Hey, Jets fans! If you’re still buzzing (or maybe grumbling) about the New York Jets’ clash with the Minnesota Vikings on October 6, 2024, you’re in the right place. This game, played across the pond at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, was a wild ride—full of big plays, some tough breaks, and a nail-biting finish. Let’s dive into the New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings match player stats and unpack what went down, with a focus on the numbers that tell the story. Whether you’re a die-hard Green and White supporter or just curious about how the game shook out, I’ve got you covered with all the verifiable facts, straight from the box score.
Game Overview: A Tough Day in London
The Jets rolled into Week 5 with a 2-2 record, hoping to upset the undefeated Vikings, who were sitting pretty at 4-0. The game was the NFL’s first London matchup of the 2024 season, and it drew a crowd of 61,139 fans. Unfortunately for New York, the Vikings held on for a 23-17 victory, improving to 5-0 while the Jets slipped to 2-3. The game wasn’t without its highlights for Gang Green, but turnovers and early deficits made it an uphill battle.
For those of us in NYC, it was an early wake-up call to catch the 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff. The Jets fought hard, nearly pulling off a comeback, but Minnesota’s defense had other plans. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets match player stats to see who shined, who struggled, and what it all means.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
The Vikings jumped out to a 17-0 lead by the second quarter, thanks to a mix of Jets miscues and Minnesota’s opportunistic play. A pick-six by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel off Aaron Rodgers was a gut punch, putting New York in a deep hole early. The Jets clawed back with a touchdown just before halftime and kept things competitive in the second half, but a late interception sealed their fate.
Rodgers hit a milestone, becoming the ninth NFL quarterback to surpass 60,000 regular-season passing yards, but his three interceptions were the talk of the game. On the Vikings’ side, Sam Darnold—facing his former team—didn’t light up the stat sheet but managed the game well enough to keep Minnesota’s perfect record intact.
Player Stats: The Numbers Tell the Story
Below is a detailed breakdown of the individual player stats from the game, pulled from official sources like ESPN and Pro Football Reference. I’ve organized them into tables for easy reading, covering passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive highlights. These are the numbers Jets fans will want to dissect as we look back on this one.
Passing Stats
| Player | Team | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Rodgers | NYJ | 29/54 | 244 | 2 | 3 | 54.9 |
| Sam Darnold | MIN | 14/31 | 179 | 0 | 1 | 49.8 |
| Nick Mullens | MIN | 1/1 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 118.8 |
Rodgers threw for 244 yards and connected with Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson for touchdowns, but those three picks were costly. Darnold, meanwhile, was conservative, completing less than half his passes and leaning heavily on Minnesota’s run game and defense.
Rushing Stats
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breece Hall | NYJ | 9 | 23 | 2.6 | 0 | 11 |
| Ty Chandler | MIN | 14 | 30 | 2.1 | 0 | 6 |
| Aaron Jones | MIN | 7 | 29 | 4.1 | 0 | 9 |
| C.J. Ham | MIN | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 1 | 2 |
Breece Hall, the Jets’ workhorse, was held in check, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry. Minnesota’s Aaron Jones left early with a hip injury, forcing Ty Chandler to carry the load, but neither team got much going on the ground.
Receiving Stats
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Wilson | NYJ | 13 | 101 | 7.8 | 1 | 16 |
| Tyler Conklin | NYJ | 6 | 55 | 9.2 | 0 | 17 |
| Allen Lazard | NYJ | 4 | 34 | 8.5 | 1 | 14 |
| Justin Jefferson | MIN | 6 | 92 | 15.3 | 0 | 25 |
| Jordan Addison | MIN | 3 | 36 | 12.0 | 0 | 17 |
Garrett Wilson was the standout for New York, hauling in a career-high 13 catches for 101 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown. Justin Jefferson led the Vikings with 92 yards, proving why he’s one of the NFL’s elite receivers.
Defensive Highlights
| Player | Team | Tackles | Sacks | INT | Notable Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy Williams | NYJ | 8 | 0 | 0 | Fumble recovery |
| Brandin Echols | NYJ | 3 | 0 | 1 | Interception set up TD |
| Andrew Van Ginkel | MIN | 4 | 0 | 1 | 63-yard pick-six |
| Stephon Gilmore | MIN | 2 | 0 | 1 | Game-sealing interception |
| Camryn Bynum | MIN | 5 | 0 | 1 | Interception in first quarter |
The Vikings’ defense stole the show, with Van Ginkel’s pick-six and Gilmore’s late interception proving decisive. For the Jets, Quincy Williams was all over the field, and Brandin Echols’ pick set up a crucial score.
