The New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats have faced off in some thrilling NFL matchups over the years, with their most recent clash on October 6, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London being a prime example. This game, part of the NFL’s international series, ended with the Vikings edging out the Jets 23-17, keeping their undefeated streak alive at 5-0. For football fans, diving into the player stats from this game offers a window into the performances that shaped the outcome. Whether you’re a die-hard Jets or Vikings supporter or just love crunching numbers, this article breaks down the key stats, standout players, and moments from the game in an easy-to-read format. Let’s get into it!
Game Overview: New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats (October 6, 2024)
The Week 5 matchup in London was a battle of resilience, with the Vikings holding off a late Jets comeback. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but turnovers and defensive plays were the story of the day. The Vikings’ defense, led by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, capitalized on three interceptions thrown by Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, including a 63-yard pick-six that set the tone early. Meanwhile, the Jets fought back with two touchdown passes from Rodgers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s steady offense and clutch field goals.
Here’s a quick look at the team stats to set the stage:
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Total Yards: Jets 254, Vikings 253
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Turnovers: Jets 3, Vikings 2
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First Downs: Both teams had 17
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Possession Time: Jets 29:23, Vikings 30:37
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Final Score: Vikings 23, Jets 17
Now, let’s dive into the individual player performances that made this game so exciting.
Quarterback Performances
Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, had a day he’d probably like to forget. The veteran quarterback threw for 244 yards, completing 29 of his 54 pass attempts (53.7% completion rate). He tossed two touchdowns but was plagued by three interceptions, a career-first for throwing two picks in the first quarter alone. Despite taking a big hit in the third quarter that left him clutching his leg, Rodgers showed toughness by returning to lead a drive that resulted in a 32-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein. His touchdowns came on a 14-yard pass to Allen Lazard and a 1-yard pass to Garrett Wilson, but the turnovers were costly.
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Stats: 29/54, 244 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
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Key Moment: Rodgers’ third-quarter resilience after a hit, driving the Jets to cut the lead to 17-10.
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Quote: “Three turnovers for me is definitely out of character, and I’m disappointed,” Rodgers said post-game.
Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings)
Sam Darnold, the former Jet drafted third overall in 2018, faced his old team with poise. Leading the NFL in touchdown passes and passer rating entering Week 4, Darnold didn’t have his best day but still got the job done. He completed 14 of 31 passes for 179 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. He also fumbled once, but the Vikings’ defense bailed him out. Darnold’s ability to manage the game and avoid critical mistakes kept Minnesota in control.
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Stats: 14/31, 179 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 1 fumble
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Key Moment: Darnold’s steady play in the first half helped Minnesota build a 17-0 lead.
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Quote: “We definitely left yards, points out there,” said teammate Justin Jefferson, hinting at offensive struggles.
Rushing Stats: Ground Game Breakdown
Jets Rushing
The Jets’ rushing attack was modest, totaling just 64 yards on 20 carries. Breece Hall led the way with 23 yards on 9 carries, averaging a meager 2.6 yards per attempt. Isaiah Davis chipped in with 17 yards on 4 carries, while Rodgers himself scrambled for 13 yards on 3 attempts. The lack of a consistent ground game put extra pressure on Rodgers to carry the offense through the air.
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Breece Hall: 9 carries, 23 yards, 2.6 avg
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Isaiah Davis: 4 carries, 17 yards, 4.3 avg
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Team Total: 20 carries, 64 yards, 3.2 avg
Vikings Rushing
Minnesota’s rushing attack was slightly more effective, totaling 82 yards on 23 carries. Aaron Jones was the workhorse, gaining 73 yards on 19 carries (3.8 avg), while Ty Chandler added 14 yards on 2 carries. Darnold contributed 11 yards on scrambles. The Vikings’ ability to lean on Jones in key moments helped control the clock and keep the Jets’ defense on its toes.
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Aaron Jones: 19 carries, 73 yards, 3.8 avg
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Ty Chandler: 2 carries, 14 yards, 7.0 avg
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Team Total: 23 carries, 82 yards, 3.6 avg
Receiving Stats: Who Made the Catches?
