Green Bay Packers v. Vikings: Gut Reactions & Highlights

The Green Bay Packers pulled out another victory. Here are the gut reactions and highlights from their performance in Minnesota.

The first half of this game was far from pretty, but the Green Bay Packers’ defense played fantastic and they were able to keep them in the game, despite all of the turnovers. Then in the second half the offense, led by Aaron Jones, was able to come alive  just enough to secure the win.

Your 2019 Green Bay Packers are now NFC North Champions and here are the gut reactions and some highlights from their performance against the Minnesota Vikings.

• What a horrendous start for the Green Bay Packers with Aaron Jones fumbling on the opening possession and the Vikings starting with the ball in the red zone.
• With that said, the Packers have one of the best red zone defenses in the NFL this season and holding Minnesota to a field goal in that situation was greatly needed.
• We finally saw Allen Lazard starting to get more consistent targets as he had five in the first half and 9 overall.
• Tyler Ervin continues to be excellent as a return man. What a mid-season addition by Brian Gutekunst.
• It’s been a while but we saw Aaron Rodgers throw his first interception in a while. Not to mention that this time, it didn’t go off of a receiver’s hands.

• And speaking of Aaron Rodgers, this was another so-so performance where he really struggled in the first half as he had a number of inaccurate throws and some questionable decisions as well.
• Credit to the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line, against a very good Vikings’ pass-rush led by Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, Rodgers had plenty of time for the most part.
• Three first half turnovers for the Packers committed by Aaron Jones, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Certainly didn’t see that coming from this trio.
• However, going into halftime down just one point was certainly the best case scenario.
• The Vikings have one of the better run defenses in the NFL, but Aaron Jones totaled over 150 rushing yards at nearly seven yards per carry.

• Kenny Clark, a.k.a: Mr. December.
• As he usually does, Davante Adams tore apart this Vikings’ secondary which included walking the tight rope down the sideline.

• We saw lots of play-action and I loved it!
• Although the execution wasn’t always the greatest, this was a very well called game by Matt LaFleur. Play-action, misdirection, and plenty of motion.
• I say this every time the Packers play at Minnesota but that horn is awful.
• It’s been the case most of the season, but any third and eight or longer situation and the Packer offense really has no answer.
• When you lose the turnover battle, it’s a lot more difficult to win, especially on the road but the Green Bay Packers somehow came away with the win.
• Minnesota was without Dalvin Cook but they have been a high scoring offense this season, however, the Green Bay defense was incredible. Despite being put in poor situations, they kept points off the board and they made Kirk Cousins look quite uncomfortable.

https://twitter.com/packers/status/1209300160741699584

• “The Weapon” – J.K. Scott also had a nice night as he pinned Minnesota deep in their own territory a few times and averaged over 43 yards per punt.
• Kevin King came away with ANOTHER interception and at a key point in the game as Minnesota was driving. This was his fifth of the season.

• And while Stefon Diggs did have a touchdown reception, Jaire Alexander and the rest of the secondary did a tremendous job of shutting him and Adam Thielen down.
• Za’Darius Smith, what else is there to say? He’s been incredible this season and was once again tonight.

• And of course with each Za’Darius Smith sack, we get a fantastic celebration.

https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/1209313958819192834

• Mason Crosby has flown under the radar in 2019 but he has been excellent.
• Another player who is getting hot in recent weeks is Dean Lowry and he is continuing to make plays.
• First downs, total yards, number of plays, time of possession, the Green Bay Packers dominated most categories except for turnovers which is why the game was as close as it was. Overall the Packers were in control.

The Green Bay Packers have now clinched the NFC North and with a win next Sunday against Detroit, they’ll also claim the NFC’s No. 2 seed. However, there is still the possibility of coming away with the first seed if the Seattle Seahawks can beat the San Francisco 49ers. But before we get to that point, let’s enjoy this win!