NFL
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Preview
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2018
Time: 1:00 pm Eastern Time
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
Team Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1-0-0
Green Bay Packers 1-0-0
Two 1-0 teams are ready to face off in Week 2. NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings head to Lambeau field to play the Green Bay Packers for week 2.
Week 1 Recap
Kirk Cousins’ and the Vikings went into San Fransisco hoping to pull out the win against 7-0 Jimmy Garopplo. The Vikings defense looked hot having three take aways during the game. But the Vikings offense wasn’t able to capitalize off any of these takeaways. Cousins’ first game as a Viking looked good on paper; 20/36 for 244 yards and two touchdown passes. Although, Cousins’ struggled the first half and in the 4th quarter.
Aaron Rodgers’ return to the field wasn’t something that Packer fans wanted to see. After just two drives of three-and-outs, Rodgers was carted off the field with an apparent knee injury. Facing the Bears and the their new defensive end Khalil Mack, it all seemed to be over especially with Mack’s record-breaking first half. The Packers fell down 17-0 at the half. But a shocking return of Rodgers’ in the second half set the Packers up for an outstanding win against their inner division rivals. Rodgers’ threw for 20/30 for 386 yards and three touchdown passes.
Week 2 Preview
Vikings defense is a strong one. Last year as a whole, they recorded 14 interceptions, eight forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Expectations are high to have a repeat of the 2017 season. Heading into Lambeau facing Rodgers, all eyes will be on the secondary of the Vikings defense. They will need to work on stopping Rodgers’ outstanding passing game. WR Randall Cobb, Devante Adams and Geronimo Allison connect with Rodgers’ easily, wether it is for an easy slant route or down the field post route.
Vikings d-line has the upper hand against the Packers o-line with multiple starters coming back from injury. The protection of Rodgers will be in jeopardy if they can’t hold their own.
Kirk Cousins was able to connect with seven different receivers against the 49ers. WR Adam Thielen had 102 yards in week 1. He is a serious threat to the Packers young secondary. ILB Clay Mathews and LBs Nick Perry and Blake Martinez will need to step it up to stop short passes as well as the running game.
Neither team has a top running game. But both teams have backs that can break through d-lines with ease if they came to play. Latavius Murry had 11 carries for only 42 yards and Jamaal Williams had 15 carries for only 47 yards. Both backs have had pro-bowl type games. Murry and Williams need to bring the heat if they’re going to make an impact in this divisional game.
Rodgers’ is questionable for the game against the Vikings. He did not practice so far this week. Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he is day-to-day. But in his interview with sideline reporter Michele Tafoya Rodgers said he will be on the field for the week 2 game.
Photo credit to Brook Ward via Flickr
