Vikings Ups and Downs: Week 16 vs. the Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 23: Josh Jones #27 of the Green Bay Packers tackles Jarius Wright #17 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter Lambeau Field on December 23, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 23: Josh Jones #27 of the Green Bay Packers tackles Jarius Wright #17 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter Lambeau Field on December 23, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Case Keenum
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Case Keenum /

The Interesting vs. the Packers

1. Mike Zimmer successful on a challenge

As the Packers were attempting to put some points on the board in the second quarter, Green Bay receiver Jordy Nelson hauled in a pass that was originally ruled a catch. However, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer threw his red flag out on the field to challenge if Nelson actually caught it or not. Replays showed the ball did indeed hit the ground and the call was changed to an incomplete pass.

2. The refs were not a factor, finally

During some of Minnesota’s matchups this year, the game-officials have become an actual factor in the team being able to get a win or not. However, Saturday in Green Bay was not one of these times. The refs this week called a total of just eight penalties all night and they let defenders on both sides of the ball to use a little more physicality than some other groups of officials around the league might have allowed.

3. The Vikings’ offense was a bit M.I.A.

A week after putting up 34 points on the Bengals, Minnesota’s offense looked a little off against the Packers on Saturday. The Vikings finished with just 236 total yards against Green Bay, which is their lowest amount all season long.

Next: Keenum is going to make a lot of money in 2018

It is likely that the frigid-cold weather had something to do with the lack of production, but there were clearly some plays left out on the field by Minnesota’s offense this week.