Green Bay Packers v. Vikings: 3 Big Things from Last Second Loss

In what was a wild second half, the Green Bay Packers came up short in Minnesota, losing on a last-second field goal. Despite the loss, Green Bay is still 8-3 and well in control of the NFC North.

Now having had the opportunity to rewatch the game and digest what took place, as part of my game recap, I have my 3 Big Things from the Green Bay Packers performance.

Missed opportunities and penalties leave their marks on the game

This is a Green Bay Packers defense that has been very opportunistic this season when it comes to generating turnovers. The Packers currently rank seventh in total takeaways with 16, and during their seven-game win streak, they would force at least two turnovers in six of those games. Green Bay has also been very good at not committing penalties–entering Sunday’s contest as the second-least penalized team in football.

Unfortunately, against Minnesota, the Packers were unable to generate any turnovers–in fact, they let several opportunities slip through their grasps, and penalties, particularly along the offensive line, were a major issue.

As he tends to do, Kirk Cousins gave the Green Bay Packers defense a few opportunities at some interceptions–they were just unable to capitalize. Darnell Savage did snag one interception in the red zone, but it was nullified due to a roughing the passer penalty on Kingsley Keke. Savage would have another opportunity later in the game, but some good “defense” from Adam Thielen would break the pass up.

Then, of course, there was the dropped interception on the final drive. In addition to these three instances, there were a few other lame-duck passes from Cousins that would end up hitting the turf.

In terms of penalties, the Packers were called for eight of them that resulted in 92 penalty yards. Several of which would stall drives as it put the offense in early holes, forcing them to convert from 1st and 20 on a few occasions. Not only does this make getting a first down more difficult, but it greatly affects Matt LaFleur’s ability to get the offense in any sort of rhythm via play-calling and also takes away their ability to run the ball.

There’s always more than one reason that a team loses a game, but perhaps if there are a few less penalties or if Green Bay is able to convert on one of those turnover opportunities, this game could have ended differently.