2024 Week 5: Jets 17, Vikings 23
Minnesota was up 17-0 about to head into the half, but that’s when the Jets decided to show up. The Jets receivers started to catch the ball, their defense began to play, and all of a sudden this was a 3-point game with 6 minutes to go. The Jets had a ton of chances to make something happen but fell flat when they needed a big play to happen, and Minnesota won.
The Vikings rose to (5-0) and just played two of the better teams in the league (GB and NYJ) and eeked out back-to-back victories. They have their BYE this week, then face Detroit. After that game, the schedule eases up and the Minnesota Vikings are likely in the playoffs just like we had all thought.
The Jets lost this game and the organization decided it was time to blow everything. Robert Saleh was fired, Nathaniel Hackett was demoted, the DC Jeff Ulbrich was promoted to interim-HC… I wonder what role Rodgers has played in all of this, he’s there de-facto GM.
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QB Report:
- Aaron Rodgers (29/54 for 244 yards, 2TDs/3 INTs) is 3rd in pass attempts and that’s by design. I wonder how many run plays he’s audibled out of to make himself the focus of the offense. If Aaron truly wanted to win he would use the offense the way it was built… run behind their two extremely talented backs and throw the ball efficiently but sparingly. That combined with an ace defense would win them the division easily.
- Sam Darnold (14/31 for 179 yards, 1 INT) played well against the Jets' tough secondary, I’m very impressed by what he’s done this year and the good times should continue to roll, the Vikings don’t play many good pass defenses the rest of the season.
RB Report:
- Aaron Jones (7-29-0, 1 catch for 24 yards) had to leave early and Ty Chandler (14-30-0, 2 catches for 9 yards) came in for relief. Minnesota has their BYE coming up so this is a developing situation. Chandler would be the lead in Week 7 if Jones is still out
- The Jets are dead last in rushing yards per game… which is extremely surprising when you consider the talent of Braelon Allen (5-13-0, 1 catch for 15 yards) and Breece Hall (9-23-0, 3 catches for 14 yards). Allen is the new guy so it’s more likely he’s Ulbrich’s ‘guy’ than Hall. This could turn into a true 50/50 split which would be great for this team… now they just need Rodgers's ego to step aside and not mess this up…
D/ST Report:
- I know I dissed the Vikings defense after their matchup with Green Bay, where Jordan Love threw for 300+ and multiple scores. I wouldn’t say this is the top defense in the league but they’re fine, serviceable. This defense is very good against the run, second-best in yards per game, and 30th (third-worst) in passing yards per game. Out of their BYE, they face Detroit and LAR with Kupp and possibly Nacua. After that, just like for their offense, the schedule eases up defensively too.
image source: (AP Photo/Ian Walton)