LONDON (AP) — Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets quarterback, faced a tough defeat against the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Rodgers, who has struggled in London before, threw three interceptions in a 23-17 loss, marking the Jets' second consecutive defeat.
Rodgers expressed concerns about his health post-game, revealing he is dealing with a low ankle sprain following a previous swollen knee issue. The quarterback acknowledged the team's underperformance, citing slow starts, mental errors, and turnovers as key issues that need to be addressed.
The game saw Rodgers throw two touchdown passes but also commit three turnovers, including a crucial interception returned for a touchdown by Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Despite a late surge by the Jets, highlighted by a potential winning drive thwarted by a late interception, the team fell short of overcoming a 17-0 deficit.
Rodgers' performance was marred by inconsistency, with the quarterback visibly in pain after taking a hit in the third quarter. Despite sustaining an injury, Rodgers continued to play, demonstrating resilience reminiscent of his previous injury struggles.
The Jets' offensive struggles were evident, managing just four first downs and 99 net yards in the first half. The team's run game, expected to be a strength, fell short with only 36 total rushing yards against the Vikings.
Looking ahead, the Jets, now 2-3 for the season, face the Buffalo Bills in a Monday night matchup. Coach Robert Saleh acknowledged the team's early-season challenges, emphasizing the need for improvement and a long road ahead in the season.
Overall, the Jets' loss against the Vikings highlighted key areas for improvement, including offensive consistency, ball security, and run game effectiveness. As the team regroups for their upcoming game, addressing these issues will be crucial to turning the season around.
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