Green Bay Packers v. Vikings: Instant Takeaways from Last Second Loss

It was a wild back and forth contest, but the Green Bay Packers couldn’t come up with the win against Minnesota.

As I always do following each game, I have my instant takeaways from the Green Bay Packers performance.

– In Rashan Gary’s absence, Preston Smith had a monster game. Tipa Galeai had some flashes as well. This is how the Packers have overcome injuries all season—others have stepped up.

– Inside, Kenny Clark was absolutely dominant. He bullied Minnesota’s center.

– Joe Barry also dialed up the pressure in the second half, which helped.

– The Packers were one of the least penalized teams this season, but that was not the case today—particularly along the offensive line.

– Speaking of the offensive line, upon the initial viewing, it looked like a rough showing. Although going to the quick passing game helped them out in the second half.

– Even for MVP quarterbacks, practice time matters. Early on, Rodgers was inaccurate at times — although that TD pass to Deguara was a dime — and the offense was out of rhythm to start. But at the end of the day, he’s still Aaron Rodgers, and oh yeah, going back to the quick passing game helped—did I mention that already?

– Rodgers and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have struggled all year to connect downfield — the lack of practice time together hasn’t helped — but the two came up big in crunch time. There was great protection on that play as well.

– To the untrained eye, it didn’t look like Rodgers’ toe was causing a huge issue, but I imagine it affected him to some degree.

– I don’t believe all the missed FGs this season are 100 percent on Mason Crosby, but he is far from his old self.

– Green Bay has been very good at preventing the big play but they really struggled against Justin Jefferson—just as many have. At times it seemed like the Packers forgot about him.

– Kevin King played a majority of the first half, but he was picked on. Rasul Douglas took over just before half, but it was tough to get a grasp on what the rotation was.

– For the most part, the Green Bay Packers run defense did a nice job against Dalvin Cook. He didn’t dominate as he has in past games against Green Bay.

– The Packers were really trying to push the ball downfield early on — with little success — but fortunately, they adjusted and went back to the quick passing game before half (have I mentioned that yet). There was also a much better run/pass mix.

– Not that there was a concern, but AJ Dillon showcased that he was just fine with the RB1 responsibilities. He averaged over 4.0 yards per rush, had several receptions, and was really good in pass protection. I wouldn’t have minded him getting more than 11 carries either.

– Rodgers has spoken very highly of Equanimeous St. Brown during his career, and today we saw why.

– With Malik Taylor out, Amari Rodgers took over as the kick returner. He did not have any attempts.

– Just make the injuries stop. Elgton Jenkins left with a knee injury. We will wait and see how severe it is.

– Green Bay — specifically Savage — missed out on some interception opportunities that Cousins tried to gift them.

– One of the knocks on Eric Stokes coming out of Georgia was his ball-skills, and we saw on at least two occasions where he never saw the ball in the air, including the final touchdown to Jefferson.

– Once again, Davante Adams was lights out. Adams had 115 yards on seven receptions.

– The Green Bay Packers were 7/11 on third downs, but Minnesota also fared well, converting 9 of their 13 attempts.

– The defense has come up with some big stops in recent weeks, but they couldn’t quite do it today.