Packers’ studs and duds from Week 1 victory over Vikings

Let’s take a look at the best and worst players from the Green Bay Packers’ dominant Week 1 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Green Bay Packers‘ offense had their way with the Minnesota Vikings’ defense on Sunday, dropping 43 points in a victory. That was the most points allowed in U.S. Bank Stadium and by a Mike Zimmer led team so it’s safe to say the Packers’ offense was clicking on all cylinders.

Now that we’ve had some time to assess the carnage, let’s take a look at three studs and three duds from Sunday’s game.

Stud: Aaron Rodgers

Ever since Green Bay drafted Jordan Love in the first round, Aaron Rodgers has had an extra chip on his shoulder. He was vocal about wanting to play into his 40s and spend his entire career with Green Bay before they drafted Love, and he hasn’t shied away about saying how that could affect his future. However, he came out firing on Sunday and looked like the old version of himself. Most of his throws came on time and on target, as he went 32-for-44 for 364 yards and four touchdowns. His numbers would’ve been even more impressive had it not been for three drops by his wide receivers.

Dud: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Speaking of drops, despite finishing the game with four receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown, Marquez Valdes-Scantling had some unacceptable drops in this game. One came on a crosser over the middle where the ball hit him right in the hands before falling to the turf. The reception would’ve at least picked up the first down and probably gone for a lot more considering there was a lot of open space in front of him. On the very next series, Green Bay came right back to him, as Rodgers found him deep down the field off play action. Valdes-Scantling again failed to secure the ball. Even though he kept his head in the game, he has to work on his concentration moving forward.

Stud: Davante Adams

Despite dropping one would-be touchdown reception on fourth down early in the game, Davante Adams was a straight bully in this one, constantly taking the Vikings’ cornerbacks lunch money. He finished by tying a franchise record with 14 receptions while also adding 156 yards and two touchdowns. This could be the start of a truly special season for Adams.

Dud: Injuries

Green Bay exited this contest with a number of critical injuries we’ll have to keep our eye on. Kenny Clark went down with a groin injury in the first half and didn’t return. The Packers also lost guards Lucas Patrick and Lane Taylor. Taylor’s looks like it could be season-ending. We’ll see how the Packers recover after this one.

Stud: Jaire Alexander

Jaire Alexander will typically let you know when he makes a good play. However, his actions did a lot of talking on Sunday, as he recorded a safety when he sacked Kirk Cousins and also picked off a pass. Although he gave up a touchdown to Adam Thielen late, he blanketed Minnesota’s star receiver for most of the game.

Dud: Run Defense

Green Bay had major issues stopping the run last season and that weakness didn’t disappear over the offseason. Failing to address their defensive line in any meaningful way, this unit got pushed around once again, as Dalvin Cook’s holes were huge. Thankfully, the Packers were able to play from ahead most of the game which somewhat neutralized the Vikings’ rushing attack. They’ll have to address this moving forward.