Vikings vs. Jets score, takeaways: Minnesota's defense stands tall with two fourth-quarter, red zone stands

The Minnesota Vikings held on to the bitter end to knock off the New York Jets, 27-22. The Vikings defense made five total red zone stands -- including two in the final two minutes of the game which saved the day for Minnesota. Down five points with just over a minute left, Mike White had a chance to lead a game-winning drive, but came up just short. 

White completed 31 of 57 passes for 369 yards and two interceptions in the loss, while rookie wideout Garrett Wilson had a career day with eight catches for 162 yards. Another Jets rookie, running back Zonovan Knight, showed out as well, rushing for 90 yards on 15 carries.

The Vikings had a chance to clinch the NFC North on Sunday with a win and a Detroit Lions loss. That did not happen, but they did "win" the AFC East. Earlier in the year, the Vikings defeated the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. Sunday, they completed the division sweep with the Jets! Minnesota's offense ran hot and cold all afternoon. Kirk Cousins completed 21 of 35 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown, while Dalvin Cook rushed 20 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. Justin Jefferson again led the team in receiving, catching seven passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. 

This was a gutsy win by a defense that needed to show it could hold opposing offenses in check after poor showings in back-to-back weeks. Check back soon, as this article will be turned into a takeaways piece which dives into what happened in Minnesota on Sunday. 

Why the Vikings won

Bend-but-don't break mentality. Bend-but-don't break doesn't necessarily mean you earned an "A+" grade, but it does mean you did your job. Despite the Jets racking up 486 yards of total offense, they scored just 23 points. That's because they went 1-for-6 in the red zone, where the Vikings played their best defense. 

The Vikings defense was asked to come through in the red zone twice in the span of a few minutes. They held the Jets out of the end zone after White had three plays to convert from the 1-yard line, and then picked off the quarterback at the 1-yard line minutes later as he tried to lead a game-winning drive. Just an incredible effort from Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith and the rest of the guys. 

It wasn't just the red zone where the Vikings defense stood tall. The Jets also went a putrid 3 of 16 on third downs, and 2 of 5 on fourth downs. 

Why the Jets lost

There was plenty of good to take away from the Jets' loss on Sunday. The passing game still looks great, and "Bam" Knight looks like a diamond unearthed by the Jets front office. Really, this game came down to the Jets' struggles in the red zone. Anytime you go 1-for-6 in the red area, you're setting yourself up for a loss. New York racked up 199 more yards than the Vikings, ran 17 more plays and won the time of possession battle. They just weren't able to convert offensively where it mattered. White was making his second start of the season, so you can't expect perfection in those critical moments. I'm sure red zone execution will be a focus for the Jets in practice all next week. 

Turning point

This game came down to what was basically the final play, as Cam Bynum picked off White at the 1-yard line to seal the deal. 

Play of the game

I can't tell you if @MikeWhiteQB is a legitimate starter in this league. At least not yet. But he's an upgrade over Zach Wilson at this point. This fourth-down laser to keep New York's drive alive in the fourth quarter was incredibly clutch. It got the Jets to the red zone, where unfortunately all Jets drives go to die. 

What's next

The Jets will stay on the road in Week 14, and pay a visit to the rival Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen is certainly out for revenge after dropping his first game to New York earlier this year. As for the Vikings, they will hit the road to take on the Detroit Lions. Minnesota defeated Jared Goff in a close game back in Week 3. 

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Jets defense does their job. Forces a three-and-out and allowed just 24 seconds to be run off the clock. 

New York has the ball in enemy territory with 1:18 remaining. 

 
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Braxton Berrios can't haul in the potential game-winning touchdown! On fourth and one on the goal line! 

 
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Remember, the Jets are 1-4 in the red zone today. 

 
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Mike White is that GUY. Fourth and 10 and White just fires a bullet

 
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I mean, if the Jets come back and win this game -- it really shows you what this team is capable of. Got punched in the mouth first yet came back. 

 
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This was not the time for the Vikings to go soft on offense. Three-and-out and the Jets get the ball back down five points with 5:30 remaining. We are setting up for an entertaining finish!

 
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Oh no. Quinnen Williams is down. That is not good he has been an absolute star for the Jets. 

 
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It looks like he's in, right? 

 
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What a defensive stand! Are you kidding me! This has to be reviewed. 

 
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Hilarious. 

 
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Ian Eagle said "Is it Jefferson time?" on third-and-6. Boom. 10-yard Justin Jefferson touchdown reception. 

27-15 with 8:33 remaining.

75-yard drive on seven plays that took just 3:57

 
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The Vikings offense is clicking now. Four first downs in a row, and Minnesota is inside the 15-yard line. 

 
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Jets are now 0-3 in the red zone. Another field goal. I don't want to understate it, but we have a five-point game with 12:30 remaining. Jets are right back in this thing and have plenty of time to complete the comeback. 

5 plays, 63 yards (60-yard Wilson catch and run) 3 points. 

 
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Mike White hits Garrett Wilson for a gain for 60 yards! What a throw, and then the rookie wideout breaks free for a huge gain. 

 
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The Vikings couldn't be more out of sync right now. Three and out to end the third quarter. Jets have momentum! 

 
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That George Fant block-in-the-back penalty completely derailed the Jets' eventual 62-yard, 12-play drive. First and goal from the 16-yard line, and the offense completely fell apart. Zuerlein hits a 30-yard field goal to pull within eight points. 

Points are points, but it hurts you were once at the MIN 6-yard line. Great defense from the Vikings with their backs against the wall. Let's see if Cousins can get back on track. 

 
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C.J. Uzomah catches a 31-yard bomb and the comeback is on. Red zone territory. 

 
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Jets finally get a stop on third down, as Quinnen Williams gets to Kirk Cousins for a sack on third and long. Six plays, six yards, punt. 

Jets down 11 with 7:16 remaining in the third quarter. 

 
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Kirk Cousins misses what was maybe a touchdown. T.J. Hockenson streaking down the field alone. That's a terrible miss. Oh man. 

 
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Jets defense with the stop they needed coming out of the halftime break. They force a Vikings three-and-out -- their first of the game if we discount the field goal possession in the first quarter. 

 
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HALFTIME: Jets 6 Vikings 20

1st downs: NYJ 8 MIN 15
3rd downs: NYJ 2-8 MIN 7-11
Total yards: NYJ 150 MIN 198
Total drives: NYJ 6 MIN 6
Penalties : NYJ 5-30 yds MIN 2-20 yds
TOP: NYJ 13:08 MIN 16:52

Mike White: 14/26 121 yds 1 INT
Kirk Cousins: 14/24 104 yds

Dalvin Cook 10 carries 56 yds

Garrett Wilson: 3 catches 43 yds
Justin Jefferson: 6 catches 35 yds

 
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Impressive job by the Jets to get a field goal with just 40 seconds remaining before halftime. Zuerlein with a 60-yarder! 

 
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Jets holding the Vikings to a field goal is a win. If I were Minnesota, I would have been more aggressive. 

 
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The Jets giving the Vikings a short field with 1:56 remaining in the first half is very questionable. Vikings about to extend the lead AND get the ball back after halftime. 

 
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Jets didn't even try to convert that third-and-7. Just an underneath throw to Ty Johnson that went for five yards. Two minute warning, but this Jets offense has not looked good. 

 
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Vikings are ROLLING right now. Alexander Mattison rushes it in from 14 yards out. Vikes now lead 17-3! They are juiced to play today. 

 
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