Live from Tottenham: New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings

Despite the persistent rain and bitterly-cold winds, the atmosphere within Tottenham Hotspur Stadium couldn’t be dampened on Sunday afternoon – as British NFL fans gathered in the nation’s capital to witness the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings, taking on the 2-2 New York Jets.

The overwhelming number of Vikings fans in attendance became a sea of purple, as the iconic ‘Skol Clap’ – led by Minnesota legend Jared Allen – echoed around the stadium, forming an intoxicating wave of energy that the Vikings were able to expertly ride throughout the first quarter.

London is painted PURPLE as the SKOL chants are out in FULL FLOW 😈 🇬🇧

And we’re OFF at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. @Vikings #Skol #Jetup #NFLLondonGames pic.twitter.com/QgBIojD3e3

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 6, 2024

After an immediate three-and-out on the Jets’ first possession, the Vikings offense orchestrated an 11-play drive that – despite a huge sack from Will McDonald IV on third down – resulted in the Vikings earning the first points of the day, with a 53-yard field goal from kicker Will Reichard.

It didn’t take long for the Vikings offense to return to the field after another three-and-out from the Jets. This drive, however, wasn’t as plain sailing as the first. After taking a huge hit, quarterback Sam Darnold was escorted off the field by team doctors – clearing the way for backup QB Nick Mullens to make a one-play cameo, until Darnold could return. Darnold’s first play back, however, was less than ideal – as a misplaced pitch to running back Ty Chandler resulted in first-team All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams recovering a fumble for New York.

Desperate to capitalise on the turnover, Aaron Rodgers looked to former Green Bay Packers teammate Allen Lazard on third-and-six. But in an uncharacteristic turn of events, the four-time MVP lost track of Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who returned an interception 62 yards for six points – marking his second pick-six of the season.

It wasn’t long before Rodgers had doubled his interception tally as an overthrown pass, also intended for Lazard, landed in the welcoming hands of Vikings safety Camryn Bynum. Reflecting on the play after the game, a deflated Rodgers told Decyfr: “Obviously that was below my standard. I just found out, I’ve never thrown two picks in the first quarter before.”

🗣️ “It was out of character for me!”

Speaking to Decyfr, Aaron Rodgers reflects on his disappointing three-interception performance today against the Minnesota Vikings in London 🇬🇧 #JetUp #NFLLondonGames pic.twitter.com/4jZpiY1GTW

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 6, 2024

Momentum stayed with the Vikings throughout the second quarter, as a formidable effort defensively prevented the Jets from converting on fourth-and-one – prompting another solid drive from the offense.

Behind the athleticism of Justin Jefferson, Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin – in addition to the first of multiple controversial penalties against the Jets’ defense – the Vikings put up another touchdown, taking the score to a one-sided 17-0. That said, thanks to a 31-yard punt return from Xavier Gibson and a fleeting moment of vintage Rodgers, the Jets did manage to put points on the board before the break – with Lazard getting payback on Camryn Bynum in the back of the end zone.

Halftime saw the 17-7 game take a backseat, as five-time Pro Bowler Jared Allen and London-born 2x Super Bowl Champion Osi Umenyiora, became the first-ever inductees of the “NFL London Games Ring of Honour” – immortalising their status as key catalysts behind the NFL’s continued internationalisation.

Unlike the action-packed first half, the third quarter was notably less riveting, with a field goal from the New York Jets – after an Allen Lazard drop in the end zone – providing the only points of the quarter. In fact, in pursuit of distraction from the somewhat lacklustre gameplay and progressively worsening weather, fans took to constructing a tower of cups while playing ‘keep-away’ from security – undoubtedly one of the more memorable aspects of the second half.

That was until the fourth quarter, however, when a palpable sense of urgency took over both teams. The Jets defense took centre stage to start the quarter, with an immediate three-and-out, before the Vikings defense stole the spotlight with a lockdown drive of their own – one which was capped off by a huge sack from former Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. who put together an almighty performance in his first game back from injury.

Capitalising on an incredibly advantageous field position, the Vikings offense put Reichard in position to convert a 53-yard field goal attempt – making it 20-10 and an increasingly uphill battle for the New York Jets. All was not lost for Gang Green, however, who found a second wind after a phenomenal leap from cornerback Brandin Echols resulted in an interception deep in Vikings territory. Thanks to a pass interference call on Vikings corner Stephon Gilmore, the Jets found themselves with a rare first-and-goal on the one-yard line. An opportunity they refused to squander, as Garrett Wilson pulled in one of his 22 targets – the most by any player in a game since 2015 – to take the score to 20-17 with six minutes remaining.

Faint chants of “J-E-T-S, Jets. Jets. Jets.” could be heard from New York fans around the stadium as Sam Darnold led the Vikings onto the field for a crucial late-game drive. But the 2018 third-overall pick refused to be shaken, completing huge passes to Justin Jefferson and tight end Johnny Mundt to move the Vikings into field goal range. It was at the 24-yard line, however, where the Jets defense finally put their foot down – forcing the Vikings to settle for three points and give Rodgers the opportunity to win the game with just three minutes and 11 seconds on the clock.

The unparalleled pressure in these scenarios is often crippling for quarterbacks. But an all-time great signal-caller like Aaron Rodgers – who became just the ninth QB to surpass 60,000 career passing yards – is usually unfazed by such pressure, and this game seemed destined for a late Rodgers-led resurgence. Behind pin-point passes to Wilson and Lazard, the Jets found themselves just 26 yards away from victory with 49 seconds remaining.

One of the few things capable of stopping an elite quarterback, is an elite cornerback – and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore proved class is permanent. On a pass intended for Mike Williams at the 5-yard line – Gilmore pulled off a game-winning interception as deafening roars filled the stadium.

Sam Darnold took a knee to end the game against his former team, whilst moving the Vikings not only to 5-0 this season, but to an all-time record of 4-0 this side of the pond.

🗣️ “There will be a lot of people outside the building who won’t be sticking with the Jets!”

Watch Aaron Rodgers’ rallying cry after the New York Jets’ defeat in London 👀 #JetUp #NFLLondonGames pic.twitter.com/ovlMr1niSd

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 6, 2024

As 61, 139 fans flooded the streets of London, a disappointed Aaron Rodgers – who is now below .500 after five weeks for the first time since 2012 – preached patience when asked about the Jets’ hopes this season, telling reporters: “[We need to] stick together. There will be a lot of people outside the building who won’t be sticking with the Jets.

“If we stick together, I still have a lot of confidence in this team.”

For now though, the focus remains on the Minnesota Vikings, who head back to the U.S. as victors, NFC North division leaders and NFL London Games legends.