Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings: 3 matchups to watch in Week 2
As the Green Bay Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, make sure to keep your eye out for these three matchups that could decide the game.
The Green Bay Packers passed their first divisional test of the 2019 season when they defeated the Chicago Bears on the road in Week 1. It was a sloppy offensive ball game that neither unit will be proud of. However, it was encouraging for the defenses, as they thoroughly dominated the action. The Packers have had a little extra rest heading into their contest against the Minnesota Vikings, as they look to right the offensive ship.
Minnesota presents a different type of challenge than the Bears. Although their defense isn’t elite, it’s nothing to sleep on either. They can get after the quarterback as well and should give Matt LaFleur and this offense plenty to think about it.
Offensively, the Vikings are a lot more talented than the Bears. For starters, Kirk Cousins is on a different level than Mitchell Trubisky. Although Cousins isn’t nearly as mobile, he’s a lot more dangerous with his arm. He also had dangerous weapons in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Dalvin Cook is another weapon to be wary of and punished the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. In order for Green Bay to win their second straight game, they must take advantage of these three matchups.
3. Packers’ rush defense vs. Dalvin Cook
Cook punished the Falcons on the ground in Week 1 to the tune of 111 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns. He routinely got to the outside and was able to exploit the secondary in space. He looks to be fully healthy and is a tremendous blend of power and speed.
On the other side of the ball is the Packers’ run defense. They only gave up 46 rushing yards on 15 attempts against the Bears. Although Chicago was not committed to the run and don’t have the same type of back as the Vikings do, it was an encouraging start to the season. The Packers will have to figure out how to slow down Cook and make this Vikings’ offense one-sided. The winner of this matchup should be able to control the tempo of the game.
2. David Bakhtiari vs. Everson Griffen
Packers’ left tackle David Bakhtiari is one of the best in the game. Even though he struggled some against Chicago, he’s an elite player at the position and Green Bay needs him on the field in order to keep Rodgers on his feet. Unfortunately, Bakhtiari missed practice on Thursday with a back injury and it’s unclear if he’ll play on Sunday.
If he does, he’ll be asked to neutralize pass-rush extraordinaire Everson Griffen. Griffen is Minnesota’s best pass rusher and would love to live in the backfield at Lambeau Field. In order for Green Bay to avoid a repeat offensive performance, they’ll need better pass protection on Sunday.
1. Jaire Alexander vs Adam Thielen
Jaire Alexander is another player who appeared on the injury report on Thursday, as he was listed as limited with a knee injury. That was a surprise because he wasn’t on the report the day before. If he’s healthy, he’ll be asked to match up with one of the best receivers in the game in Adam Thielen.
dark. Next. Packers: Slowing Dalvin Cook is key to victory
Thielen had his way with Alexander at times last season so the second-year cornerback will be asked to step up his game. If the Packers want to make the Vikings one-sided and throw the ball, they’ll need their new and improved secondary to step up and take advantage of it.