Vikings secure a 23-17 victory over Rodgers and the Jets in London, advancing to 5-0.

 LONDON — Aaron Rodgers had a message for Andrew Van Ginkel after the Vikings linebacker returned an interception for a 63-yard touchdown.

“He told me, ‘Christmas came early’ for me,” said the modest Van Ginkel. “I just replied with a ‘thank you.’”

The Minnesota Vikings capitalized on two more interceptions from Rodgers, remaining undefeated with a 23-17 victory over the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Although the Jets fell behind 17-0 early on, they nearly drove for a potential game-winning score in the final minutes. However, Stephon Gilmore intercepted a pass from Rodgers intended for Mike Williams, allowing the Vikings to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 2016.

Van Ginkel's touchdown came when he intercepted a quick slant from Rodgers, broke a tackle, and sprinted down the sideline. The linebacker had previously scored a pick-six in the season opener against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.

“I couldn’t believe it happened,” said the sixth-year linebacker. “I just read the play and caught the ball.”

At one point in the second half, Van Ginkel mentioned that Rodgers approached him and made the comment about Christmas.

Rodgers connected with 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 added a 41-yard field goal, his third of the game. Wilson finished with a career-high 13 receptions for 101 yards.

The Jets’ slow start ultimately cost them, despite a second-quarter touchdown pass from Rodgers to Allen Lazard that finally got them on the board.

After taking a significant hit in the third quarter, Rodgers was evaluated for a left ankle injury but returned to the field after a roughing the punter call, leading the Jets to the Minnesota 14-yard line. They settled for a Greg Zuerlein 32-yard field goal, bringing the score to 17-10.

"They were trying to get me in the (medical) tent... I said, ‘Screw it, I’m going back out there,’” he recounted, describing the injury as a low ankle sprain.

Rodgers threw two interceptions in the first quarter—a first for the four-time NFL MVP. “In a game where you lose by six, plays like that are exponentially highlighted,” he said. "Three turnovers for me is definitely out of character, and I’m disappointed.”

Last week, the Jets struggled offensively in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos, prompting both Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh to affirm the strength of their relationship throughout the week.

Reichard extended the Vikings' lead to 20-10 with a 53-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. He has yet to miss a kick this season, hitting a 54-yarder earlier in the game.

Sam Darnold, drafted No. 3 overall by the Jets in 2018, completed 14 of 31 passes for 179 yards with one interception and one fumble. For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson recorded six receptions for 92 yards.

“We definitely left yards and points out there,” Jefferson said. “We need to fix some things.”

Rodgers finished the game with 29 completions on 54 attempts for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Vikings began the 2009 season with a 6-0 record in Brett Favre’s first year with the team. After a 5-0 start in 2016, they finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

Additionally, the Vikings became the first team to go 4-0 in regular-season international games, all of which have been played in London. The New York Giants, who won the inaugural London game in 2007, have the opportunity to match that record next month when they face the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany.

The Jets also fell behind 17-0 the last time they played in London, losing to the Atlanta Falcons in 2021.

Rodgers' Milestone

Rodgers became the ninth player in NFL history to pass for 60,000 yards during regular-season play, completing a 7-yard pass to Tyler Conklin in the third quarter. He also surpassed Hall of Famer Dan Marino to rank seventh on the NFL’s all-time list for total passing yards in regular-season and playoff games, bringing his total to 60,148 yards.

Injuries

Jets: Cornerback Sauce Gardner was evaluated for a head injury after colliding with teammate linebacker Quincy Williams but returned late in the game. Cornerback Michael Carter II left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. Linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) was inactive after being limited in practice this week.

Vikings: Running back Aaron Jones exited in the second quarter due to a hip injury and was later ruled out. Darnold briefly left the field after a hit to his midsection in the first quarter but returned only to fumble on the next play.

Up Next

Jets: Host the Buffalo Bills next Monday night.
Vikings: Enjoy a bye week before hosting the Detroit Lions on Sunday, October 20.