Dairyland Express
Fansided

Green Bay Packers: 4 Matchups to watch against the Vikings

By Kenny Jilek

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 23: Defensive back Chandon Sullivan #39 of the Green Bay Packers cover tight end Irv Smith #84 of the Minnesota Vikings causing an incompletion during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 23: Defensive back Chandon Sullivan #39 of the Green Bay Packers cover tight end Irv Smith #84 of the Minnesota Vikings causing an incompletion during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Green Bay Packers
Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers, (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Davante Adams vs. Vikings Cornerbacks

And now it’s time for the most fun matchup of the week. Davante Adams should absolutely shred these Vikings cornerbacks. Even last year when the Vikings had their top corner, Xavier Rhodes, Davante Adams went over 100 yards receiving in both meetings with Minnesota. Now, they have two young cornerbacks, Mike Hughes and Holton Hill.

Minnesota’s defense has very few flaws and tons of playmakers. When Hunter is healthy, he and Ngakoue will be one of the best pass rush duos in the league. Meanwhile, Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are a great linebacker pairing, and safeties Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris are phenomenal at the back end of their defense. However, their cornerbacks are not on par with the rest of these great duos.

Mike Hughes is entering his third season after being the 30th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Last season, he had an interception and nine passes defended while allowing a passer rating of 91.9 against him. He’ll likely be Adams’ primary defender and while Hughes will probably continue to improve in year three, he’s not ready to take on number one receivers yet, especially not a route running savant like Davante.

Their other option is Holton Hill, who after a pretty solid rookie year, didn’t do much of anything as he missed the first eight games of the season for violating the league’s PED policy. When he finally got to play, he only had one pass defended in limited action and allowed a 66.7 completion percentage and opponent passer rating of 90.0 when targeted. 

Each of these guys lacks both the experience and talent to keep Adams bottled up longer than a couple drives. Adams should have a huge day, even with the star safeties lurking. Any time Rodgers sees a man coverage look, he should immediately look to Adams for what should be a relatively easy completion and potential big gain.

Next. GB v. Min: Week 1 Staff Predictions. dark

What matchups are you most excited for in the Green Bay Packers first game of the season? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @DairylandXpress. 

Home/Green Bay Packers