Instant Takeaways from Green Bay Packers No. 1 Seed Clinching Win

The Green Bay Packers came away with the convincing win at home over the Minnesota Vikings, and with that, they locked up the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the second season in a row. The NFC playoffs will run through Lambeau Field.

Here are my instant takeaways from the Green Bay Packers performance against Minnesota.

– Once again, the Green Bay Packers offensive line held up very well. Aaron Rodgers had the time he needed in the pocket, and while the run game was stifled a few times between the tackles, the Minnesota defensive front was worn out by the second half, and the Packers averaged over 5.0 yards per rush. Green Bay also found some success when they got their offensive line moving horizontally.

– The first quarter offense found some success, but they began 0/3 in the red zone and with only six points to show for it early on. But as they often have, they were very good in the second quarter.

– When it comes to the Packers’ red zone woes, you have to wonder how much they are truly missing Robert Tonyan in that part of the field.

– Unlike in recent weeks, the Packers put this game away in the second half. Rodgers and Matt LaFleur were much more aggressive with passing the ball, even though they were up multiple scores–something Rodgers talked about following last week’s game.

– AJ Dillon in below zero temps did exactly what you’d expect AJ Dillon to do in below zero temps.

– Sean Mannion was as expected. He found a little success on some boot-action, and Minnesota was relying heavily on the quick and easy completions, but he’s a limited player.

– And with Mannion being limited, so was Justin Jefferson.

– Although the Vikings were trailing in the first half, it wasn’t until late in the second quarter that it really got out of hand. And with that, I was very surprised that Dalvin Cook only had seven carries. But even on the carries that Cook had, the Green Bay defense did a good job of containing him. Preston Smith and Rashan Gary did an excellent job of setting the edge, while we saw players closer to the line of scrimmage more often.

– After getting pushed around in recent weeks, it was the Green Bay Packers defensive front who was doing the pushing this week.

– Rashan Gary didn’t play the first time these two teams met, but the Vikings sure felt his presence tonight. Preston Smith was also very good.

– The Minnesota offense averaged 3.7 yards per play before the final drive, they held the ball for only 21 minutes, and were 3/16 on third and fourth downs.

– It sure does look like the Packers found something in David Moore as a return man. It sounds simple, but he fielded the kicks cleanly, was decisive, and showcased good vision.

– Overall, it was another fairly clean performance by the Green Bay Packers special teams unit. And as rough as the field goal unit looked earlier this season, they’ve been very sound since the bye week, and Mason Crosby has not missed a field goal or an extra point during that span.

– I have no words to describe Rodgers, Davante Adams, and their connection. It is out of this world, and Rodgers was so incredibly efficient.

– Henry Black has had his issues in coverage this season when the Packers are in dime, so tonight, we saw a fair amount of Kevin King in that role.

– Allen Lazard has really stepped up in Randall Cobb’s absence. In the previous three games, he had 10 receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Tonight he had another touchdown and 65 more yards.

– In addition to locking up home-field advantage with the win, the Packers officially eliminated the Vikings from the playoffs–which is oh so sweet.

– How much of Jordan Love are we going to see next week in Detroit?