Kicking and Punting
| Player | Team | FG Made/Att | Long | Punts | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Zuerlein | NYJ | 1/1 | 32 | 0 | – |
| Will Reichard | MIN | 3/3 | 54 | 0 | – |
| Ryan Wright | MIN | 0/0 | – | 5 | 46.2 |
| Thomas Morstead | NYJ | 0/0 | – | 5 | 44.8 |
Rookie Will Reichard was perfect for Minnesota, nailing field goals from 54, 53, and 41 yards. Greg Zuerlein’s lone field goal kept the Jets in it, but punting battles were even.
Sources: ESPN Game Recap, Pro Football Reference
Standout Performances: Jets Players to Watch
For Jets fans, Garrett Wilson’s monster day was a bright spot. His 13 receptions showed he’s becoming Rodgers’ go-to guy, and that 1-yard touchdown kept hope alive. Breece Hall didn’t have his best game, but his explosiveness is still a weapon—expect him to bounce back. On defense, Quincy Williams continues to be a tackling machine, and Brandin Echols stepped up big when Sauce Gardner briefly left with a head injury.
Rodgers, though, will be the topic of hot debates on NYC sports radio. Hitting 60,000 yards is cool, but those interceptions—especially the pick-six and the game-ender—stung. He’s still got the arm, but Jets fans are itching for more consistency.
Vikings’ Key Contributors
Minnesota’s defense was the real MVP. Andrew Van Ginkel’s 63-yard interception return for a touchdown set the tone, and Stephon Gilmore’s veteran savvy shut the door late. Justin Jefferson didn’t find the end zone but still racked up 92 yards, reminding everyone why he’s a nightmare for cornerbacks. Sam Darnold played it safe, avoiding big mistakes after an early fumble, but it was enough against a Jets offense that couldn’t find its rhythm early.
Team Stats Comparison
Here’s how the teams stacked up overall:
| Category | Jets | Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 253 | 234 |
| Passing Yards | 217 | 178 |
| Rushing Yards | 36 | 56 |
| First Downs | 21 | 14 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 2 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 10 (84) | 9 (72) |
| Time of Possession | 33:10 | 26:50 |
The Jets actually outgained the Vikings and controlled the clock, but turnovers and penalties killed their momentum. Minnesota’s defense capitalized on every mistake, which was the difference in a six-point game.
Source: NFL
Injuries That Mattered
Injuries played a role for both sides. For the Jets, cornerback Michael Carter II left early with a hamstring issue, and Sauce Gardner was evaluated for a head injury but returned. Linebacker C.J. Mosley missed his third straight game with a toe injury, forcing Jamien Sherwood to start. On the Vikings’ side, running back Aaron Jones was ruled out in the second half with a hip injury, which slowed their ground game.
What’s Next for the Jets
After the loss, the Jets returned to New York to prep for a Monday Night Football showdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. It’s a chance to get back on track at home in front of the MetLife Stadium faithful. The Vikings, meanwhile, headed into their bye week at 5-0, setting up a big NFC North clash with the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
Historical Context: Jets vs. Vikings Rivalry
The Jets and Vikings don’t meet often, but their history leans heavily in New York’s favor. Before this game, the Jets held an 8-3 all-time record against Minnesota, dating back to 1970. The Vikings’ win narrowed the gap, but Jets fans can take pride in the fact that Gang Green has usually had the upper hand in this matchup.
Source: The Football Database
Where to Dig Deeper
If you’re hungry for more, check out these trusted sources for additional stats and highlights:
- ESPN Game Stats – Full box score and play-by-play.
- NewYorkJets.com – Team perspective and postgame quotes.
Looking at the Tape
If you’re planning to rewatch the game (or maybe just the good parts), NFL+ has the full replay, and the Jets’ official site has highlight packages. Focus on Garrett Wilson’s catches and Quincy Williams’ hustle—they’re worth a second look. For the Vikings, Van Ginkel’s pick-six and Jefferson’s routes are masterclasses in their craft.
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