Jets Receiving
The Jets’ passing game leaned heavily on their top receivers, with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard stepping up. Wilson caught 13 passes for 101 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that brought the Jets within striking distance. Lazard hauled in 4 receptions for 34 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Mike Williams added 4 catches for 67 yards, but a late interception on a pass intended for him sealed the Jets’ fate.
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Garrett Wilson: 13 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD
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Allen Lazard: 4 receptions, 34 yards, 1 TD
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Mike Williams: 4 receptions, 67 yards
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Team Total: 29 receptions, 244 yards, 2 TDs
Vikings Receiving
Justin Jefferson, one of the NFL’s premier wideouts, led the Vikings with 6 receptions for 92 yards, though he didn’t find the end zone. His ability to get open drew heavy attention from the Jets’ secondary, opening opportunities for others. Jordan Addison contributed 3 catches for 36 yards, while Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver combined for 4 receptions. The Vikings’ passing game was conservative but effective enough to complement their defense.
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Justin Jefferson: 6 receptions, 92 yards
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Jordan Addison: 3 receptions, 36 yards
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Johnny Mundt: 2 receptions, 31 yards
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Team Total: 14 receptions, 179 yards
Defensive Standouts
Minnesota Vikings Defense
The Vikings’ defense was the difference-maker, forcing three turnovers and scoring directly off one. Andrew Van Ginkel was the star, intercepting Rodgers in the first quarter and returning it 63 yards for a touchdown, giving Minnesota an early 10-0 lead. Van Ginkel’s pick-six was his second of the season, showcasing his knack for big plays. Stephon Gilmore sealed the game with a late interception, while Camryn Bynum also picked off Rodgers. The Vikings’ pass rush, led by Jonathan Greenard, sacked Rodgers twice, keeping him under constant pressure.
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Andrew Van Ginkel: 1 INT, 63-yard TD return, 4 tackles
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Stephon Gilmore: 1 INT, 3 tackles
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Camryn Bynum: 1 INT, 5 tackles
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Jonathan Greenard: 1 sack, 3 tackles
New York Jets Defense
The Jets’ defense held its own despite the loss, limiting the Vikings to 253 total yards and forcing two turnovers. Quinnen Williams was disruptive up front, recording a sack and 4 tackles. Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed combined for 7 tackles in the secondary, while Quincy Williams led the team with 8 tackles. The Jets also recovered a fumble from Darnold, but their offense couldn’t fully capitalize on the opportunities.
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Quinnen Williams: 1 sack, 4 tackles
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Quincy Williams: 8 tackles
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Sauce Gardner: 4 tackles
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Team Total: 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT
Special Teams: Kicking and Punting
Jets Special Teams
Greg Zuerlein was a bright spot for the Jets, nailing a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter to keep the game within reach. Punter Thomas Morstead averaged 45.3 yards on 4 punts, with 2 landing inside the 20-yard line. However, a roughing-the-punter call in the third quarter gave the Jets a fresh set of downs, indirectly leading to Zuerlein’s field goal.
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Greg Zuerlein: 1/1 FG (32 yards), 2/2 XP
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Thomas Morstead: 4 punts, 45.3 avg, 2 inside 20
Vikings Special Teams
Will Reichard was perfect for the Vikings, hitting field goals from 54, 53, and 41 yards, with the 53-yarder in the fourth quarter restoring a 10-point lead. His reliability was crucial in a game where the offense didn’t score a touchdown. Punter Ryan Wright averaged 43.7 yards on 3 punts, with 1 inside the 20.
