5 Big Questions Facing Green Bay Packers v. Minnesota Vikings
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers will be up against the Kirk Cousins-less Vikings on Sunday, but this struggling defense will still have to contend with Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson.
As part of my weekly preview of the upcoming matchup, I dive into my 5 Big Questions facing the Green Bay Packers as their game with Minnesota unfolds.
Will the Green Bay Packers defense play more aggressively?
Since the last time these two teams have met, the Green Bay Packers defense has been trending downward. Joe Barry often utilizes lightboxes in an effort to stop the opposing passing game first, but the run defense has been shredded as of late. There have also been a lot of soft coverages, which has allowed for a lot of easy completions.
This week, I want to see Barry turn up the aggressiveness and really be the one dictating how things go, rather than the other way around.
With Kirk Cousins out, Sean Mannion is expected to start–he has only 74 career pass attempts, three interceptions to no touchdowns, and a passer rating of 57.5, according to PFF ($$). This Packers team doesn’t blitz often, and they haven’t really had to, but I want to see them sending some extra players after Mannion–throw some confusion his way and make him uncomfortable.
When it comes to Dalvin Cook, load up the box. We know the Vikings are going to rely heavily on Cook, and this Green Bay run defense has struggled, so provide the defensive front with some extra help. Meanwhile, with Justin Jefferson, just double-team him–make Mannion have to rely on other pass-catchers. And one more thing, no soft coverages, even on early downs. Take away the easy completions and force Mannion to push the ball downfield.
Now, will all of this happen? Probably not, but I’d sure like to see this more aggressive approach.