The Vikings continued their dominant start to the 2024 season with two early interceptions against Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the NFL's first international game in London this year.
Minnesota (4-0) got its first interception when linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel fooled Rodgers by dropping back into coverage after initially appearing as a rusher on the play.
He returned the interception 63 yards for a touchdown to give the Vikings a 10-0 lead.
Mr. Pick 6@AndrewVanGinkel
: @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/u9mFg6d4EE— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2024
On New York's next possession, Rodgers sailed a pass intended for wide receiver Allen Lazard, and Vikings safety Camryn Bynum came away with the easy pick.
BACK TO BACK PICKS FOR THE @VIKINGS.
: #NYJvsMIN on NFL Network
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/echwM5pXmG— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
Minnesota entered Week 5 with a league-high eight interceptions. Opponents have a 21.3% turnover rate on drives against the Vikings defense, the league's second-highest mark.
The unit has forced at least two turnovers in its first four games, including four in a 31-29 Week 4 road win against the Packers.
Rodgers began Sunday's game 3-of-9 for 16 yards (1.8 yards per attempt) and two interceptions.
The longtime Green Bay starting quarterback (2008-22) has a long history against the Vikings. He had 28 regular-season starts against Minnesota entering Week 5, going 16-11-1. Rodgers has traditionally been excellent in those games, going 622-of-915 (68%) for 7,140 yards, 57 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
He only had one multi-interception game against Minnesota before Sunday, on Oct. 24, 2010. The Packers won, 28-24, thanks to their defense intercepting Vikings quarterback Brett Favre three times.
Considering Minnesota's defense has been just as dominant across the Atlantic Ocean as it has been stateside, the Jets will likely need to match the Vikings in the turnover department to erase their early double-digit deficit.
