(Photo: A to Z Sports)
NFC Game Of The Week
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Vikings (6-2):
How many times have I said it this year? They got off to the strong start they did solely because of their defense! When I made my weekly appearance on The Prime yesterday, I used a baseball analogy and said that what their defense is doing is the equivalent of a pitcher on the mound having himself a game, getting guys out, but receiving no run support. Countless times throughout the year, I’ve seen their defense create turnovers, make stops, force offenses to become one-dimensional, and even get the ball back for their offense, only for the offense to do absolutely nothing with it. Monday night against the Buffalo Bills was the worst offensive performance I’ve seen from them because they had opportunities to move the ball but couldn’t come away with anything. In fact, I told David OnPoint the other day on The Prime that the Vikings’ offense reminds me a lot of the Chicago Bears’ unit during the Matt Nagy days. As a former defender, I’d love to play against this offense because I’d know exactly what’s coming. After starting the season 6-0, they’ve dropped their last two games but are still in the race in a very competitive NFC North. The quarterback play from Carson Wentz on Monday night was so bad that the team decided to bring back a familiar face, acquiring Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders. I thought this was a good move because he knows the system, already has a rapport built with Justin Jefferson, and won’t take long to get accustomed to the playbook. This Sunday, the Vikings will look to snap their two-game losing streak as they make their way to Lambeau Field for a divisional showdown with the Cheeseheads.
Packers (6-3):
I will admit I was wrong about them on Sunday. I know Foxborough can be a tough place for visiting teams, and the Patriots are usually a strong group at home, but not this Sunday! I can also admit that I’ve questioned who this football team is as a whole and whether they even want to play for Matt LaFleur anymore. One thing that concerned me was the lack of time the offensive line was giving Jordan Love to throw the football. It appeared as if every time he stepped back into the pocket, he was getting knocked down and ending up on the turf. They have still struggled to run the ball, but I think if they continue to stick with it, they’ll get better. Here’s a question I want to ask you: Do you see what can happen when you give your quarterback time to throw the football and some room to operate in the pocket? As of late, Jordan Love has been spinning the football down the field, and alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, they’ve been emerging as one of the best offensive trios in the league. On Sunday against New England, Jordan was efficient, accurate, decisive, and aggressive down the field, while Matthew and Christian each finished with over 100 receiving yards. My biggest takeaway from the Packers in Week 9 was their defense and how they made life miserable for Drake Maye. They created game-changing takeaways and turned those into 21 points. As I always say, turnovers mean nothing if you don’t do anything with the football once you get it back. I’ve been impressed with the Green Bay defense, even without Micah Parsons. I also noticed in Sunday’s big win that the pass rush was active and consistently got home. Back to the offense, if I may, this was the best I’ve seen them run the football! This was just an all-around good day at the office for the Green and Yellow. They return home on Sunday for a divisional tilt with the Minnesota Vikings.
Vikings X-Factor: Aaron Jones
The former Green Bay Packer himself! I remember when he first came onto the scene and how valuable of a piece he was for Aaron Rodgers and those Green Bay offenses back then. Now, he’s a member of the Vikings. Aaron knows Green Bay, knows their defensive schemes, and understands what LaFleur wants to run. I’m sure he’s sharing that knowledge with his teammates leading up to this game. To fix some of these Minnesota offensive issues, running the football would be a good start. It can help open up the passing attack and create opportunities for the receivers, especially if the Packers decide to stack the box. Aaron is more than capable of breaking off a big run, and he’s also a threat in the passing game.
Packers X-Factor: Tucker Kraft
Tucker is another one of Jordan Love’s top targets alongside Matthew Golden and Christian Watson. He’s the quarterback’s safety valve, and against this tough Minnesota defense, Kraft can attack the middle of the field early and often. He’s a matchup nightmare for the Vikings’ linebackers, can exploit the middle of the field, as I just mentioned, and is a consistent red-zone threat. If Minnesota devotes too much attention to Golden and Watson, Tucker will make them pay.
Final Thoughts:
I remember that first matchup of the season very well. Green Bay was in control for the first three quarters, but the Vikings stormed back, scoring 29 unanswered points to complete the comeback victory. Both teams are now very different, especially the Vikings, who will be starting Kirk Cousins after deciding to bring him back following Carson Wentz’s struggles. To me, Green Bay put together its best all-around game of the year last week against the Patriots. Can the Minnesota defensive front get pressure on Jordan Love? As of late, he’s had forever and a day to throw the football. I’d try to pressure him from the inside, force him to climb up in the pocket, or make him run. Minnesota also needs to win the turnover battle, avoid giving the Packers short fields, get Aaron Jones going, and attack Green Bay’s weakness, which is stopping the run. As for the Packers, they must come out and neutralize this Minnesota pass rush with quick passes over the middle and screen passes. Can they continue to run the football effectively? That’s another big question. They also need to pressure Cousins, force him into obvious passing situations, and keep Jordan Love protected.
