NFL
Vikings Extend Their Winning Streak To Three With A Win Over The Jets
After starting the season on a rocky 1-1-1 start, the Minnesota Vikings moved to 4-2-1 after defeating the New York Jets 37-17. For the Jets, this latest loss drops their record to 3-4.
First Half
The Vikings opened the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to take an early 7-0 lead. The game then turned into a defensive battle over the next four drives, as both teams punted twice each.
The Jets soon tied the score, with Sam Darnold driving downfield before finding tight end Chris Herndon in the end zone. Two punts later, Vikings kicker Dan Bailey nailed a 26 yard field goal to put the Vikings up 10-7. With a little over seven minutes left in the half, a botched Jets handoff resulted in a fumble recovery for Minnesota.
With a missed Dan Bailey field goal attempt in the last minute, the first half came to a close with the Vikings up by 3.
Second Half
It wasn’t until midway through the 3rd quarter that the Vikings started to run away with the lead. Vikings running back Latavius Murray punched in an 11-yard touchdown to put the Vikings up 17-7. After the ensuing scoreless Jets drive, the Vikings converted on their next possession with another field goal to jump to a 20-7 lead. The Jets eventually responded, kicking a field goal to cut the score to 20-10.
Latavius Murray took off again with a 37-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter – his second touchdown of the game – putting the Vikings further ahead at 27-10. The Jets answered back with a 1-yard touchdown run, however, which cut the deficit to 27-17.
Kirk Cousins fired back once again, connecting with Aldrick Robinson on a 34-yard touchdown pass that put the Vikings up 34-17. On the ensuing Jets’ drive, Sam Darnold threw his third interception of the game — with Vikings CB Trae Waynes collecting his first pick of the season. With 3:26 left in the 4th quarter, Dan Bailey finished the scoring with a 43-yard field goal to seal a 37-17 Vikings win.
The Jets Remain Hot and Cold
The Vikings defense kept the Jets run game in check throughout the entire game. Sam Darnold had an especially dismal performance, throwing 17-42 with one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown, three interceptions, and a fumble. Darnold kept his composure throughout the game, but struggled mightily against Minnesota’s superior defense.
The Jets defense kept the game interesting early on, forcing the Vikings to punt the ball 11 times. Their poor performances on offense and special teams, however, caused the defense to fall apart as the game wore on. Cornerback Daryl Roberts was a key player for the Jets defense, as he locked up star receiver Stefan Diggs for most of the game.
Vikings Impress Across the Board
Kirk Cousins led the way on Sunday, completing 25/41 passes with two touchdowns on 241 yards. The Jets defense kept his offensive weapons in check as long as they could, but the Vikings proved too strong on both sides of the ball. Latavius Murray, who finished with 15 carries, made the most of his touches with two second-half touchdowns. Adam Thielen, as usual, led Minnesota’s receiving corps, hauling in 9 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.
The Vikings continue to improve each week, performing more like true playoff contenders in the games following their stunning blowout loss to Buffalo in Week 3. Minnesota won the turnover battle easily, grabbing 3 interceptions and a fumble on the day. Their pass rush was also effective, coming up with 3 sacks. Minnesota’s three defensive standouts were Stephen Weatherly, Trae Waynes, and Jayron Kearse. Kicker Dan Bailey, meanwhile, completed 3-4 field goals.
Looking Ahead
With this loss, the New York Jets now sit at 3-4. The Jets are on the road in Week 8 for a daunting matchup against Khalil Mack and the Chicago Bears.
The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, improved their record to 4-2-1. The Vikings will face the New Orleans Saints at home in Week 8, playing in primetime on Sunday Night Football. Facing off for the first time since the 2017 NFC Championship, the Minneapolis Miracle rematch is arguably the most highly-anticipated game of the week.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison via Flickr
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