Overall Impression
If you would have told me the Minnesota Vikings would get 425 yards and four touchdowns from Cousins, Laquon Treadwell would get his first NFL touchdown, and the Packers would only score one offensive touchdown, I’d have assumed that the Packers got beat badly.
It took some amazing fourth-quarter heroics for Minnesota to even stay in this game after missed field goals and opportunities, but even after tying the game up, the team couldn’t put Green Bay away by missing TWO field goals in overtime: one from long and one from close.
This game was a huge emotional roller coaster for fans who may have started getting frustrated in the second quarter when the Vikings went into halftime with a two-score deficit. But a great comeback to force overtime was very exciting and watching stars like Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen continue to make big plays from Kirk Cousins kept fans hopes high.
Kyle Rudolph looked good during this game, showcasing his blocking as well as his pass catching while Dalvin Cook was able to make defenders miss but still only got 38 yards on ten rushing attempts since Minnesota was passing the ball too often.
The entire Vikings defensive line was very active this game. And when the Packers were able to contain them, Zimmer would change things up and bring in linebackers or defensive backs to get a numerical advantage on the pass rush. Considering Aaron Rodgers only threw one touchdown this game and was sacked four times, the pressure and coverage worked well.
Sadly, special teams are where so much fell apart. Three missed field goals from a kicker the team traded up to get in this year’s draft hurt badly, as did a blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown.
It’s hard to know how to feel about a tie. One one hand, it’s awesome the Minnesota Vikings were able to travel into Lambeau Field and not get beat by the Packers. On the other hand, it’s tough not to walk away with a win after so many of the good things the team did on offense and defense.
So, with the Vikings now 1-0-1 on the season, they will look to continue being undefeated when they host the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.
Ups and Downs will return next week to discuss the game against the Bills, but first, we want to know what you think. What was the biggest positives and negatives from the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers for you? Let us know what you think in the comments below!