Mike White’s magic ran out in the final minutes as the Jets failed to secure a crucial interconference contest
The New York Jets’ conquering of the NFC North was stopped by the Minnesota Vikings.
Behind rushing scores for Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, as well as Kirk Cousins’ touchdown toss to Justin Jefferson, the Vikings survived a late green rally to steal a 27-22 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium.
With the Mike White show renewed for a second week, a fluke interception that bounced off the hands of Corey Davis went to Harrison Smith, setting up the first points of the day via a Greg Joseph field goal.
The Mike White era is having a rough start against the #Vikings, INT by Harrison Smith.pic.twitter.com/gPkyTgUGIY
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 4, 2022
New York managed to tie the score by concluding a 12-play, 45-yard drive with a 48-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal.
Minnesota responded with rushing touchdowns from Cook and Mattison. Combined with another Joseph triple, the Vikings scored on three consecutive possessions, building a 20-3 lead before a 60-yarder from Zuerlein shortened the deficit to two possessions at the half.
Dalvin Cook is cooking in Minnesota #SKOL #FPC #NFL #NFLTwitter
— Full Press NFL (@FullPressNFL) December 4, 2022
Ayo Alexander Mattison buss through for a touchdown❗️
See what I did there 🧐 pic.twitter.com/VYZZ4S5Ejb
— Alex Xaviel (@SnakeDraftViper) December 4, 2022
Defensive endeavors kept the Jets in the game while Zuerlein continued to kick. As the Jets chipped at the lead via special teams, the defense was able to land nine hits on Kirk Cousins, with Carl Lawson and Quinnen Williams earning sacks.
DANCE ON 'EM @QuinnenWilliams#NYJvsMIN on CBS pic.twitter.com/s4y1Lgy1e1
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 4, 2022
Once the Jets sliced the lead down to 20-15, Minnesota seemingly pulled away when Justin Jefferson, held in check for most of the game thanks to Sauce Gardner, scored on a 10-yard toss from Cousins, a score that earned the receiver “MVP” chants from those gathered at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Justin Jefferson gets the feet down for the TD 🔥
📺: #NYJvsMIN on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/rt0pyTSiXl pic.twitter.com/jWihdx9NFr— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2022
It took the Jets only five plays to embark on a 75-yard response, with White keeping the hope alive with a one-yard punch-in that required a review to confirm.
MIKE WHITE WITH THE TOUCHDOWN!
(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/nhMJOMRm9p
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 4, 2022
After two more crucial stops, the Jets made it into Minnesota territory twice over the final six minutes but were done in by both Braxton Berrios‘ dropped touchdown on fourth down and Camryn Bynum’s interception that sealed the deal.
Vikings close the door on Mike White and the Jets 😤
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/WnygW4G2ok
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 4, 2022
Minnesota (10-2) went 4-0 against AFC East competition, as they prepare to close in on their first division title since 2017.
The Jets (7-5) now face a crucial divisional showdown next Sunday when they travel to Orchard Park to battle the Buffalo Bills next Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