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Will Reichard: 3/3 FG (54, 53, 41 yards), 2/2 XP
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Ryan Wright: 3 punts, 43.7 avg, 1 inside 20
Historical Context: New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Rivalry
The New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats have met 12 times in their history, with the Jets holding an 8-4 advantage. Looking back at past games provides some interesting statistical comparisons. For example, in their 2018 matchup, Kirk Cousins threw for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Vikings, while Sam Darnold (then with the Jets) managed 206 yards with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Latavius Murray ran for 69 yards and 2 touchdowns for Minnesota, while Adam Thielen had 9 catches for 110 yards and a score. The Jets’ defense has historically been tough on Vikings quarterbacks, but turnovers have often swung games in Minnesota’s favor.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
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Van Ginkel’s Pick-Six: Early in the first quarter, Van Ginkel read Rodgers’ quick slant, intercepted it, and raced 63 yards for a touchdown, giving the Vikings a 10-0 lead. This set the defensive tone for the game.
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Rodgers’ First-Half Struggles: Two interceptions in the first quarter put the Jets in a 17-0 hole, a deficit they couldn’t fully overcome despite a late rally.
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Lazard’s Touchdown: With 36 seconds left in the second quarter, Rodgers connected with Lazard for a 14-yard score, cutting the lead to 17-7 and giving the Jets hope going into halftime.
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Reichard’s Clutch Kicks: The rookie kicker’s 53-yard and 41-yard field goals in the fourth quarter kept the Vikings ahead, thwarting the Jets’ comeback attempt.
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Gilmore’s Game-Sealing Interception: With the Jets driving for a potential game-winning score, Gilmore intercepted Rodgers’ pass intended for Mike Williams, securing the Vikings’ 23-17 victory.
What the New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Tell Us
The stats paint a picture of a game dominated by defense and marred by offensive mistakes. The Jets and Vikings were nearly even in total yards (254 vs. 253) and first downs (17 each), but turnovers were the deciding factor. Rodgers’ three interceptions, compared to Darnold’s one, gave Minnesota the edge. The Vikings’ ability to score off a defensive touchdown and rely on Reichard’s field goals allowed them to control the game despite an underwhelming offensive performance. For the Jets, Wilson and Lazard kept them in the fight, but the lack of a running game and Rodgers’ uncharacteristic turnovers were too much to overcome.
Player Spotlights
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Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings): His pick-six was a game-changer, and his ability to read Rodgers’ pass showed why he’s a defensive standout. At 29, he’s proving to be a key piece of Minnesota’s 5-0 start.
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Garrett Wilson (Jets): With 13 catches, Wilson was Rodgers’ go-to target, showing his potential as a top-tier NFL receiver. His touchdown kept the Jets alive in the fourth quarter.
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Will Reichard (Vikings): The rookie kicker’s perfect day, including two long field goals, was critical in maintaining Minnesota’s lead.
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Aaron Rodgers (Jets): Despite the turnovers, Rodgers’ toughness after a third-quarter hit and his two touchdown passes showed he’s still a force at 40.
Looking Ahead
For the Vikings, the win moved them to 5-0, their best start since 2016, and they head into a bye week with momentum. They’ll face the Detroit Lions on October 20, looking to keep their undefeated streak alive. The Jets, now 2-3, return home to host the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, hoping to bounce back from a tough loss. Rodgers and company will need to clean up the turnovers and find a way to ignite their running game to get back on track.
Why This Game Matters for Fans
For Jets fans, this game was a frustrating reminder of the team’s potential and pitfalls. Rodgers’ brilliance is undeniable, but his turnovers and the lack of offensive balance highlight areas for improvement. Vikings fans, on the other hand, are riding high with an undefeated team led by a resurgent Sam Darnold and a stingy defense. The London game showed why the NFL’s international series is so exciting, bringing high-stakes football to a global stage.
Final Thoughts
The New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats on October 6, 2024, was a tale of defensive prowess, costly mistakes, and clutch moments. The player stats tell the story: Rodgers’ turnovers hurt the Jets, while Van Ginkel’s pick-six and Reichard’s field goals powered the Vikings to victory. Whether you’re analyzing the numbers or just enjoying the drama, this game had it all. As both teams move forward, the stats from this clash will be a reference point for what they need to improve—and what they’re doing right.
