Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell talks to fans before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The last time the Minnesota Vikings went to Lambeau Field, they emerged victorious by 24-10. Green Bay was sent to a 2-5 record, but Kirk Cousins wound up being lost for the year. This time around, the Vikings come in 3-0, and they are a better team than the one that already bested Matt LaFleur.
Yes, Kirk Cousins was a known commodity for the 2023 Minnesota Vikings. It’s also impossible to argue that the 2024 version of Sam Darnold isn’t playing the position at a higher level. Darnold has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and there’s no reason to think he can’t go into hostile territory and emerge victorious.
Whether Jordan Addison is ready to return remains to be seen, but Justin Jefferson will be on the field. Jaire Alexander didn’t have to face him the last time Green Bay welcomed Minnesota to town. He won’t get so lucky this time. Jefferson is healthy and looks like the best wide receiver in football.
Beyond just Jefferson, the Vikings also have Aaron Jones. Yes, the Packers are more than familiar with their former running back. He provides a massive boost over Alexander Mattison, which is significant to Kevin O’Connell’s offense flow.
Then there’s the defense.
Brian Flores was building his unit up a year ago. Some young players contribute, but the newcomers and veterans have made the difference. Andrew Van Ginkel is a man possessed, and Stephon Gilmore is absolutely shutting down the passing game. Ivan Pace Jr. and Dallas Turner coming back from injury would only provide a better overall group.
The Vikings defense’ sacked the quarterback in droves. Whether Jordan Love returns or not, both he and Malik Willis should be incredibly worried about. Flores has his unit dialed in, and they are out to get the job done in Green Bay.
It’s cute that the Packers bested a beaten-down and injured Vikings team at U.S. Bank Stadium. This team isn’t that one, though, and the group that won at Lambeau last year wasn’t this good, either.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.