(Video) Vikings’ Andrew Van Ginkel intercepts Aaron Rodgers, who was yet to record a first down, for his second pick-six of the year
Vikings' LB Andrew Van Ginkel recorded his second pick-six of the season after the interception of Aaron Rodgers, returning it with a 63-yard TD.
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Vikings' Andrew Van Ginkel intercepts Aaron Rodgers (Via AP News/Imago/Minnesota vikings)
The Minnesota Vikings seem to be weighing in heavily on the New York Jets in week 5, as they left the latter scoreless in the first half of the game. While the Vikings O-line is dominating with a 17-0 lead, D-line’s Andrew Van Ginkel recorded his second pick-six of the season.
The Vikings are leading the NFC North at a 4-0 record, and judging from their dominating performance in Sunday’s matchup, they might be on the way to a five-game winning streak. The linebacker Van Ginkel started the season with a pick-six against the New York Giants’ Daniel Jones in the season-opening.
And he made headlines again after he intercepted the veteran Aaron Rodgers’ throw in the first quarter and ran 63 yards for a touchdown score, resulting in Vikings 10-0 lead. While this was his second interception return of this season, it was his career’s third and he became the only player to have two touchdown returns in the league.
The Jets have gained momentum, scoring 7 points in the half-time but the two interceptions of the first quarter might end up costing them. Rodgers made the short throw right after Allen Lazard dropped a catchable pass, but it cost them another interception by the hands of Van Ginkel.
Similar to how quarterback Sam Darnold came through for the offense, the 2024 free agent has played a significant role in the last four victories. Seeing him on the field, the Vikings made the right call adding him to Brian Flores’ defense.
Jets’ Aaron Rodgers throws two early interceptions
While the linebacker Van Ginkel set a record, the Jets’ veteran quarterback is being labeled as “washed” by the critics for throwing the costly six-pick interception. Especially when it is being said a rushed throw that handed the ball into the opposing defense’s hands.
A minute after this costly interception, Rodgers’ throw was picked off again as he attempted a deep pass by star safety Camryn Bynum. Witnessing the Jets crumbling on the field against the Vikings, fans are pointing fingers at the 41-year-old, saying that there are no changes or improvements in the Jets’ offense compared to last season which ended in a collapse.
Although the two interceptions in the first 15 minutes of the game don’t look good for New York, they can still pull off a comeback by dominating in the second half of the game. However, if not, they will drop to a 2-3 record, and their upcoming matches against the Buffalo Bills followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers may determine their playoff chances.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2129 Articles Published)