While the final score makes it look close, Minnesota channeled Viking Raiders of old, pummeling both the Packers defense and humbling the offense. Green Bay’s defense had two cornerbacks out of the lineup in Alexander and Valentine. Their replacements did not impress.
New Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley decided that four pass rushers could get to Sam Darnold. He did not change his strategy until it was 28-0… in the first half. The defense came out predictable and it did not take The Vikings Darnold any time to slice it up. Minnesota is averaging over 17 points in the first half of their four games.
Their offensive line kept Darnold clean most of the day, and he produced. The Vikings have wide receivers and a healthy Aaron Jones at running back that outplayed Green Bay.
Green Bay took all their first half opportunities and gave them away. On Minnesota’s first drive, Packer linebacker Isaiah McDuffie had an interception in his hands, then dropped it. Later, on the same drive, the Packer defense had the Vikings in third and fourteen…and gave up a 29-yard touchdown.
Then the Packers kicker Brayden Narveson extended his cold streak becoming the first NFL kicker in 2024 to miss inside the 40-yard line. LaFleur said after the game he still has confidence in Narveson.
His game calling said otherwise. Two times the Packers could have tried long field goals, the kind Narveson was signed to make, but the Packers went for it unsuccessfully on 4th and long.
Packers Defensive Struggles
On Minnesota’s second drive, the Packers started by gifting the Vikings 20 yards on two defensive penalties. Green Bay’s defense was not done giving yardage gifts. Four penalties totaling 29 of the 73 yards were defensive penalties on the drive. Stokes’ pass interference on 3rd and 2 at the 15 giving the Vikings a first down was the final dagger.
The Vikings defense has confused quarterbacks in all 4 games. They play a scheme that is purposely camouflaged. The point is not to be predictable.
If Hafley can watch this film again and learn that lesson, the Packers may improve. Minnesota held S.F. To 17 points and have 8 interceptions, 17 sacks and 26 TFL’s in four games. At the moment, they are the best team in the NFL.
The final 4th quarter push by the Packers was fun to watch, but a better team would not have folded given the opportunities Green Bay had. Love’s picks to end games is more than a coincidence, it has turned into a bad habit. A habit that keeps teams from winning their division, much less playoff championships.
On this Sunday in September, the Packers allowed the Vikings to take control of the NFC division. Only time will tell if this Packer team has enough to meet the Vikings’ talent and coaching in their next meeting. Next up, a west coast away game against the Rams.
