Jaire Alexander called the Packers’ explosive Week 1 run from the Vikings a “fluke” ahead of the NFC North rematch scheduled for this week. Turns out the Green Bay star didn’t go far enough in his remarks. With a chance to stay in contention for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, not to mention sweeping and eliminating Aaron Rodgers and Co., Minnesota barely fought at Lambeau Field. Falling back in every phase of the game, the Vikings trailed early due to a special teams error, failed to stop the ground game led by Aaron Jones, then were pummeled by the resurgent Green Bay defense as the Packers claimed a 41-17 road that was even more lopsided than the scoreline indicated.
The Vikings (12-4) already clinched an NFC North title earlier this season. But Sunday’s Week 17 rematch was all about Packers (8-8), who can now clinch a wildcard spot with a victory over the rival Lions in Week 18. While Rodgers himself doesn’t didn’t post stellar numbers against a vulnerable Minnesota defense, Kirk Cousins had a particularly stunning performance, throwing three interceptions while failing to connect with Jefferson.
Here are some additional takeaways from Sunday’s blowout:
Why the Packers won
At first it was because the defense and special teams came in to play: Joe Barry’s unit limited Minnesota to 14 plays for 20 yards on the Vikings’ first four drives, and Keisan Nixon made it easy for a TD back from 105 yards. As the game wore on, it was mostly the “D,” which was the driving force behind the Packers’ resurgence as a hopeful playoff. Jaire Alexander dominated deep into coverage against Justin Jefferson, setting the tone early with the physique. And the rest of the secondary was more opportunistic than ever, getting their hands on receivers and Kirk Cousins throwing touches, with Adrian Amos, Rasul Douglas, Darnell Savage and TJ Slaton all recording at least one pick or more deflections from passes.
Offensively, Rodgers relied primarily on Aaron Jones, who grabbed one open lane after another but also sealed the game with his own TD scramble, moving onto the sidelines with over seven minutes left. play as Jordan Love took on cleaning duty. . Mason Crosby, meanwhile, contributed with a perfect 56-yard field goal to keep Green Bay ahead.
Why the Vikings Lost
Although they seemingly have fate on their side in close matches with equal or lesser opponents, they know how to bend against the big dogs. An early punt block appeared to set the stage for an upset, but immediately afterwards they failed to hit the ball from the 1-yard line, getting no push for Dalvin Cook on a night when the runner ball was largely non-existent. The Cousins, meanwhile, did next to nothing in the air as the balls flew through a tight secondary, hitting only TJ Hockenson with any regularity. Once the Packers took a huge lead, things got worse, with Green Bay simply bullying them on every level. Ed Donatell’s “D” was actually better than expected against the pass, but ended up being a total sieve against the run. Greg Joseph kept the program going by navigating a pair of field goals wide of the uprights. Their only real points came after the match was decided.
Turning
Just over halfway through the first quarter, the Vikings appeared to be gaining ground after Dalvin Tomlinson sacked Aaron Rodgers in fourth-and-first for a 16-game loss. Minnesota took over Packers territory with a chance to take the lead. Four plays into the series, however, Cousins threw one down the middle towards Hockenson and the Green Bay corner, Rasul Douglas tipped the ball in the air – and the waiting hands of Darnell Savage, who went on to run 75 yards for the score. The Packers went up 14-3 on the takeout and never looked back.
Game of the game
Nearly every third Packers high school snap belongs here, but Savage’s pick six took the cake among the plays that make a difference in coverage:
And after
The Packers (8-8) will stay at Lambeau Field in Week 18 when they take on the rival Lions (8-8) in a showdown that will decide the NFC’s last wild card. The Vikings (12-4), meanwhile, travel to Chicago to face the Bears (3-13), who were routed by Detroit on Sunday.
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