That was about as thorough of an ass-whooping as you’ll see. The Green Bay Packers dominated the Minnesota Vikings in a way they haven’t dominated anyone in a while.
Probably since their December 2012 thrashing of the Tennessee Titans, which they won 55-7.
On this Thursday night, the Packers used a seemingly rejuvenated Eddie Lacy and a defense that was more than happy to take advantage of the atrocity of quarterbacking known as Christian Ponder to score a 42-10 drubbing of the Vikings.
Skol!
Lacy set the tone early by doing what he hasn’t done all season — hitting the hole quickly and then trucking motherfuckers down field. Lacy had a season-best 105 yards on just 13 carries. He scored two touchdowns and added another 27 yards in the passing game.
That 8-plus yards per carry is a huge improvement on the 3 yards per carry Lacy was averaging in the first four weeks of the season and it made Aaron Rodgers’ job easy.
In fact, Rodgers didn’t really have to do anything, other than loft three touchdowns. Those went to Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, whose one reception accounted for 66 of Rodgers’ 156 yards passing, and Davante Adams, who scored his NFL first.
The reason Rodgers didn’t have to do anything, other than Lacy, was because of the Packers defense or Ponder, however you’d like to view it.
Ponder was indeed his usual awful self, going 22-of-44 for 222 yards, no TDs and two interceptions.
The picks came on consecutive drives in the second quarter, which pretty much ended the game. The first came off Luther Robinson deflection that Julius Peppers returned for a score and then eventually figured out he was expected to do the Lambeau Leap.
On the next series, Jamari Lattimore picked Ponder. That set up Adams’ 11-yard score.
The real story for the defense was pressure. They brought it like gangbusters, sacking Ponder six times.
Even when Ponder wasn’t getting sacked, he had guys in his face.
The Packers also managed to keep the Vikings’ rushing attack in check, at least when compared to the 235 yards they gave up to the Bears last week. The Vikings managed, comparably, a minuscule 111 yards rushing.
The recipe for success for the Packers is pretty evident now. Pressure the quarterback and create turnovers. Then let the offense score points.
When those things happen, the Packers can play with anyone. Probably beat anyone.
However, if one thing doesn’t fall into place, then they’re in trouble.
At any rate, there’s nothing quite like a good old fashioned stomping of the Minnesota Vikings. Very fulfilling.
Enjoy!