12 Snap Reactions after Vikings at Packers
Each week, we offer a “snap reactions” piece detailing thoughts and analysis after the latest Minnesota Vikings game.
12 Snap Reactions after Vikings at Packers
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit random, and hopefully insightful.
The Vikings won on the road Sunday afternoon at the Green Bay Packers 31-29, continuing their blistering hot start that feels out of nowhere. Minnesota has now toppled the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and the Packers to start the season.
1 — The immediate optimistic take? The Vikings encountered their first real brush with adversity — nearly melting down after a 28-0 lead — and implemented a survive-and-advance afternoon. The pessimistic take? Minnesota probably would’ve lost the game if the NFL had five quarters.
2 — Everything tunneled south when Jalen Nailor muffed the late 2nd Quarter punt. Of course, it would’ve been sweeter if the Vikings had mitigated that gaffe sooner, but playing on the road is tricky, especially against the foremost foe in the Packers.
3 — It was quite mind-boggling that the Green Bay trotted a visibly hobbled Jordan Love onto the field. Perhaps we’re so used to the Vikings slow-rolling injury recoveries that when a different team does not, it feels reckless. Love improved in the 2nd Half, but generally speaking, he seemed to play at about 70%. Dah well.
4 — Jordan Addison makes Kevin O’Connell’s offense a first-class operation. Without him, the system is passable and pretty awesome if the defense does its job. With Addison, Minnesota can contend for a Super Bowl.
5 — The Kevin O’Connell stat remains intact: The Vikings are 21-0 when winning the turnover battle or breaking even with him as head coach. Vikings football under O’Connell is just a big fat turnover referendum,
6 — Aaron Jones carved up his old team for 139 yards from scrimmage, once again making the purple offense multidimensional. Sam Darnold would not be achieving his current success without Jones’ production. The former Packer keeps opposing defenses honest, setting up the pass with his six yards per touch.
7 — Minnesota’s breakneck sack numbers finally fell back down to earth, only registering one on Sunday. However, the pressure on Jordan Love was there, and it made all the difference, particularly in the 1st Half.
8 — Minnesota’s own Blake Cashman fired off another fantastic game, logging 11 tackles, 2 QB hits, a pass defended, and a tackle for loss. Jordan Hicks did not struggle in 2023, but Cashman is a massive upgrade.
9 — Will Reichard remains perfect, and he’s such an asset for fans’ emotional well-being on Sundays.
10 — The defensive secondary made oodles of plays, with cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy, and Shaquill Griffin standing off the page. The Vikings had so many sacks in the first three games that the CBs felt kind of anonymous. Not at Green Bay. They made the difference.
11 — Justin Jefferson’s drive-extending, toe-tap catch in the 4th Quarter arguably saved the game from a total collapse. That’s why he makes $35 million annually.
12 — The New York Jets will be pissed next weekend after losing to the Denver Broncos by a measly point. Minnesota won’t be able to afford to take its foot off the gas. We’ll need Sunday’s “1st Quarter Vikings” against Aaron Rodgers and Co.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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