What about the starting 23-year-old kicker? Reichard’s two 50-yard field goals – from 53 and 54 yards out – kept the Jets at bay in a low-scoring, defensive battle of a game. Reichard, a sixth-round pick out of Alabama, has now made his first 26 punts to start his NFL career. The 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter was crucial, taking advantage of the great field position gained when the Jets were pinned deep in their own end zone. A disappointing 39-yard punt by the Jets and a 6-yard return by Brandon Powell put the Vikings at the Jets’ 37-yard line. Quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense sputtered, as they did most of the day, and went three-and-out. But Reichard still added three points with a 53-yard field goal, giving them a two-score lead late in the game. That was the cushion needed to withstand Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ touchdown throw to Garrett Wilson with six minutes remaining. Reichard added a 41-yard field goal later in the fourth quarter.

Andrew Van Ginkel’s 63-yard interception return for a touchdown

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores picked off Rodgers early and often, including a 57% percentage in the first half, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Van Ginkel was part of a third-down push that led to a crucial takeaway in the first quarter. He was one of seven Viking defenders crowding the line of scrimmage, but he was one of two who dropped into coverage. Van Ginkel apparently slipped past Rodgers’ view as the Jets quarterback tried to cross receiver Garrett Wilson across the middle. Van Ginkel made a leaping choice and ran 63 meters to complete the scoring. Van Ginkel has scored five touchdowns on defense and special teams in his six NFL seasons. He is the first Vikings defenseman with two returns in the same season since safety Harrison Smith in 2012.

48 points in the first quarter in 5 games

The Vikings scored 10 points in the first quarter against the Jets, giving them 48 points in the first quarter this season. One key to their 5-0 start was jumping out to early leads, allowing head coach Kevin O’Connell to lean on the run game and Darnold to manage games. The Vikings haven’t trailed since falling behind 3-0 in the first quarter of the Sept. 8 win over the New York Giants. They are averaging almost 10 points in the first quarter this season. The impact of playing with a lead: Rodgers was forced to throw 54 times while passing the ball to his talented running backs only 14 times.