critical turnover sealed the victory for the Vikings, allowing Darnold to celebrate a hard-fought win against the team that once drafted him.