CNN
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Sam Darnold got revenge on the team that drafted him when he led the Minnesota Vikings to victory over the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday.

Darnold, who was drafted by the Jets with the third overall pick in 2018, threw for 179 yards and one interception on a day when the Vikings’ defense was the standout.

They intercepted New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers three times on a tough afternoon for the 40-year-old, including a decisive pick from Stephon Gilmore in the final minute.

The result means the Vikings continue their undefeated start to the season at 5-0, while the Jets fall to 2-3 after their second consecutive loss.

Often, games in London are a general appreciation for NFL fandom, with almost all 32 jerseys represented by fans in attendance.

However, that was not the case on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – the 37^e NFL game in London – with most of the stadium decorated purple in appreciation of the ‘home team’.

And that dedication was rewarded by the Minnesota players, who held Rodgers and the Jets to a three-and-out on the opening drive before Darnold and Justin Jefferson almost single-handedly scored a field goal, their connection moving the ball downfield before a Will McDonald’s bag stopped the ride.

However, all that positive momentum came to an abrupt halt just minutes later.

First, Darnold — one of the early season favorites for the NFL MVP award — took a big hit from a Jets defender, knocking the quarterback to the ground in his left. Darnold was able to walk off the field under his own power and missed a snap while recovering.

He returned moments later with disastrous results, when his attempted throw to running back Ty Chandler bounced on the turf before being recovered by a Jets defender.

The mistake gave the Jets excellent field position, but they were about to fall prey to their own offensive misfortune. Rodgers, usually so flawless, had his pass attempt intercepted by Minnesota’s Andrew Van Ginkel, with the linebacker returning it 63 yards for a touchdown.

The pick-six sparked wild celebrations among the Vikings-strong crowd in London.

And things went from bad to worse for New York on the very next drive when Rodgers was picked off again, this time by Cam Bynum, making it the first time he’s thrown two interceptions in a game since 2022.

The Vikings were the team that had the upper hand and they extended their lead midway through the second quarter.

Through a combination of hard running, timely throws from Darnold and a host of penalties from the Jets defenders, Minnesota produced a 14-play, 53-yard drive that lasted four minutes and 48 seconds and ended with a two-yard touchdown run from CJ. Ham to make it 17-0 in their favor.

The Jets finally got on the scoreboard as the first half neared its end, as Rodgers connected with Allen Lazard on a 14-yard score to inject some positivity into the half.

And in a slower third quarter, with both teams trading punts, the Jets were able to close the deficit with a 32-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal.

As rain descended on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the action on the pitch failed to brighten the day. So the fans focused on their own fun in the form of stacks of cups, sing-alongs and kisscams.

Will Reichard’s second field goal of the day restored Minnesota’s 10-point lead and with the Jets struggling for regular offense, a win seemed likely.

But that smooth journey hit a bump when Darnold’s pass was intercepted by Brandin Echols, putting New York in good field position. And they converted soon after, with Rodgers finding Garrett Wilson to waltz into the end zone and cut the lead to three with just over six minutes remaining.

Reichard’s third field goal made it a six-point game, giving Rodgers a chance to be the hero: driving in the final minutes to score a touchdown and win.

Things were looking good for New York as they moved the ball down the field. But it came to a sudden end when Rodgers threw his third interception of the day, this time to former Defensive Players of the Year Gilmore, allowing the Vikings to seal the victory.